St Rose of Lima’s preschool and kindergarten students graduated during two ceremonies at the school before the 2018-19 school year came to a close.

The preschool graduation took place on June 10 in the school’s gathering hall. Students from the 4-year-old classes of Paige Robinson and Karen Wojtowicz as well as students from Amanda Delaney’s transitional kindergarten class walked in to “Pomp and Circumstance.” Students from Denise Kolitsas’s 3-year-old class waited on the bleachers. The children then sang a variety of songs, including “How Much is That Doggie in the Window,” “My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean,” and “Take Me Out to The Ball Game.” Following the music, each teacher called their student’s name and he/she walked to center stage to shake Principal Bardhyl Gjoka’s hand and receive their diploma from Monsignor Robert Weiss.

The kindergarten ceremony took place in the gathering hall on June 11.

Sixth grade students, who have been buddies to the kindergarten students, greeted family members and handed out programs. The little graduates, donned in blue caps and gowns, processed to “Pomp & Circumstance” and went to risers on the stage. Monsignor Weiss led everyone in a prayer followed by the kindergarteners reciting the “Our Father.”

Under the direction of music teacher Keri Salustri, the kindergarteners performed a number of songs, including their own version of “New York! New York,” sang instead as “First Grade! First Grade!”

Diplomas were awarded to each student by Mr Gjoka, kindergarten teacher Donna Rahtelli, and Monsignor Weiss. A juice box and cookie reception followed.