Mandalay fifth graders entered the Wantagh High School auditorium one by one with smiles on their faces to an audience filled with family and friends excited about the day’s celebration.

The ceremony began with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a recording of “The Star-Spangled Banner” introduced by 5th graders Joseph Composto, Luca Pignataro, and Thomas Zanca. “The Power of One” poem was introduced by Jenna Ardito and Eden Sileo before it was recited by the students. Closing out the student choral performances was Natasha Bedingfield’s “Unwritten” introduced by Gianna Hosek.

As Mrs. Pisicchio addressed the crowd, she shared a moment of reflection as the mother of a recent high school graduate. She shared that when she was staying in a hotel while visiting colleges with her daughter, they shared walls with young children on one side and older children on the other. While on one side, she could hear the sound of toys being played with, on the opposite side occupied by the older children, the energy was calmer. She reminded parents that we only have 18 summers to enjoy our children and to remember that there’s joy on each side. She ended her address by thanking the students for reminding her why she became a teacher.

Before the students walked across the stage to receive their certificates, Jenna Ardito, Joseph Composto, Luca Pignataro, and Eden Sileo were recognized for receiving the JFK Awards, and Thomas Zanca received the Officer Mike Award which were announced earlier this month.  To her surprise, Erin Warch heard her name called as the recipient of the Principal’s Award given to the student who always does the right thing while staying humble.

Mrs. Pisicchio ended the ceremony with, “If I don’t push you, then I am failing you. When we are pushed, it will prepare you for the obstacles.”

Congratulations to the Mandalay Elementary c/o 2024!