Manor Oaks sixth graders celebrate ‘brand new day’

Richard Tedesco

The sixth graders at Manor Oaks School filed into the school gymnasium last Monday morning and took their seats facing bleachers full of family and friends present to see the students’ Moving Up Day as they prepare to enter high school next fall.

The 47 students were well coiffed and well dressed in colorful dresses and suits and ties as they took their places for the ceremony that would be their send-off from Manor Oaks.

“We’ve learned a lot of things and it’s been a great experience,” said Justine Kraus, president of the Manor Oaks student council.

New Hyde Park-Garden City Park Superintendent of Schools Robert Katulak offered the students what he said was his best advice in the words from a popular song.

“I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance; never settle for the path of least resistance,” Katulak said. “Promise me you’ll give faith a fighting chance. And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance.”

The school’s young upper classmen answered with the words of a tune they coined: “Now it’s time to leave Manor Oaks. Don’t be sad because it’s a brand new day.”

The Manor Oaks band, also assembled in the gym, chimed in with a rousing version of the theme song from the television series “Hawaii Five -O”.

Manor Oaks principal Diane Weiss gave the students words of farewell, saying, “I have gotten to know all of you. I’ll miss you in the halls every day. Make us proud.”

Smiling parents, visibly proud of their children, took snapshots as the students received awards from the faculty and invited guests.

Steven Cascio and Cristina Pietromonaco received the PTA Awards as outstanding students. Alice Jin was recognized for her musicianship with the John Philip Sousa award. Ronald Chirinos took home the award for outstanding achievement and Bianca Suppa won the award for outstanding citizenship. 

Julian Sisco won the Palma Pursino award, given in honor of the late Manor Oaks teacher to the student who exemplifies love, passion and humor. Victoria Bongiorno received the Kennth Mancuso award, given to the student who goes above and beyond to help others.

Nassau County Legislator Richard Nicolello presented citations to the officers of the Manor Oaks student council, including Kraus, Bongiorno, student council vice president, and secretary Karen Alexander.

Town of North Hempstead Clerk Leslie Gross gave the Town of North Hempstead citizenship award to Gagandeep Singh and Athanasios Kamberis.

The emotional high point of the event came as the sixth graders sang a “Buddy Song,” set to the tune of “Hello, Dolly,” and the Manor Oaks first graders entered the gym to join in singing to their departing  school mates.

“Goodbye buddy, yes goodbye buddy, it’s been great but now it’s time to move along,” they sang.

After the ceremonies, Alexander said she felt both happy and sad about the occasion.

“They are like my family,” she said of her school mates. “This is my home,” 

Jonathan Alicea said, “I feel like we had a lot of fun here, but it’s time to move on to the high school and get a little more challenging.”

Harman Takhar offered his thoughtful take on the day’s meaning, saying, “I’m moving on to a new journey.”   

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