Grady Sixth Graders Move On Up

Alice E. Grady Elementary School celebrated its sixth grade students during the annual Moving Up Ceremony, held Tuesday, June 23 in the school gymnasium. The event brought together families, staff, and district leaders to recognize the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 as they prepare for the next chapter of their academic journey.

Assistant Principal Dr. Ashley Cruz opened the ceremony and introduced the Grady Chorus, whose performances of the National Anthem and “For Good” from the Broadway musical “Wicked” set a heartfelt tone for the celebration.

Student Leadership Council President Madeline Leano then delivered welcoming remarks.

“As we leave Grady, we will never forget the experiences we had here,” Leano said to her classmates. “Because of all of the great people in our lives, we are prepared for the challenges before us. Continue to strive for success and enjoy this new journey. Good luck, Class of 2026.”

The program continued with a musical performance by the Grady Band, which played “Peace” under the direction of teacher Michael Webb, showcasing the talents and growth of the student musicians.

Superintendent Ms. Susan Yom addressed the graduates, offering words of encouragement and reflection on their time at Grady.

“As you begin middle school, you won’t have all the answers and you certainly don’t need to,” Ms. Yom told the students. “I want to encourage you to be curious, be committed to your studies, be kind, stick to it even when it’s difficult. Your character will always matter more than popularity, and your effort will always matter more than results.”

Ms. Yom, joined by Mayor Robert Williams and Deputy Superintendent James Yap, then presented student awards, recognizing outstanding achievements across academics, leadership, and character.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates by Ms. Penelope Ferreras, alongside fellow sixth-grade teachers and school and district administrators, as each student was individually recognized.

Throughout the event, families looked on with delighted smiles, many holding colorful balloons or capturing the moment on their phones as students crossed the stage. Applause and cheers echoed throughout the space, marking both a celebration of accomplishments and a fond farewell to elementary school for our sixth graders.

As the ceremony came to a close, Grady students were ready to take the next step forward, supported by a strong foundation and a community cheering them on.