Grady Sixth Graders Celebrate New Beginnings at Moving Up Ceremony

The temperature wasn’t the only thing rising on June 24—so were the spirits of sixth graders at Alice E. Grady Elementary School, who marked a milestone as they officially became rising middle schoolers during the school’s annual Moving Up Ceremony.

Held in the school gymnasium, the event began with a heartfelt musical performance by the Grady Chorus, who sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” and a touching rendition of “A Million Dreams” as families and guests looked on with pride.

Once the graduating class had taken their places on the platform, Class Representative Frank S. opened the ceremony with words of reflection and encouragement.

“When you look around this room, what do you see? Do you see proud parents, dedicated, hardworking and wonderful students? Because that's what I see,” Frank shared. “All of us here today have come so far. As we leave Grady, our futures will unfold, but we will never forget the experiences we had because of the great people in our lives.”

Several graduates then joined the Grady Band to perform a musical interlude, setting the stage for remarks from Principal Dr. Andrea Hamilton.

“Today is a special day, not just because we're celebrating your accomplishments and you are moving now, but because we are marking the transition to your next chapter that will be filled with excitement, possibility, and continued growth,” said Dr. Hamilton. 

“The beautiful thing about our Elmsford community is that it is so small and close knit that when you go to Hamilton, you will already know someone or many people,” she continued.  You are ready to meet your challenges and ready to discover even more about who you are and who you want to become. You've made your mark here and the next adventure is just beginning.”

Superintendent Ms. Susan Yom followed with her own message of inspiration.

“Today, sixth graders, you are taking your first step into new beginnings… and as you take those steps to the next level, I want you to open your arms, your heart and embrace all that comes with those new beginnings,” said Ms. Yom. “Everything will be new. And in that newness, you have an opportunity. You have an opportunity to grow. You have an opportunity to sort next levels, and it will be embedded upon the foundation that you built here at Grady.”

The program continued with the presentation of awards, recognizing outstanding achievements across several categories:

Special Awards
2025 Mayor's Award: Frank S.
Office of the Attorney General Triple "C" Award: Frank S. and Jocelyn S.
Office of the Attorney General Civic Ambassador Award: Lily-London O.
New York State Comptroller Achievement Award: Samuel A. and Kiara M.
County Clerk's Distinguished Student Award: Ahnaf S. and Dylan P.

Academic Awards were also presented to numerous students for their excellence in the classroom.

Finally, Dr. Hamilton presented diplomas to each graduate as families looked on with joy and admiration. The ceremony concluded as the Class of 2025 exited the stage, smiling brightly and stepping into the arms of their proud families—ready for the next chapter in their journey.