Photos and more: Bright future ahead for Shore Road graduates in Bellmore Public Schools

Shore Road sixth graders in the Bellmore Public School District graduated on June 22 as they crossed the stage at John F. Kennedy High School. 

Shore Road Principal Patrice Matthews said she keeps an ongoing list of inspirational thoughts to share with students at graduation.

“Take notice of the signs of encouragement and inspiration that are all around you each and every day,” she began. “Although it may be easier and safer to only do what we are comfortable with, true success lies in taking risks and venturing outside of your comfort zone. We want you to challenge yourself to go outside of your comfort zone, which is where the best growth and learning takes place.”

Superintendent Joseph Famularo used an analogy of a life being like a ship on a journey. He stressed the importance of graduates to be able to “adjust their course accordingly” as they navigate this next chapter.

“You all have the tools inside of you to be open to new experiences and opportunities, but always stay true to values and things that you have learned,” he said. “Keep heading for your destination. When you reach one destination, set a new destination. As you move forward, remember you are the captain of your life’s ship. You are a leader and have the power to chart your own course to navigate toward success. Use the tools and resources you have learned during your elementary school years.”

Board President Janet Goller encouraged graduates to always complete tasks to the best of their ability to avoid resentment.

“Prepare yourself and open your mind to new experiences,” she said. “You are not building this life alone. You are moving on to middle school together and together you will make new friends and learn new things.”

The ceremony included a performance of “Imagine” by the sixth grade band and “Pomp and Circumstance” by the sixth grade orchestra.

Student speakers Rio Skillman, Victoria Stekol and Luke Prainito reflected on their elementary school memories and Hunter Ostrofsky and Lucas Senicola presented the class gift, a framed picture of Shore Road’s Class of 2023. Jessica Freeman and Nikki Zimberg offered the PTA address.

Sixth grade teachers announced their students’ names as Matthews, Famularo and Goller handed them their Bellmore School District diploma folders.