Grady sixth graders say “farewell” to elementary school

Posted by Alicia Smith on 6/27/2024 8:00:00 AM

It was a full house in the gym of the Alice E. Grady Elementary School as friends and family, and the entire sixth grade class, gathered to celebrate their hard work and the change they will face at the start of the next school year when they head to seventh grade. Group of students sitting in chairs with balloons

 

Class Representative Jack Rodriguez told his classmates that they are ready for what comes next.

 

“As we leave Grady our futures will unfold, but we will never forget the experiences we had,” he said. “Because of the great people in our lives we are prepared for the challenges that are before us. Continue to strive for success and enjoy this new journey.”

 

Principal Dr. Andrea Hamilton told the Class of 2024 they will always hold a special place in her heart because, she recalled, they started at Grady together in 2019.

 

She wrote the class a letter in which she stated, “it is amazing how the years have gone by so quickly. As a class you were kind. I mean you were really thoughtful. You were not afraid to speak up. Your voices are heard,”

 

“You stand before us today as leaders, advocates, change agents excellent negotiators and some of you think you area already lawyers and judges,” she joked.

 

“I will never stop reminding you of the importance of kindness and respect,” she said. “Be the reason someone smiles.”

 

“Never ever give up and continue to do your very best,” she encouraged.

Boy receives certificate

Interim Superintendent Dr. James Ryan noted how impressed with how engaged students have been during their time at Grady.

 

“You’ve matured into fine young students, musicians, athletes and leaders,” he said.

 

“As a student body you’ve made selfless contributions to your community,” he continued.

 

“I’ve just been so impressed with the work of our young people,” Dr. Ryan said. “Now as you move on to Alexander Hamilton as the class of 2030, think about that the Class of 2030 sits before you today, these young people are ready to do great things at Hamilton.”

 

As part of the ceremony, students were presented with several awards, including community honors as well as academic ones.

 

Jack Rodriguez was presented with the 2024 Mayor’s Award by the Village of Elmsford Mayor Robert Williams.

 

Once the awards had been presented to students, one by one students were called up to receive their Moving Up certificates, to the joy of those gathered.