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Fifth Grade Bluebirds fly the nest in special Moving Up Ceremony

Fifth Grade Bluebirds fly the nest in special Moving Up Ceremony

Group on stage receiving certificates

They processed into the auditorium at the SUNY Purchase Performing Arts Center to Kool and the Gang’s “Celebration,” as parents, friends and special guests clapped along.

Music, and celebrating, would play an important role in the event, which included the class singing the original song “A Moving Up Song,” written by music teacher Greg DiMiceli.

In his remarks to the class, Superintendent Colin Byrne remarked about how much music meant to him when he was younger.

“Some of my most meaningful moments of my life are connected to a soundtrack,” he said.

While he was in fifth grade, in 1978, Dr. Byrne explained how different types of music were becoming popular—new wave and hip hop, but there was one song he remembers in particular: “With a Little Luck,” by Paul McCartney’s band “Wings.”

He thought there was much that listeners could learn from the song, including no matter your hardships, you always have a chance to be successful.

“As you move into middle school its important you bring an optimistic attitude with you,” Dr. Byrne told the honorees. “There will be challenges for you throughout your time at school and beyond that. The power of positivity will help you navigate these challenges and find success.”

Principal Tracy Taylor recalled how many of them came together as kindergartners and others joined later. 

“No matter when your journey began, you became part of something special, you became a Bluebird,” she said. 

“And Bluebirds we are so proud of you, proud of who you are. We’ve watched you grow right before our eyes.”

This ceremony is a celebration of the people the students have become, especially considering they arrived in kindergarten when the COVID pandemic hit and closed schools down in March 2020, Ms. Taylor said.

“We saw from you that everything was going to be OK, and you know what? You preserved and then you came back to school.”

And school continued, with field trips, the circus and the Fifth Grade Night of Music.

“You reconnected, you laughed, you learned and made those wonderful traditional BMPRSS memories together,” Ms. Taylor said.

“Your flight may feel smooth at times, maybe a little bumpy and you may crash land at some point. But no matter what you get up and you begin again,” she encouraged. “We believe in you, we are proud of you, but you need to believe in yourself and be proud of yourself.”

One such individual who got up and continued despite health challenges, was former BMPRSS student and teacher Carrie Sarkozi. 

“This award is given in memory of my sister, Carrie Sarkozi,” her brother Paul Sarkozi told students, before explaining the physical and mental challenges his sister endured.

“Carrie was different, she knew what she wanted to do with her life,” he said, adding she became a student teacher at BMPRSS.

“Her love for others, her desire to help, her heart was as strong as you’ll ever find,” Mr. Sarkozi said. “The Carrie Sarkozi Award is given each year to a student who shows great effort and perseverance. A student whose positive attitude allows him or her to succeed. A student who goes the extra mile, always with a smile.”

This year’s winner was Natalie P.

As students came up to be given their certificates, they were met with cheers from those in the audience.

Blind Brook Middle School Principal Seth Horowitz assured students that it is ok to be nervous about the next school year, but rather he hopes they are more excited about what’s to come.

“It is my pleasure to welcome you as the Blind Brook Middle School Class of 2028,” he said, as the audience erupted into more cheers.

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