This Year’s Elementary, Middle, and High School Graduation Ceremonies
In her tear-jerking speech, Class of 2022’s Valedictorian, Andrelis Pena (Franklin & Marshall) stated, “At 18 I stand here on this stage ready to be the vivacious, full of love, kind-hearted young woman anywhere I go even if those who surround me aren’t the faces I’m used to seeing every day. I still aim to be a millionaire by 25 and to get my parents their dream houses but I also aim to change the world and help those in need while bringing a smile to their face.”
Each year, the final week of school before summer break is adorned with celebrations for our elementary, middle, and high school graduates. This year we have a strong appreciation for the privilege of gathering together in celebration of growth. Caps were excitedly worn by each graduate while families, teachers, and students shed tears of joy, making the love for our community palpable.
Kindergarten Stepping Up celebrates each Lion Cub’s completion of their very first year of school. Combine little caps with big dreams, and you get some eager Kindergartners, excited to enter the 1st Grade! For these students, this is just the beginning of an educational journey that we’re honored to be a part of.
3rd Grade Stepping Up honors the transition from Elementary to Middle School. During this ceremony, graduating students bravely share one sentence about their favorite word. 3rd Grader, Emmanuel shared, “The word that means the most to me is ‘courage’ because I can achieve more when I use my voice.” Upon receiving their certificates with the support of their families and Elementary School teachers, these young Lions are ready to head up to Middle School where they will take their educational journeys to new heights.
8th Grade Stepping Up celebrates the tremendous amount of growth that takes place throughout Middle School. From 4th to 8th Grade, our students blossom into uniquely independent thinkers and dreamers. This is also the first time that students are given an opportunity to write and share a speech honoring their growth thus far. During her powerful speech, Arianna Alicea stated, “This year I can finally admit to the growth I’ve made within myself. I’m extremely proud and I can finally tell myself that I’ve got this.”
Finally, at El Museo del Barrio on June 25th, seniors attended their High School Commencement in honor of their remarkable journeys to graduation. Despite facing unprecedented personal and global obstacles over the years, LION’s high schoolers exhibited profound grit to lead them to that very moment — proudly walking across that stage, speaking their truths draped in robes, and receiving their hard-earned diplomas. In her tear-jerking speech, Valedictorian, Andrelis Pena (Franklin & Marshall) stated, “At 18 I stand here on this stage ready to be the vivacious, full of love, kind-hearted young woman anywhere I go even if those who surround me aren’t the faces I’m used to seeing every day. I still aim to be a millionaire by 25 and to get my parents their dream houses but I also aim to change the world and help those in need while bringing a smile to their face.”
We’re elated to say that 100% of 2022 graduates have been accepted to college including institutions such as Cornell University, Williams College, Hamilton College, NYU, and the University of Virginia.
We cannot wait to see our Lions across all grade levels continue to learn, grow, and roar in the upcoming 2022-2023 school year!
