Friday, July 18, 2025
It was a week of celebration for 287 sixth graders in the North Bellmore School District who graduated to the middle school in late June.
Saw Mill Road Elementary School’s ceremony took place on June 24, followed by John G. Dinkelmeyer, Martin Avenue, Newbridge Road, and Park Avenue schools the following day. The ceremonies were held at the Grand Avenue and Merrick Avenue middle schools, where the students will be attending next fall.
Saw Mill assistant principal Daniel Madden said that graduation was not only the celebration of a milestone, but of a journey filled with laughter, discovery, friendship and growth. His speech directly quoted the sixth graders after posing questions to them on their most prideful elementary school moments and the lessons they will take with them to middle school.
Newbridge Road’s ceremony was largely organized by the sixth graders themselves. It featured nearly 20 student speakers who reflected on memories from kindergarten through the sixth grade. They also planned special handshakes, high-fives and dance moves as they left the stage following the tassel-moving ritual.
“I see so much more than students who are graduating and are ready for middle school,” Principal Amanda Licci said. “I see individuals who have grown in courage, confidence and character. I see leaders who have learned to use their voices, to think critically and to care deeply.”
Meanwhile, first-year Park Avenue Elementary School Principal Dr. Lynn Coyle expressed her gratitude to the sixth grade class.
“From the very beginning, you welcomed me with your energy, your ideas, your kindness and your unique personalities,” she told them. “You helped set the tone for what it means to be part of this wonderful school community.”
Sixth grader Micah Millington said he would remember the core values of the Park Pledge and the lessons instilled by their teachers that would help him and his classmates adapt to the big change that’s upcoming.
“We will walk into Grand Avenue in the fall with a self-assured aura, ready to shine,” he said.
In addition to student speakers, each ceremony featured remarks from a board of education trustee as well as musical presentations.
Danica Brugge, who became principal of Dinkelmeyer midway through her graduates’ kindergarten year, fondly recalled their sweet, bright and eager faces and boundless energy and love for learning.
“I am filled with immense pride and hope for each of you,” she said. “Your journey has been marked by resilience, curiosity, kindness and courage – all traits that will continue to serve you well in the years ahead.”
Martin Avenue Elementary School Principal Dr. Michael Yannucci focused his address on one of the district’s core values.
“There is no limit to human potential,” he said. “Each of you has unique talents, dreams and abilities waiting to be discovered and nurtured. Believe in yourself and your capacity to achieve incredible things is endless. Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow, learn from setbacks and keep striving towards your goals with determination and resilience.”
