SUMMER STREET SCHOOL fourth-graders performed a cover of “Legends” by Sam Tinnesz under the direction of music teacher Benjamin Zavisza during the recent moving on ceremony. Eighty-six fourth-graders moved on from Summer Street last week. (Dan Tomasello Photo)
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — The threat of rain didn’t stop Summer Street School from sending 86 fourth graders off to middle school in style during the recent moving on ceremony.
The moving on ceremony took place at the softball field complex behind Summer Street School once again. Due to overcast skies and potential rain, the ceremony was held under a tent that the Summer Street School PTO rented.
Summer Street School Principal Karen Cronin welcomed students, families, educators and school officials to the moving on ceremony, which had the theme “Class of Legends.”
“So many people have gathered together to celebrate this special day,” said Cronin.
Cronin thanked Summer Street’s faculty and staff for the support they have provided to the fourth graders over the past five years.
“You are absolutely gifted at what you do and your dedication is inspiring,” said Cronin.
Cronin also thanked the fourth-graders’ families for supporting their children academically and socially during their time at Summer Street.
“We truly appreciate your support and your partnership as your children finish this first leg of their education,” said Cronin. “Summer Street School is truly a special place because all of these groups come together to help our children grow and learn. There is a real spirit of community and care here.”
Cronin asked a group of Student Council members to give a yellow flower to each of the Summer Street School families who are also moving on to middle school.
“All of you will forever be a part of our fourth grade family,” said Cronin.
Cronin told the fourth-graders that middle school will teach them the importance of perseverance.
“You are going to work really, really hard on an assignment or a project, and you are going to do really well,” said Cronin. “And you are going to work really, really hard on an assignment or a project, and you are not going to do well. It’s okay. You are going to make it through. You are going to have some of the best and most amazing times with your friends. And there will be moments when your feelings get hurt. It’s okay. You will make it through.”
Cronin said the fourth-graders will “take a risk” by trying something new in middle school.
“Maybe you will get involved in a new club or an instrument or a sport, and it’s going to go great,” said Cronin. “And, you are going to take a risk and it’s not going to work out. It’s okay. You will make it through. The point is that it is not about the result because some will be great and some will be terrible. It’s about the effort and it’s about the experience.”
Cronin said, “middle school life is like nothing you have ever seen before.”
“It’s okay,” said Cronin. “You will make it through. I promise. Your years at Summer Street School have come to an end, but you are forever part of this school. Congratulations to each one of you. You did it. You made it through.”
After Cronin concluded her remarks, Summer Street music teacher Benjamin Zavisza led the fourth graders during a musical performance of “Legends” by Sam Tinnesz. After the students finished singing the song, the fourth graders shot off confetti with confetti cannons.
The ceremony’s attendees gave the 86 fourth graders a round of applause.
After the musical performance concluded, fourth grade teachers Simone Harrell, Patricia Heldenbergh, Nicole Kinney and Lila Koulalis presented certificates to the students with the assistance of Cronin and art teacher Yota Kariotis. The fourth graders were given a round of applause after they received their certificates.
Moving On Committee Co-Chairs Leah Hook and Christina Serra announced the class gift, which are two blue ottomans for Summer Street School’s front entrance.
“They are simple and thoughtful additions that will be a place to sit, to talk, to wait with a friend or welcome someone in,” said Hook. “This is the class of COVID kindergartners. Their school journey began apart — behind masks, on screens and six-feet away. One of the greatest lessons they have taught us is the importance of being together. These ottomans are a small symbol of that lesson that connection matters. Today’s outdoor ceremony, made possible by these tents, was planned with that same spirit in mind so that family and friends from near and far could join us in-person. The most meaningful moments happen when we are side-by-side. To the Class of 2025, thank you for showing us the power of togetherness. We are so proud of you.”
Attendees watched the moving on video, which included baby pictures and current pictures of the fourth-graders as well as photos of this past school year and previous years, on a big screen projector. The video also paid tribute to Summer Street School second grade teacher Deb Guenard and secretary Karen Roberto, both of whom retired at the end of the academic year.
After the video concluded, the fourth graders threw their mortarboards in the air to officially mark the end of their Summer Street School tenure.
Moving on
The fourth graders who moved on from Simone Harrell’s class were Dima Almutairi, Genaro Antonelli, Marcus Artsruni, Hailee Clemens, Jake D’Agostino, Delia Dailey, Maxwell de la Mar, Gioia DeGennaro, Michael Geary, Wesley Gentile, Bodhi Kennedy, Maeve Kleinpeter, Evangeline Koutsantonis, Grant Long, Joseph Marine, Brendan McMahon, Dylan Philbin, Jameson Sgroi, Gabriel Sloan and Adeline Volpe.
The fourth-graders who moved on from Patricia Heldenbergh’s class were Ty Anderson, Alessandra Antonelli, Samuel Caggiano, Frank Costa, Laurel Daniels, Audrey Delaney, Evan Dorsky, Cameron Hillios, Phoebe Hook, Zarmeen Khalil, Ryan Maciorowski, Logan MacNichol, Guiliana Markos, Aiden McKeon, Grace McManus, Hunter Merrill, Finnian Romano, Lara Ryan, Jack Schiavo, Stone Serra, Matthew Shields and Scarlett Theriault.
The fourth-graders who moved on from Lila Koulalis’ class were Huda Amin, Sergio Andrews, Camilla Barry, Olivia Bruno, Matthew Coscia, Gwendolen Dandrow, Matthew DeTore, Luke Donaruma, Samuel Hursh, Harleen Kaushik, Anthony Lampes, Samantha Leahy, Luca Mandell, Olivia Martinez, Nico Materazzo, Molly Mertens, TJ Pagos, Rachel Reilly, Benjamin Sheehan, Vivienne Tremblay and Maverick Ward.
The fourth-graders who moved on from Nicole Kinney’s class were David Bennett, Reilly Berlinghieri, Lena Chika, Greyson Collins, Reid Curran, Bennett Dyment, Emilia Elworthy, Rowan Fleming, Ronan Gardner, Rocco Guarracino, Nicholas Guerriero, Emilia Lamusta, Jack Mayerson, Chloe Muller, Madison Muse, Nithya Nishanth, Jocelyn O’Brien, Joseph Peterson, Stella Puopolo, Nicholas Quiroga and Ryan Routhier.