Our Lady of Mount Carmel Graduation

By Joanne A Calitri | June 13, 2019

The 2019 OLMC Eighth Grade graduates are: Caprisabel Acquistapace, Ella Bailey, Connor Bell, Makeila Cervantes, Emma Coglizer, Annicka Dadvar, Anthony Eck, Grace Eck, Annaliese Farwell, Riley Green, Natasha Huey, Samantha Kenney, Grayson Macleod, Michaela Morrison, Aria Nafziger, Brett Persoon, Zahra Porinsh, Maxwell Schwarz, Camryn Siegel, Lily Simolon, Grant Sodomka, Emily Whitney, Katherine Whitney,and Paul Zoltoski.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel (OLMC) 2019 Eight Grade Graduation was held on Friday, May 31 at 5 pm at the OLMC Church. The grads processional into the church was followed by principal Tracie Simolon, 8^th grade teacher Mrs. Denise Jackson,and Pastor Fr. Lawrence Seyer,for their traditional Mass and the graduation ceremony.

The graduates were the readers for the Mass. Student Body President Grayson Macleod gave the graduate address.

Ms Simolon said, “Much has been said of this class over the years as students. They are passionate about learning, asking questions, and thinking critically. They are high achievers with almost three quarters of the class scoring in the 85th percentile or above on nationally normed tests! However, what makes us most proud at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School is the people they have become. The graduates leave behind a legacy of service to our school and community having connected with many local organizations such as Alpha Resource Center, Flower Empower, Transition House, and Junior League, to name a few. They show their love by pushing one another to succeed and lifting up each other in times of trouble. Our Lancer graduates will be future business leaders, scientists, designers, and educators. Most importantly, they will share their values by example with generations to come. Congratulations Class of 2019!”

The ceremony ended with their class song, adapted from “Don’t Stop Believin'” by the band Journey, with new lyrics by the graduates, and then the presentation of their autobiographies.After, all gathered on the front courtyard of the church for hugs and congratulation wishes.

Cold Spring School Graduation

The 2019 CSS graduates are: Annabelle Aslanian, Ava O’Connor Ausweger, Kevin O’Connor Ausweger, Nicholas Boller, Hudson Bonsignore, Raleigh Brown, James Chapman, Benicio Duarte, Matthias Everest, Michael Ferrarin, Sydney Fisher, Paige Galkin, Jack Goligoski, Sofia Gonzales, Emma Hall, Zadin Lozano, Scarlet McToldridge, Diego Mena, Caleigh Peterson, Joseph Pifer, Rebecca Poett, Jackson Sears, Sarah Bergseteren Strange,and Georgia Tarleton.

The Cold Spring School (CSS) Sixth Grade 2019 Graduation was held on Thursday, June 6 at 8:45 am at the school’s auditorium. The ceremony commenced with a slide show of the graduating students’ years at CSS. The graduates then proceeded to the stage where they sang “I Found You/Aint No Mountain.”

CSS Superintendent and Principal Amy Alzina gave the welcome and introductions. She also presented CSS parents for whom this was their last graduation for their children the CSS book of the qualities of success. She said, “As I reflect upon this creative and innovative group of Cold Spring School sixth grade students and their desire to be a change agent for a brighter tomorrow, my heart is filled with hope knowing our children understand how true empathy, problem-solving and teamwork lead to creating a cohesive community, centered around what truly matter – loving one another! I am so incredibly proud of these students and I look forward to watching them continue to grow and thrive. Congratulations, Cold Spring School students!”

Student speeches were given by Sarah Bergseteren Strange and Michael Ferrarin. Sixth grade teacher Justin Pierce talked about the qualities each student brought to the group and their talents at Steam, art, music, drama, and PE. He said, “When I asked the students how they would describe their class, they said ‘groovy,’ and they are right!”

Dr. Alzina, Mr. Pierce, Board of Trustees President Jennifer Miller,and Instructional Aide Erin Goligoski presented the diplomas. As per tradition, a statement of where each graduate will be 10 years from now and character strength was read for each student. A reception for the graduates was held in the school courtyard.

Montecito Union School Graduation

The Montecito Union School (MUS) Sixth Grade 2019 Graduation was held on Thursday, June 6 at 9 am in the school’s auditorium. The ceremony began with the traditional slide show of student memories following the procession of the graduates to the stadium stage.

Students Jesus Bautista and Natalie Schweitzer welcomed the guests and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Students Milla Hirsch, Ada Green,and Anna Butler gave Student Addresses, and the mic was passed around for various student comments. Music Director Pam Herzog conducted the graduates in songs, “America The Beautiful” and Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flahery’ song “At the Beginning.” The MUS String Ensemble led by Ron Zecher performed “Pax.” Superintendent Anthony Ranii gave a Commencement Message.Sixth grade teachers are Mrs. Kim Berman, Mrs. Reilly Cochran, Ms. Katie Nimitarnun, and Mrs. Danielle Weill.

Presenting the diplomas with MUS Principal Nicholas Bruski wereSuperintendent RaniiandMUS Board Members. Nick Bruski said, “As another year comes to an end, we could not be more proud of our sixth grade graduates and all they have accomplished. They have consistently demonstrated kindness, respect, and integrity, embraced one another and celebrated their differences, and are ready to launch into the next stage of their journey in making the world a better place.”

Ending the ceremony, the students sang the “MUS Graduation Song” by Kenny and Eva Loggins.