Giselle's 4th Grade Graduation (June 25, 1999)

Heather Giselle Scott, June 24, 1999Heather Giselle Scott participated in Fourth Grade Closing Exercises at P.S. 199 "Maurice A. Fitzgerald School" on a sunny Friday morning in Sunnyside, Queens. The school principal, Lillian Druck, and assistant principal, Irene Gerhards, gave speeches, encouraging the graduating fourth graders to "strive for excellence" and "value wisdom" as they move forward with their education. Despite the two-ticket per family rule, there were so many parents and friends in attendance that nearly 100 had to listen to the ceremonies from outside the assembly hall.

After several speeches--one in English and one in Spanish--from students, and the remarks by the principal and assistant principal, the nearly 200 fourth graders from 6 different sections stood and--facing the audience--sang "The Body Electric." Their enthusiasm and spirit was overwhelming and it took a long while for the applause to subside.

Giselle's graduation certificateThen came the presentation of awards (a formal awards ceremony had been held the day before). Giselle received a distinguished service medal and a certificate signed by the head of the New York State Automobile Association as well as NYC Schools Chancellor Rudy Crew, for having completed her Safety Patrol duties responsibly during the 1998-99 school year. She was also among 12 students who received medals for their achievement in music. The day before, Giselle was one of two students in her section named to the Honor Roll.

The next event was a musical presentation by a large group of fourth-graders, including Giselle on violin, in which the audience was treated to beautiful renditions of "Yesterday" and "Edelweiss." They were directed by the music teacher, David Breniak.

Giselle and her teacher, Mr. DrommFinally, there was the presentation of certificates to the graduates, with each teacher giving out the diplomas to his or her students. Giselle's teacher, Daniel Dromm, has had a very positive effect on her growth this year and it was clear that he will miss Giselle and her classmates in 401. The students received their diplomas, one by one, up on the stage, in what started out solemnly and ended up by the end a rather festive atmosphere with parents cheering their children on. The teacher for 451, Mrs. Suarez-Mejia, went last and gave a very motivating speech to the students and their parents, in English and Spanish. She said to "work hard and when the work gets hard, work harder." And she advised parents to give their children "the best medicine--encouragement and high expectations."

Giselle holds her diploma
Giselle with her friend
Giselle with her friend
Giselle with Mrs. Gonzalez
On her way to celebrate over Japanese food with
her mother and father, Giselle ran into Mrs. Gonzalez,
her teacher from 3rd grade.