Annual Clap Outs and Ceremonies Celebrate Students’ Last Years

Elementary and middle schools ended their years with clap outs and ceremonies celebrating 5th and 8th graders as students transition to a new school. Berkley High School and Berkley Adult Transition celebrated their graduates. 

Clap outs are an opportunity for older students to say goodbye to classmates and teachers. Families often complete the event outside where many students can be found embracing friends and teachers before leaving for the summer.

Angell: 5th Grade Clap Out & Car Parade

On June 11, Angell 5th graders walked the halls one last time on their last afternoon of school. They paraded through Angell wearing their graduation caps, shaking hands, and giving high fives to their peers and staff members lined along the halls as they made their way out to their families who were cheering them on as they completed their last day as 5th graders and students of Angell.

On June 12, Angell 5th grade families lined up in their cars to drive their 5th graders through the annual car parade. Angell students lined the sidewalks to wave and cheer for the 5th graders one last time. Families decorated their cars, honked their horns and waved to the audience, and the 5th grade teachers handed students their certificates for the year.

Burton: 5th Grade Clap Out & Promotion Ceremony

On Friday, June 5, Burton families gathered in their Multi-Purpose room for the annual Burton 5th grade promotion ceremony, the Wings of Wisdom. Principal Lauren Fragomeni wished the students well, the 5th grade choir performed and teachers called students up to receive their certificates.

On Friday, June 12, Burton 5th graders walked the halls one last time during the annual clap out. Students and the 5th grade teachers enjoyed the high fives and hugs and were met with families outside to continue the celebration.

Norup: 5th Grade End of Year Presentations

Norup 5th graders ended their year with a final project that was named their Farewell Tour. On June 10, students presented poster boards or digital stories showcasing their growth through Norup, the moments that stood out to them as well as what their wishes are for the future. After presenting their stories to family and friends, 5th graders received their certificates from their teachers and watched an end of year slideshow highlighting all the fun and learning that took place.

Pattengill: 5th Grade Clap Out & Promotion Ceremony

On Friday, June 12, Pattengill 5th graders started their day with a clap out that merged right into their promotion ceremony. After walking the halls to cheers, high fives and hugs, students lined up inside and were called out to the ceremony one at a time to receive their certificates. Teachers and families celebrated the students, wishing them a farewell then students took photos with their Pattengill peers to end the morning.

Rogers: 5th Grade Clap Out & Graduation

On June 11, Rogers Elementary fifth graders and their families gathered outside the school for the graduation ceremony. Students were called up individually to receive their certificates and share a quote that was special to them. After receiving their certificates, students also honored retiree Kristy Watkins-Visnaw with a special musical presentation commemorating the 40 years she dedicated to the Berkley School District.

On June 12, Rogers students celebrated their 5th graders with a clap out on the last day of school. Students and teachers lined the halls and families met their 5th graders outside with cheers.

Anderson: 8th Grade Clap Out & Promotion Ceremony

On June 11, Anderson 8th grade students were celebrated with a clap out and promotion ceremony. In the afternoon, students and staff lined the halls and clapped out their 8th grade friends along with the AMS retirees.

Later on that evening, Anderson 8th grade students were honored for completing their middle school careers. Students arrived at school ready for their ceremony with family and friends, celebrated on Hurley Field. Michael Ross, AMS Principal, addressed the 8th graders, sharing well wishes for the students. Special awards were given out with scholarships, students were recognized for special academic achievement and one student, Libby Knapp, addressed her classmates with a speech. When the recognition from the podium was complete, students had their names called one by one and were celebrated as graduates of Anderson Middle School.

Norup: 8th Grade Clap Out & Promotion Ceremony

Norup 8th graders gathered on the afternoon of June 11, to hear words of wisdom from Principal Paul Yowchuang and to receive their end of year certificates. Special recognition was given to students who spent their entire educational career at Norup (Kindergarten through 8th grade), to students who received the John Norup award, the Assistant Principal’s award and the Principal’s award. Each member of the class was called up individually, receiving certificates and a handshake from Assistant Principal, Kaitlin Eickemeyer and Principal Yowchuang.

Norup 8th graders were treated to a clap out after their promotion ceremony. Families started the clap out tunnel outside and as the 8th graders entered the building one last time, students and teachers lined the halls to send well wishes with the soon to be 9th graders.

Adult Transition Program Graduation

On June 11, the Adult Transition Program held a graduation for two students who completed the program. During the ceremony, Director of Student Services Nic Farquhar and Special Education Supervisor Rebecca Skoczylas, spoke to the students and families as well as teachers Sarah Gerds and Joe Altizer. The graduates were presented with plaques as part of the ceremony. Everyone enjoyed a reception following the festivities.

Berkley High School Graduation

Berkley High School’s graduation is so big, we made a whole separate Berkley Beat to cover it. Visit this link to see photos, videos, quotes from speeches, the Class of 2026 facts and statistics, and even more photos.