Leaving the Nest: Wisdom, Tears, and High-Fives at the Forest Ridge 5th Grade Celebration

Let’s face it, high school graduations usually get all the spotlight. But there is something uniquely heartfelt about an elementary school celebration that captures the very essence of education and community.

At Forest Ridge Elementary School, the halls have been home to these students for the majority of their young lives. For many of them, elementary school will represent the single longest educational chapter they will spend in one place. They arrived years ago as nervous kindergarteners carrying oversized backpacks and learning how to line up quietly in the hallway. Now, they leave as confident young leaders ready to step into middle school and the opportunities ahead.

That growth was on full display during the FRE “Owl” 5th Grade Celebration, and I was incredibly honored to be a small part of such a meaningful event. Similar celebrations are happening throughout Citrus County, but there was something especially powerful about the atmosphere surrounding this group of Owls.

The celebration opened with a proud display of patriotism and student leadership as Kailai Contant, Terry Jean Francois, Layla Pooter, and Noah Wendt led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Moments later, the room fell silent as Kayli Schaak, a former Forest Ridge Owl and now a rising senior at Citrus High School, delivered a beautiful performance of the National Anthem.

Welcoming students, families, and educators was special guest Citrus County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Scott Hebert, whose own grandson is currently an FRE Owl. His remarks carried a personal warmth that resonated throughout the room. Before recognizing the students, Dr. Hebert paused to honor two extraordinary educators whose impact on Forest Ridge Elementary has shaped countless young lives.

Principal Michelle McHugh was recognized as she prepares to transition into a new district leadership role as Coordinator of Human Resources. Her leadership, compassion, and dedication to students have helped define the positive culture that makes FRE so special.

Also honored was Mr. Tony Mattingly, longtime 5th Grade Teacher, who is retiring after an incredible 40 years in education. The applause and emotion in the room reflected the enormous impact he has had on generations of students and families throughout Citrus County. Forty years of teaching is not simply a career; it is a legacy.

As the ceremony continued, the spotlight shifted toward celebrating the students themselves and the many ways they contributed to their school community. Recognition was presented for participation and achievement in Chorus, Morning Show, School Store, Safety Patrol, Science Fair, 4-H Speeches, and Upward Bound. These programs represent far more than extracurricular activities. They help students develop leadership skills, teamwork, confidence, responsibility, creativity, and service to others.

One of the most inspiring moments of the morning came from special guest speaker and former Owl Abrianna Hart, who took the stage. Abrianna had just graduated from Crystal River High School as part of the Class of 2026 and shared exciting news about her future. This fall, she will attend Florida Southern College, majoring in Musical Theater.

What made her message so impactful was hearing her trace her journey all the way back to her time at Forest Ridge Elementary. She spoke about how performing during elementary school gave her confidence and sparked a passion that ultimately shaped her career goals. Her words served as a powerful reminder that the experiences students have in elementary school can influence the trajectory of their lives in ways they may not even realize yet.

The ceremony also featured several prestigious awards recognizing character, leadership, and academic success. Students received honors including the Good Citizenship Award, the Sons of the American Revolution Award, and the VFW Award, presented by Mrs. Schantz and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10087. Principal McHugh presented the President’s Education Award, while School Counselor Ms. Trishia Mikel awarded students Success Certificates recognizing their hard work and perseverance.

I was especially honored to represent the College of Central Florida Foundation in presenting two scholarships to the College of Central Florida through the STEPS to CF Program. Thanks to the generosity of the Tom C. Franklin Memorial and the Ted Williams Museum and Hitters Hall of Fame, two deserving FRE students, Terry Jean Francois and Lionna Long, each received scholarships that will provide $4,000 toward their future college education upon graduation from high school.

There is something incredibly powerful about investing in students at such an early age and helping them begin to envision the opportunities waiting ahead of them. Those scholarships are not just financial awards; they are statements of belief in the future of these students.

The grand finale of the celebration was perhaps the most emotional moment of all. One by one, each 5th grade student was introduced and walked across the stage as proud family members cheered from the audience. Waiting to congratulate them were Dr. Hebert, Deputy Todd Cridland, Ms. Mikel, Principal McHugh, and myself, offering handshakes, congratulations, and plenty of enthusiastic high-fives.

The ceremony concluded with heartfelt remarks from Principal McHugh, followed by a touching multimedia presentation that captured memories from the students’ elementary years before the traditional 5th Grade Recessional.

These celebrations remind us that education is about far more than grades and test scores. It is about relationships, encouragement, growth, and helping students discover who they are becoming.

A very special thank you goes to FRE School Counselor Trishia Mikel for her tremendous work coordinating such a memorable and meaningful event for the Forest Ridge 5th Grade Class of 2026.

To the newest group of former Owls: your next chapter begins now. The middle school hallways are waiting for you, but no matter where life takes you next, once an Owl, always an Owl.

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