On June 6, 2026, the Sunrise School of Miami community gathered to celebrate a very special milestone as our eighth-grade class crossed the threshold into the next chapter of their educational journey.
The graduation ceremony beautifully reflected the heart of our school, where academics, the arts, and community come together. The celebration opened with the entire class performing “The Swan” by Camille Saint-Saëns on violin and viola under the direction of Orchestra Teacher Jose Torres, featuring a moving cello solo by Valentino.
Throughout the ceremony, students reflected on their years at Sunrise by sharing cherished memories from each grade, beginning with first grade and ending with eighth. Their voices then came together in a heartfelt performance of “A Song of Peace,” sung to the melody of Sibelius’s Finlandia, before closing the ceremony with the traditional Scottish and Irish farewell song, “The Parting Glass.”
The graduates were honored by those who have guided them throughout their journey. Song Lao Shi reflected on teaching the class during their early years, Eduardo Ibarra shared memories from his time with them beginning in fourth grade, parent Millie Aspillaga offered heartfelt reflections from a family’s perspective, and Esther Rodrigues spoke about the privilege of accompanying the class through seventh and eighth grades.
Each of the nine graduates received a Sunrise School of Miami diploma, along with a certificate of recognition from the Village of Palmetto Bay Council celebrating their accomplishments.
One of the ceremony’s most memorable moments was the presentation of a tenth diploma—awarded to Woof Woof, a tiny stuffed dog gifted by Alekssa to her classmate Lucas in second grade. Since then, Woof Woof has faithfully attended class every day and has remained an honorary member of the Class of 2026, bringing smiles and laughter throughout the years.
As they leave Sunrise, our graduates carry with them not only strong academic foundations but also creativity, resilience, confidence, compassion, and a lifelong love of learning. We are proud to see them continue their journeys at outstanding high schools, including:
To the Sunrise School of Miami Class of 2026: thank you for the joy, curiosity, kindness, music, and memories you have brought to our community. Watching you grow has been a privilege, and while we will miss you dearly, we know you are ready to embrace all that lies ahead.
Congratulations, graduates! We can’t wait to see the wonderful paths your journeys will take.
