Moving Up 2025
Under the blazing June sun, families gathered on the Columbus Elementary grounds for the annual fifth grade moving up ceremony. The heat was brutal—parents squinted and sought shade while teachers fanned themselves with programs. Principal Michael Cunzio welcomed everyone before Student Council President Peyton led the Pledge of Allegiance.
View all the photos from the Moving Up Ceremony here.
Dr. G stepped to the podium despite the intense heat. “Good morning everyone. To our amazing fifth graders—congratulations! You’ve grown so much—not just in what you’ve learned, but in who you are becoming.”
He thanked the teachers and support staff, asking them to stand for recognition. Then he addressed Mr. Cunzio directly, “To Mr. Cunzio, who is also moving up today. We wish you a wonderful retirement. You have built beautiful relationships with children. Thank you for your many years of kindness.”
Drawing from Kobi Yamada’s book “Maybe,” Dr. G reminded students of their unique potential: “You are the only you there ever has been or ever will be.” He referenced Robert Frost’s poem about roads less traveled, encouraging graduates to choose paths marked by kindness.
“Middle school will bring new challenges, but never forget the power of small, kind actions. They matter. You matter.”
Fifth grade teacher Lisa Fornara took the stage next. “When we think of what it means to be part of a family, we all need someone to lean on,” she began, referencing the class song they would perform. She painted pictures of Mr. Cunzio’s daily presence: “Every single morning, rain or shine, Mr. Cunzio stood at the entrance to greet each student by name—with a smile, a high five, or a warm ‘Good morning!’ And at the end of the day, he stood at the bus line to say goodbye.”
“Those simple moments told every child: ‘You matter. I’m here for you. You can lean on me,’” Fornara continued. “From all of us here at Columbus—thank you, Mr. Cunzio.”
Following her tribute, Student Council Vice Presidents Charlotte and Maria presented Mr. Cunzio with a bound book of letters written by each fifth grader—a personal keepsake from the graduating class.
The elementary PTA then presented Mr. Cunzio with a sketch drawing of Columbus and announced that part of the library media center will be turned into “Cunzio’s Corner” with flexible furniture and the wall decorated to inspire students to show kindness, which has been a major theme of Mr. Cunzio’s tenure as principal.
The class memories portion brought laughter as Mr. Cunzio and Assistant Principal Erica Denman shared reflections under the relentless sun.
Mrs. Denman reminded students of their weekly vocabulary challenges and inside jokes from her second year at Mount Pleasant. “You are empathetic and resilient—you can all do hard things! Be open-minded, because change brings great adventures. Columbus will always be a home to come back to.”
Mr. Cunzio addressed his final graduating class: “You’ve grown in ways you haven’t realized yet. You’re ready. Learning doesn’t stop here—stay curious, keep asking questions. Take with you kindness, resilience, and determination. Dream big, work hard, and be proud of who you are. This is only the beginning.”