I attended the 5th Grade Graduation on Thursday, June 9th. It was an enthusiastic packed house despite the heat wave we’ve been immersed in, temperatures were high inside of the new addition where the ceremony was planned. It did not stop special guest Emma Miller from attending, this year she celebrated her 100th birthday! Earlier in the year the students created special birthday cards and threw her a birthday party at the school, where she spoke with students and related old time stories about her life. She is sitting in the front row in the pictures.
The graduates especially felt the heat with their gowns on, but they were happy this day was here. I talked with them in their classroom where they were nervously hanging out waiting for 1:00pm sharp. They told me how much they were going to miss Savoy Elementary and that they “hated leaving”. I had the same feelings myself, my sister and I both graduated from Savoy. In Savoy’s unique situation with small groups of students and teachers there is definitely a special bond that develops. Mrs. Nowicki touched on that when she was addressing the class.

Principal Marjorie Senecal opened the ceremonies followed by the Flag Bearer and Pledge Leader, Joshua Serre & Ashley Serre. Everyone sang “America” and “Grand Old Flag”. Grades K-1 sang, “There Used To Be an Alligator Under My Bed” and Grades 2 & 3 performed a singing and dancing routine to “Why Do You Build Me Up?”. Becky Daniels sang a beautiful solo performance of “Desperado”. The 4th and 5th graders performed recorded selections (accompanied by Dylan Walker on the piano) of “Hot Cross Buns” and “Hymn to Joy”. Other songs performed were “Dig it” and I Love Rocky Road”.
The graduates each took a turn chronicling their progressions from Kindergarten through 5th grade, their adventures and educational experiences. They each presented their Class Prophecy, where they will be in 20 years. We had a nice range of scientists and computer engineers to famous dirt bike riders to country western singers. I think this group will put Savoy on the map!
Mrs. Nowicki had a surprise from the class, tongue-in-cheek gifts from each student, one of which was a “tissue for her issues”.

A Recognition award went to each graduate: Jacob Ziter- Friendship Award, Becky Daniels- Music Abilities, Jakob Kelly- Knowledge of Ancient History, Garrett LaSage- Computer Technology and Problem Solving, Dylan Walker- Leadership Abilities, Jai Marshall- Creative Writing, Keith Anderson- Science Award, Brendan Hayden- Penmanship.
Attendance awards went to Keith Anderson, Dylan Walker and Trevor Alibozek (3rd grade)

Something new for this year, the graduates were proud to present a new slide presentation composed of 10 pictures of their life from infancy forward set to a song chosen by them. At the end of each student’s presentation they walked up to receive their diploma from Superintendent Dr. John Berry, the School Committee and Mrs. Senecal.
Good Luck 5th Graders! Click on the photo gallery to see pictures from the event. by Julie Pavia Feel free to comment underneath the picures if you wish you will see a comment button. http://www.savoynews.smugmug.com/