Barbara Lawlor, Nederland. They’re leaving home.

The Nederland Elementary School students are leaving the nest, moving on up to the west side of town, to the Nederland Middle School—or, in some cases, moving down below, to the city middle schools.

It a long way to go from the school home they know as well as their home home.

On Thursday, the fifth graders had their traditional sendoff. Fifth grade teachers Tammy Forrest and Brenda Theodorakos and the NES principal Jeff Miller gave them their diplomas, shook their hands, and let them sing “The Best Day of My Life.” The school gym/auditorium rocked with the happy sounds.

Principal Miller told the 43 students that when he was in fifth grade he had two best friends and they did everything with each other. “Look around,” he said. “This is a phenomenal group of kids: they care for each other. Parents—thank you for giving us this incredible gift. And students—you make everything worth it.

You are capable, bright, and you make us proud. You are the most enthusiastic group of fifth graders I have ever worked with.”

Fifth graders are amazing: they see a lot and think about it. They know more about the world than one would imagine. They care deeply about others and want to help. They fear what the world is coming to and look forward to changing it.

Before the ceremony ended students were given the opportunity to describe themselves and their emotions and thoughts, to say what they are grateful for. Alexis Whiteham told her parents, “Thank you for all the hard work you do for five children. Thank you to the end of the world and the universe. Mom and Dad, I don’t want to leave NES. Sign me up for fifth grade again.”

Hannah Evans said, “I see my grandma and I pretend I am in my old life. I am worried I am going to lose my parents.”

Ivy Brundage said, “I wonder how everything in the night sky came to be. I want to see everybody treated equally. I worry about the well-being of people I love. We should always be able to follow our dreams without being judged.”

Sara Feeley said she often pretends things are fine even when they are not. “I try to stay calm and wish for the good life.”

Soren Schumacher-Righi said, “I am a dancer and a mover. I see trees with sunlight and dance in front of crowds and eat the clouds. I understand euphoria. I hope I grow up and am still a good person.”

Townes Bakke said, “I am curious about cheese. I feel kindness and hope and I believe aliens are real. I dream about grandpa and I hope Mr. Schultz stays weird like me.”

The fifth graders received a rousing round of applause and then everyone went to eat cake.