By Plamena Quintavalla, Bronxville School Reporter for Syntax

Jul. 5, 2017:  Fifth-graders celebrated the first of many milestones in their academic careers at The Bronxville School during a moving-up ceremony on June 22. They will embark on the next phase of their educational journey as middle school students in the fall.

Assistant Principal Adrienne Laitman welcomed the guests and honorees before a student council representative led the Pledge of Allegiance. Principal Tricia Murray said that the moving-up ceremony was a celebration of the students' achievements and successes throughout their time in the elementary school and also expressed gratitude toward the teachers for their dedication to the students.

"We are so very proud of the care and compassion that you have shown for your community by taking the initiative to help others," Murray told the graduates. "We are so very proud of the level of persistence and perseverance that you have shown this year."

Murray reflected on an inquiry project the students completed this year that encouraged them to investigate a problem in their school, community, or world, complete extensive research, think critically, and work collaboratively in order to take social action and make a difference in the world.

A group of students who researched homelessness volunteered at a local soup kitchen; others volunteered at a local animal shelter. Students who researched the effects of Alzheimer's disease encouraged others in the school to make cards for those affected by this disease before visiting a home for Alzheimer's patients. Another group of students enlisted the help of a local business to provide the Bronxville community with an easy way to support people in need of school supplies. Students also mailed cards to veterans; others mailed a petition to a state representative to ban smoking in public areas.

"This is a very special group of students," Murray said. "Many of them went the extra mile and on their own time decided to help a group of people affected by their social issue. They took these actions because they wanted to make a difference, and they did."

Murray acknowledged that the students are ready to meet new challenges and embark on an exciting new journey as they move up to middle school. Signifying the conclusion of one chapter and the beginning of another, the students were called one by one to accept their certificates, which were handed out by their teachers.

Pictured here:  Bronxville Elementary School fifth-grade moving-up ceremony.

Photos courtesy The Bronxville School