Fraser Woods Montessori School celebrated its eighth year students' graduation on Wednesday, June 8, at the Newtown Meeting House on Main Street.

The ceremony began with Head of School Myriam Woods welcoming everyone attending, and was followed by young Fraser Woods students, in fourth through seventh grade, singing "Simple Gifts." The song, by Aaron Copland and Irvine Fine, was led by Chorus Director Sabrina Post, who played piano.

Middle School teachers Tonya Burchette, who teaches science; Zachary Brown, who teaches math; and Wendy Musk, who is the dean of Middle School, spoke during the graduation.

Ms Burchette, who has taught at Fraser Woods for two years, said, "It has been a beautiful gift to have had the opportunity to work with this eighth year class and get to know them both as a group and individuals."

Turning to the students, she continued, "I wish you all much success in your unique journeys, and I have no doubt that you will all be successful in everything that you do. Each and every one of you have your own gifts and special talents to share with the world."

Each student in attendance was given the opportunity to go up to the podium and say a personalized speech about his or her time at Fraser Woods.

Graduate Bella Brodsky ended her heartfelt speech by saying, "Thank you Fraser Woods for being my second home for the past four years."

Some chose to give advice to the younger students attending the ceremony. Graduate Ella Olcese recommended, "Enjoy every moment you have here at Fraser Woods. Being here is a privilege. It's an opportunity for you to make friendships and to grow. Make every day count because each one is special."

Following the first half of commencement speeches, four graduating students (Mikayla Labissiere, Ella Olcese, Ellie Ferrigno and Elizabeth Varda) sang "Child of Tomorrow" by Mark Patterson.

At the end of the ceremony, Ms Woods and Montessori School Board President Kate O'Leary awarded the graduates with their diplomas.

The 2016 Fraser Woods Montessori School graduates, and the schools they will be attending, are: Tristan Andrew, Newtown High School; Sean Bahamonde, Hopkins School; Khal Bashawaty, homeschooling; Sophia Bellissimo, Education Without Walls; Emily Benoit, Westover School; Bella Brodsky, Education Without Walls; Liam Byrne, Newtown High School; Ellie Ferrigno, Wooster School; Danie Meder, Woodland High School; Mikayla Labissiere, Westover School; Ella Olcese, Washington Montessori School; Alessandro Orjuela, Rye Neck High School; and Elizabeth Varda, Danbury Immaculate High School.