The senior graduation for the 5th graders at PS 161 Author Ash School was truly amazing. The event kicked off with the MCs and valedictorians taking their places on the stage, while the rest of the students stood in front of their seats at the front of the auditorium. Girls entered from the auditorium’s right side, while boys entered from the left.
During the ceremony, 4th and 5th graders paraded the American flag onto the stage. In a symbolic gesture, the 5th graders handed the flag and their banners to the 4th graders, saying, “Good luck, you’re up next.” Following this, we sang “The Star Spangled Banner” before taking seats.
Before any student addressed the gathering, our principal took the stage to speak. I remember the palpable tension in the air, knowing that many of us would soon be speaking in front of the entire assembly. My turn was first, and my heart raced wildly. It felt as if there was a lump in my throat. I was relieved when I didn’t make any errors with the folders – during our rehearsals, I frequently mixed them up.
All 5th graders were presented with a ceremonial diploma and a small string bag containing a bracelet and a graduation keychain as keepsakes.
Interestingly, one of our graduates had originally been a student at PS 161 around 2004, and many of our 5th-grade teachers remembered him.
To conclude the event, everyone who had been on stage moved to the audience to reminisce and watch a presentation of our time at PS 161. The yearbook committee captured these moments, and I was thrilled to be a part of that group. What an experience!
Such was our graduation at PS 161 Author Ash School.