Austin Road Elementary School celebrated its fifth grade class during a heartfelt Moving-Up Ceremony, recognizing six years of learning, growth and memorable experiences as students prepared to begin the next chapter of their educational journey at Mahopac Middle School.
The ceremony featured the processional of the fifth grade class, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a performance of the Austin Road school song by the graduating students. Created by students with music teacher Mia Kilker and introduced as a new tradition last year, the song served as a fitting tribute to the class and the school community they helped shape.
In his address, Principal Bryan Gilligan reflected on beginning his own journey at Austin Road alongside the class when they entered kindergarten in September 2020. Describing the students as “change agents,” Gilligan praised the class for embracing challenges, adapting to change and leaving a lasting mark on the school. He highlighted their role in launching the school song, contributing to the mural that now welcomes students and families, strengthening school initiatives through the Student Leadership Team and even inspiring the now-daily fist bumps exchanged during arrival and dismissal.
Gilligan also surprised students by unveiling their fifth grade legacy project, a permanent art installation created with art teacher Selina Bernat that will remain on display in the cafeteria for future generations of Austin Road students. He encouraged the graduates to continue using their voices to create positive change as they move forward, reminding them that the leadership, creativity and resilience they demonstrated at Austin Road will continue to serve them well in middle school and beyond.
Superintendent of Schools Frank Miele congratulated the graduates on reaching an important milestone and thanked parents, teachers and staff members for their guidance and encouragement throughout the students’ elementary school years. Miele encouraged students to work hard, believe in themselves, treat others with respect and enjoy a memorable summer before beginning their next adventure.
The ceremony also included a thoughtful reflection from fifth grade teacher Jennifer Coen before students received their moving-up certificates from their teachers.
Students were recognized for outstanding achievement and character during the ceremony. The fifth grade Accelerated Reader Top Readers were Julia Cherkezov, Ilyeana Kayler, Ayun Roh and Daniel Solpiaget, honored for accumulating the highest reading point totals during the school year.
The Mahopac Teachers’ Association Character Award was also presented to one student from each fifth grade classroom who consistently demonstrated the Austin Road PRIDE characteristics and served as a positive role model for classmates through respect, responsibility, kindness and leadership. This year’s recipients were Emma Celpa, Gabriella DeSilva, Ilyeana Kayler and Christian Murphy.
Assistant Principal Elizabeth Lee concluded the ceremony by congratulating the graduating class and thanking families for their partnership throughout the elementary years. Speaking both as an administrator and as the parent of a fifth grader, Lee encouraged students to embrace new opportunities, continue working hard and remember that they will always have a place at Austin Road.
As the rising sixth graders processed out of the building one final time, they left behind more than memories. Through the traditions they established, the improvements they inspired and the legacy they created, they also left a lasting impact on the Austin Road community.
