By Avice Meehan

More than a few already had middle school homework on their minds, but the nine students who completed sixth grade at Botelle Elementary School on June 11 are looking to make a major mark on the world. Their goals range from working for NASA to playing major league sports, becoming a chef, attending the University of Connecticut, living in Japan, fishing for King Salmon and, not surprisingly for an online generation, becoming a Twitch streaming star.

The students gathered in the gymnasium before an audience of parents, family members, teachers and school administrators for a school promotion ceremony replete with baby photos and highlights of interviews conducted by their classmates. They were the first students to experience multi-age education beginning in kindergarten.

“You are off to great places,” said Virginia Coleman-Prisco, chair of the Board of Education and a proud parent of a sixth grader. She was joined on stage by Mary Beth Iacobelli, whose 11-year tenure as school superintendent, ended on July 1, and Botelle Principal Lauren Valentino. “You will never be too grown up or cool to listen to your parents,” said an emotional Iacobelli.

Laughter and good cheer predominated, however, as the students walked down memory lane. Mozzarella sticks and hot dogs ranked high on the list of Botelle menu choices, while math and writing were ranked as favorite subjects by many students—who also included turtle lovers, fans of root beer soda and builders of fishing rods made of Lego blocks.

Sarah Ward, who teaches the upper intermediate class, presented the Botelle Awards, which are named for Myrtle Luella Botelle, the long-time teacher for whom the school is named. Luke Dubrule received the Scholastic Award for academic achievement and Wyatt Walker received the Achievement Award for showing improvement through hard work and dedication. Once the promotion certificates were presented, students and their families adjourned for refreshments—and summer vacation.