North Bellmore graduates are off to middle school

More than 300 soon-to-be middle schoolers walked across three stages on June 21 as the North Bellmore School District held its sixth grade graduations. They arrived in caps and gowns and left with diplomas in hand.

Saw Mill Road Elementary School’s ceremony was held at the Brookside School, John G. Dinkelmeyer and Park Avenue elementary school programs were back-to-back at Merrick Avenue Middle School, while Martin Avenue and Newbridge Road graduates got a sneak peak of their next stop – Grand Avenue Middle School.

Park Avenue Principal Michael DeBlasio marveled at the strength of his graduating class — both collectively and as individuals.

“When I use the word strong, or strength, I am not referring to your physical stature or ability, but rather the conviction with which you make your decisions,” he said. “As I do every morning on announcements, I tell you to make good choices. And you have, you all truly have made great choices.”

Middle school, Saw Mill Principal Jeffrey Rosof explained, means more freedom, more choices, more temptations, more responsibility and more work – all challenges they are prepared to meet.

“Use what you have learned to move forward with courage” he told his 109 graduates, the largest class among North Bellmore’s five schools. “Rely on your foundation from your family and Saw Mill to continue to grow intellectually and socially.”

At Martin Avenue, “pride” is a regular reference and Principal Jim O’Brien expressed how proud he is of the graduates for all they have accomplished over the years. He noted that they always faced challenges with a positive attitude and lived their lives with integrity.

Dinkelmeyer Principal Danica Brugge recounted meeting her “treasured learners” when they were second graders and quickly learned they had a contagious energy that was a mix of positivity, excitement and sweetness.

“The strong connection you have with one another can be felt,” she said. “The reputation that you have established as individuals and as a group is that of warm, kind and caring classmates but also hard-working and dedicated scholars.”

Newbridge Road Principal Amanda Licci said that elementary graduation is just one of many milestones they will reach in life. She encouraged students to take in the moment, reflect on the memories and show their “Newbridge heart” by thanking the people who have made an imprint on their lives.