Sunrise Drive Moving Up Ceremony

June 26, 2023

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Congratulations to the Sunrise Drive Class of 2023, who ‘moved up’ on Thursday June 22 at a ceremony in the Sunrise Drive auditorium!

After the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance by the Honor Guard, Sunrise Drive Principal Dr. James Foy took attendees back to a time six years ago, in the spring of 2018, when the same group of students sang in the Kindergarten Flag Day presentation. 

“I’m sure many of you remember that cute little Kindergarten charm that accompanied their voices,” Dr. Foy said. “Our ceremony will begin today by singing our school song once more.”

After their lovely performance of Sunrise Drive, You are the One, written by music teacher Ms. Amy Baron, the students listened to Dr. Foy recall their years at Sunrise Drive. 

“It’s amazing how time flies,” Dr. Foy told the audience, “It’s hard to believe that the Class of 2030 is almost halfway through their educational journey here in our district. I’m sure there are many of you that are having flashbacks of the days that your child first walked, the first time they spoke, the first time they rode a bicycle, maybe their first day of kindergarten or even the first time they said your name.”

Dr. Foy also spoke about the students’ resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“You have demonstrated grit and independence in completing assignments and activities that were never done in any history,” Dr. Foy said. “You’ve gone through difficult times and you did it with a smile. To the audience, I say this is what the future holds and it's quite amazing.”

After his speech, Dr. Foy welcomed to the stage middle school principal Dr. Joseph Castoro, who introduced himself to his soon-to-be sixth graders. 

“Congratulations to you all on this wonderful day and achievement,” Dr. Castoro told the students and attendees. “I want to share with you all that although you may feel a little nervous, a little sad even, that your Sunrise Drive chapter of your story is coming to a conclusion, the next chapter of middle school begins and only you can write the story. Middle school is a wonderful and exciting place for you to experiment, to meet new people, to try new things and to continue your path in your education.”

Before the presentation of certificates, the students sang a beautiful rendition of the song Count On Me. 

After the presentation of certificates, the Sunrise Drive Class of 2023 presented Dr. Foy with a poster signed by each student so that he could always remember them.

The ceremony concluded with a performance of the song Climb Higher. 

To see all of the photos in a downloadable format CLICK HERE!