Schools
Students Applauded As Final Bell Rings at Hugo Schmidt Elementary
Hugo Schmidt students enter the way they leave, with clap-ins when they enter the Hillsborough County school in Brandon, to clap-outs when they leave on their last day as fifth-graders.
Tears of sorrow, joy and pride and lots of cheers greeted fifth-graders at Hugo Schmidt Elementary School on June 10 as they left their school for the last time.
“It’s very emotional,” said Jane Casteel, a reading coach at Schmidt Elementary for the past eight years, as she watched the farewell walk, holding back tears. “We (teachers) take ownership of the children. We consider them family so it’s like we are saying goodbye to one of our own. We hope we have given them everything they need for the next step.”
This was the second graduation ceremony at Schmidt for Sheena Curtis. Her daughter, Shaimeisa, was in Schmidt’s first graduating class.
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“It’s a little emotional. It’s my second child taking this next step,” said Curtis, of her son, Jekwon’s, big day. “He has worked hard to get A’s and B’s this year. He has been here since kindergarten and he said he would probably cry today but he is ready to start his next year in life.”
Students at Hugo Schmidt — the school is named in honor of a former U.S. Navy officer and Bay area education leader — traditionally ring a bell in the school’s courtyard when they enter the school as kindergarteners. The youngsters, known as “sailors," do the same when they graduate from fifth grade. The entire school turns out to clap and cheer them on.
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While it was an emotional day for everyone at the school, it was also a day to proud.
Justin Moman made the honor roll at Schmidt as he graduated and no one was prouder than his grandmother, Liz Pless.
“I’m very proud. He made the honor roll and he’s also a great reader now. We got him a Nook for Christmas and we’ve already downloaded so many books for him. I know he wants to read a lot over the summer,” Pless said.
Nathanial Ferrari’s dad, George, was among those clapping when the youngsters came out to ring their graduation bell.
“I’m extremely proud today. Nathaniel made the honor roll and he’s growing up to be a fine young man thanks to his mom and dad,” George Ferrari said. He also credited the school.
“It’s an excellent school. They push the kids, the teachers really seem to care about the students and they reach out to parents.”
Nathaniel will also be a little sad to say goodbye to his friends as he heads to middle school in Progress Village.
“He’s been with these kids for five years and a lot of them are heading off to different schools.”
