On June 8, fifth graders of New Market Elementary celebrated moving up to middle school. Starting at 8:30 a.m., friends and family checked into the building to get ready for the ceremony to be held in the LHS auditorium. The event began with the honors chorus of the elementary school, conducted by Julia Seiler, singing a song as the fifth grade classes walked up onto the stage. Seated by class, the fifth graders sang another song together before taking their seats.

Each fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Lori Yammarino, Mrs. Kathy Goldstein, Mr. Richard Rochford, Mrs. Lei Ann Woozley, Ms. Caitlin Shorb, and Mrs. Brooxxe Ruch stood before their class and said a few words about their class and how proud they were of their students. Each student’s name was called to receive a certificate.

“It was kind of weird being up on a big stage in front of everyone,” fifth grader John Lehman said.

Each student shook hands with the teacher, the  principal Mr. Jason Bowser, and the assistant principal Mrs. Molly Reter  before returning to their seats. Once all the graduation certificates had been given out, the whole fifth grade class sang a parody of the song “It’s Time” by Imagine Dragons. The lyrics were changed to talk about the time to leave school behind while still moving forward to a new stage of life.

As a final surprise for the teachers, before giving New Market Elementary a last goodbye the students presented gifts of flowers and presents.

Afterward, the students were able to take pictures with their families and friends before boarding the bus back to New Market Elementary. Once they’ve returned they will continue having a pizza party with games for students to play.