Grade 6 Students Celebrated At VES Farewell Ceremony

There were smiles, laughter, and a few tears of pride as Vermilion Elementary School celebrated its Grade 6 students during the Grade 6 Farewell Celebration 2026 held at the school on June 24.

The ceremony, which began at 10:30 a.m., marked an important milestone for students as they prepare to move on to junior high school.

Grade 6 students Theo Visser, Sullivan Gibson, and Navy Donily served as masters of ceremonies, guiding family members, staff, and fellow students through the special event.

Graduates entered to the uplifting sounds of On My Way by Phil Collins and Send Me on My Way by Rusted Root, setting a celebratory tone for the occasion.

School Board Trustee Jim King addressed the graduates, speaking about the importance of community and reminding students of the valuable role they play within it.

Principal Sheila Doherty also shared heartfelt words with the students, emphasizing that each and every one of them is loved, valued, and important.

“You will always matter to this school, and you will always have a home at VES,” Doherty told the graduates, offering encouragement as they prepare for the next chapter of their educational journey.

Music continued to play an important role in the celebration as the Grade 6 class song, Backup Plan by Luke Combs and Bailey Zimmerman, was featured during the ceremony.

One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of Grade 6 certificates, with each student receiving recognition for successfully completing their elementary school years.

Special awards were also presented, with Avaya Miles and Gideon Williams named recipients of the prestigious Becky Scott Award.

The celebration concluded with a Grade 6 slideshow, allowing students, staff, and families to reflect on memories made throughout the school year.

Throughout the ceremony, parents, grandparents, and family members watched proudly as the graduates were recognized for their accomplishments and celebrated the friendships and experiences that have shaped their elementary school journey.