The future’s so bright, these kids have to wear shades. Staff at Dutchess BOCES’ Salt Point Center bid adieu to 28 eighth grade students during a heartwarming moving-up ceremony celebrating their achievements on June 15.
Family, friends and staff from both SPC and BOCES Administration cheered on the students as they proudly entered the school’s gymnasium and accepted their certificates. The ceremony was enhanced by poetry readings and a video montage of the students throughout their time at SPC set to Sia’s “The Greatest.”
Principal Melissa Murphy congratulated the departing students on evolving both academically and socially since they first started at SPC. She also gave kudos to teachers and support staff for their efforts. “You’ve committed to service at school and know how to be safe, responsible and respectful,” Murphy said. “You’ve worked hard and accomplished lots in your time here.” Murphy closed out her message by offering words of wisdom, which included working hard, staying humble and kind and maintaining a positive outlook. “You’ll be amazed how much better the world looks when you have a smile on your face,” Murphy said. “It’s been my privilege to be your principal and you’ll be missed at Salt Point Center.”
Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jodi DeLucia commended the students for continuing to succeed through the toughest of times, including the COVID-19 pandemic. She encouraged students to stay true to themselves, to appreciate the people around them and to make good decisions. “The choices that you make are going to determine who you are,” DeLucia said. “You guys have perseverance; you’ve made it and are ready to move onto high school.”
Natalia Zemko, who was named a May Student of the Month by the Poughkeepsie-Arlington Rotary, is nervous, but excited to start ninth grade at Dover High School. “I feel like I’m starting a new beginning in my life,” Zemko said. David Kozlowski appreciates the support he received from his teachers to overcome obstacles and reach this milestone. He will be a freshman at F.D. Roosevelt High School in Hyde Park starting in September.
“I grew up and got more mature,” Kozlowski said. “I will miss the kind teachers and the kind friends that I have.”