Congrats! GWL Fifth Graders on Moving Up Day!
On Wednesday, June 18, 2025, Principal Bridget Finder led a memorable Moving Up Ceremony for all of her Glenwood Landing fifth graders in the Glenwood Landing Theatre.
To proud parents, family members, and faculty, the fifth graders happily took to the stage to reflect on their favorite memories at Glenwood Landing School. The reflections were personal and creative to everyone’s enjoyment. The graduates spoke beautifully as everyone in the audience listened attentively and applauded loudly. The fifth graders also performed songs led by MS choral teacher Mr. Brian Messemer. They included “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield, and “We Must Say Goodbye” by Cynthia Gray. In addition, GWL SCA Co-President Maria Palmieri along with a few fifth graders presented Principal Finder with a special gift for the school!
Along with Principal Finder, other administrators shared the podium at the Moving Up Ceremony. Superintendent Dr. Christopher Zublionis reminded the graduates that they set the course for own lives– their GPS…he emphasized to be positive, believe in themselves, help others, and be kind. He stated, “In middle school, you can be both cool and kind...” He also said, “As you move to middle school and beyond, surround yourselves with friends and teachers who will encourage you to rise to a higher level and be your best.” Then Dr. Z introduced Principal Dr. Ryan O’Hara who welcomed the fifth graders to North Shore Middle School, congratulated them on their graduation, and said it was okay to be a little nervous. He recited an original sonnet and said he was excited and proud to be their next principal at North Shore Middle School! Also in the audience were Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, Dr. Carol Smyth, and Assistant Superintendent for Business, Mr. Jamie Pappas.
Congratulations to Mason An, Vivienne Brown, Angelo Gerasci, Angus Greig, Asha Jhaveri, Dylan Lavelle, Violet Loughran, Claire Luo, Imaan Malik, Mia Mannuzza, Ryan Miglietta, Avyay Nookala, Timothy O'Donovan, Maxim Shyer, Brynn Taveira, Joyce Young, Andrew Zissis, Matthias Ahn, Gianluca Carfagno, Chloe Cho, Sebastian Ferreira, Antonio Garcia, Lucia Gigliotti, Rumi Jean-Louis, Alexia Koklanos, Parker Leong, Madison Marullo, Grant Mueller, Riley Ng, Maya Robbins, Madeline Tempesta, Derek Villalobos, Zora Zainule, Aiden Zheng, Leonardo Atmadjaja, Carolina Ciullo, Alexander Cornell, Fiona Goff, Amelia Kanakaris, Vincenzo Katzner, John Marinos, Stella McNeely, Pierce Palmieri, Dylan Puhalski, Mikayla Russo, Jake Sawicki, Blakely Tomasheski, Can Ucku, Joseph Wong, Emma Aguirre, Matthew Burke, Michael Dobyns, Piper Esernio, Jacob Jackson, Natalie Janik, Avleen Kaur, Hassan Malik, Alfred Maw, Katherine McDermott, Evan Montgomery, Kelly Pan, Steven Pappas, Noah Parent, Ava Rateshtari, Reed Taveira, and Laurie Zhou
Principal Finder warmly addressed her fifth graders and reminded them about how she often loves to use a family tree to symbolize Glenwood Landing School. She continued that her students were like the branches on the family tree as they continue to grow and flourish to live their dreams and accomplish wonderful things. Later in the ceremony, each child received their diplomas on the stage from Principal Finder and their fifth-grade teachers and held them up for their families to see!
Principal Finder formally congratulated her graduating Class of 2025 and their respective families and wished them all the best of luck as they move up to North Shore Middle School. Have a happy and healthy summer!
Article and photos by Shelly Newman