Steen Class of 2023

 15-June-2023

 On Wednesday-14-June the Lillian M. Steen School in Bogota held their Fifth Grade Promotion Ceremony for the Class of 2023.  As the Audience gathered in the Moore Gym, they were entertained by Music Teacher Ms.  Arianna Dellosa. Steen Principal Mr. Christopher Albiez welcome those who attended the program. To start the ceremony, he introduced Mr. Simon Orozco and Mr. Simon Plasencia who lead the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance and America the Beautiful. 

  The first speaker was Bogota School District Superintendent Mr. Damian Kennedy.  He told the graduates that the education from Steen was a solid foundation to build on. Continuing to say the Students need to keep looking for new experiences and ideas in their future.  Even if there are failures ahead, they must big strong enough to learn from in order to achieve their goals. Few things worthwhile will come easy. But with the support and respect of your Parents, Friends Classmate and Teachers anything can be achieved.  Superintendent Kennedy end with advice from Dr. Suess, " You are Braver than you believe, Stronger than you seem, Smarter than you think, and twice as Beautiful than you every imaged."

    In his address Principal Albiez praised the Staff, Parents, and most importantly the Students for the continuing work and learn during their time in the classrooms, along with all the other times as part of Steen School. He added that normally this would be a time for good-byes, but for this year and this class it will a simple See You Soon. As both the class of 2023, and Mr. Albiez  will both be moving up to the Middle School at the start of the 2023-24 school year.  

  Then Ms. Sophia Mesa, and Mr. Jayden Rodriguez talked to their Classmates about the experiences at Steen School. Memories of sharing years of growing up together, and meeting challenges to come. Remembering the times learning, and of having fun.  Also, to remember task of climbing the mountains ahead until the journey is done. And as they leave Steen " Don't cry because the time has ended but smile because it happened."

  This was followed by a number of Students to acknowledge and thank the support staff who are also an important part of Steen School. The Security Guards to help keep the school safe. The Custodians whose long hours cleaning up after them. The Lunch personal for the food to help them make it through the day. The Bus Drivers taking them to interesting places and returning them home. The School Secretary who let them in, if they were late, and bringing them items that they forgot at home. Also, one Student took the time to present Ms. Cali Skrnich flowers for being named Steen Teacher of the Year. 

   Next was the announcements of the individual awards and certificates to the members of the Fifth-grade class. Principal Albiez then announced the Principal’s Caring Award winner to Ms. Violet Sterlacci. Then came the awards for: Highest Academic Average, presented by the Bogota VFW Post #5561 These were won by Mr. Amir Lopez and Mr. Ry-L Jaquez.  Other awards presented were the Student Council Leadership, Creative Arts, the Safety Patrol and Gardening Club, the PTO, and Presidential Awards for Academic Excellence and Academic achievement. Also a presentation of flowers to the Fifth Grade Teachers. Ms. Kelly Jones, and Ms. Pat Candelaria. 

   Finally Principal Albiez presented the Certificates of Promotions to the graduating Class of 2023. 38 Students were announced and handed their Certificates of Promotion.

   When the final certificates were presented, and the new Alumni of Steen School accepted the applause from those gathered.  Their last duty as a member of Steen School was to present their family a rose as they proceeded to join their Family, and Friends, to celebrate together, as confetti rained  down from above.

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