The Pakanasink Elementary School fifth-grade students received sage advice from their principal and superintendent Tuesday at their moving-up ceremony.

“Enjoy your new experiences, new people and new teachers,” said Principal Brian Breheny. “My advice is to make smart decisions when you choose your friends. Work hard – what’s worth learning is worth working hard for. Be courteous and respectful. Don’t follow the crowd. Maintain a positive attitude. Be helpful and clean your room.”

 

This group has great spirit, commented Superintendent Brian Dunn, noting these students will be part of the Pine Bush High School class of 2030! He challenged them to think about what they want to achieve in sixth grade and then to discuss it with their parents and guardians.

 

“What is possible for you to achieve in 6th grade at CVMS or CMS?,” asked Mr. Dunn. “And when you think and reflect on what’s possible for you, I want you to talk about it with your parents and family members – I want you to run it by them and get their thoughts and experience and advice. It should then become regular conversation.

“We have to talk about our potential, we have to share our dreams and we have to explore what’s possible if we are ever going to the mountaintop,” Mr. Dunn continued. “It doesn’t just happen.We need our families for encouragement and support to continue the quest for personal growth and improvement.”

 

“As you head on to middle school,” Mr. Dunn said in closing, “keep the communication with your parents and guardians and families alive so that you can get the support and love you need to grow and thrive!”

The students listened carefully and enjoyed the ceremony, which included awards for so many of the students.

 

The New York State Comptroller’s Award is given to students who have shown academic excellence and the potential for leadership through involvement in activities that improve their school and community. Judah Edwards, Aiden Gallagher, Jayden Hernandez and Christy Lin received the award.

The Triple C Award, recognizing the courage, character, and commitment of New York State’s outstanding students, was given to Alexander Castillo, Rihanna Evans,  Jayden Marrero and Amshuka Ratala.

 

The chorus sang a beautiful version of “Be the Change.” To close out the ceremony, the much-loved and anticipated Powerpoint presentation came on the big screen, sparking shrieks of delight as students and families enjoyed photos from throughout their years here at PAK.

 

After the ceremony, students gathered outside, in between Pakanasink and their soon-to-be middle school CVMS, enjoying refreshments with their classmates and families.

 

Congratulations to this spirited group, part of the incoming sixth-grade class at CVMS!