Fifth Graders Move Up to Sixth!

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Columbus fifth graders made it official this morning: they are headed to Westlake Middle School, and they marked the moment in a Moving Up Ceremony held outside on a beautiful June day, full of joy, cheers, and celebration.

Students processed in to "Pomp and Circumstance" before the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Peyton Broderick and Elle DiPaolo. Principal Kevin Hanlon welcomed Columbus families, and the celebration was underway.

Principal Hanlon set the tone with warmth and candor. He shared that this was his first year leading Columbus, and that he felt lucky to have this class as his first group of fifth graders. He had reviewed student reflection surveys before the ceremony and found that the memories that rose to the top weren't the big productions — they were field days, the Kona Ice truck, recess, friendships, and everyday moments. He also shared what students said they wished they had done differently: tried harder, made better choices, been kinder. He held that up not as a criticism but as proof of a growth mindset they will carry with them.

"Work hard, be kind, listen to your teachers, and enjoy it," he told them, "because it goes fast." He added a personal note: his own son is the same age and moving up today, so he understood firsthand the pride in the room. It isn't just about the milestone, he said. It's about growth, change, and being ready.

Superintendent Dr. Peter Giarrizzo spoke to the students about the road ahead. He reminded them to hold onto wonder, to stay open-minded as they encounter new subjects, new people, and new challenges. Big accomplishments, he told them, are really just collections of small hours. Every giant leap starts with a single step. He asked them to keep their eyes open, their minds curious, and their hearts kind, and reminded them that showing kindness has the power to change the world. He congratulated them on making it through elementary school and said he is excited to see where they go. Their road ahead: Westlake Middle School in 2029 and Westlake High School in 2033.

Assistant Principal Erica Denman connected her own journey to theirs. She began at Columbus as AP the same year this class started, so they learned the building together — the teachers' names, the hallways, the best water fillers. She acknowledged that starting over as the youngest in a new building can feel nerve-wracking, and she offered her own honest reassurance: she doesn't love making mistakes, but she learns from every one of them. Her hope for the students is that they do things they love, take risks, and aren't afraid to stumble along the way. "You will always have a home at Columbus," she told them.

Fifth grade teachers called each student by name as they crossed the stage to receive their certificates, each one sending them off with a fist bump from Principal Hanlon and a handshake from Dr. Giarrizzo. The class song, "A Million Dreams," rang out a cappella, the students' voices carrying across the outdoor ceremony without a musical track in sight. The DJ kept the energy going throughout, filling the air between moments with the perfect soundtrack. WMS Principal Anthony Mungioli officially accepted the new sixth grade class, and students processed out to "Hall of Fame" by The Script.

Congratulations, Columbus Class of 2026!