Principal of Willow Lane Elementary School Dr. Anthony Moyer appeared moved as he welcomed his last class of fifth graders and their families to the school’s commencement ceremony held in the school gymnasium at the end of the school year.

Moyer will retire this summer but shared that this night is “all about them” referring to the students.

The students entered the ceremony one at a time to “Pomp and Circumstance” by the USAF Heritage of American Band.

In his opening remarks, Moyer reminded the audience each class would be called at a time and no clapping or cheering should occur while names are being read.

“It is important that every student be able to hear his or her name being called. There will be plenty of time for cheering at the end,” Moyer said.

The audience respected this and each student’s name was heard.

After the last name was called, the cheers filled the gym.

Fifth grade teachers Joseph Bigley, Karen Durigan, Sean Finnegan, Shawn Foster, Jennifer Sosnovik, and Jennifer Sakelarides congratulated each student and handed each of the students their certificates.

After students received their certificates, they stood and sang the song “Willow Lane,” which was written by the Willow Lane songwriters’ club. At the end of the song, the students turned to their families and waved.

The students next watched the much-anticipated video of their years at Willow Lane.

The video captured moments throughout their fifth grade year as well as the “memory lane” photos of their younger selves in kindergarten to fourth grade.

As the younger photos appeared on the screen, the children could be heard collectively yelling the names of who the children were. The many pictures of the “then” and “now” had the students cheering and singing throughout.

Moyer then had the students stand and they did a countdown to middle school.

The students released party poppers to celebrate.

Students were dismissed to their families who congregated outside to enjoy ice cream treats and snacks organized by parent volunteers.