South Mountain 5th graders graduate
The South Mountain Elementary School “Superstars” officially became middle schoolers Tuesday morning. At a graduation ceremony replete with laughter, reminiscences and a few tears, the 5th graders seemed in equal parts grateful for their years at the school that had been their home, while raring to head into the future.
BOE member Stephanie Lawson-Muhammed and Principal Tina Lehn
Graduate Alex Cole, echoing the feelings of many students and especially parents, said, “It all went so fast, in the blink of an eye.” He told the audience that South Mountain “is our home and the school is our family…it will always remain in our hearts.”
South Orange – Maplewood Board of Education member Stephanie Lawson-Muhammed advised students to “be brave and put one foot in front of the other.” She asked: “Are you ready for SOMS?” to which the grads responded with a resounding, “Yeah!”
Principal Tina Lehn said she knew the students “can do anything you set your hearts to.” Sharing a book called “I Knew You Could,” a sequel to “The Little Engine that Could,” Lehn advised students: “Don’t be afraid to toot your own horn.”
As students sweetly sang “Best Days of my Life,” the audience was treated to a slideshow of the 5th graders now and then. More than a few sniffles could be heard throughout the auditorium.
Angie Benedict of Interfaith Hospitality Network and Chris Dickson from Rent Party
As its graduating gift, the Class of 2014 presented checks to two local organizations: the Interfaith Hospitality Network and Rent Party.
SOMSD Superintendent Brian Osborne
Then, the new SOMS 2014 Cougars strutted out of the auditorium while singing “Happy” — which seemed the perfect ending to a new beginning.
