Celebrating Milestones in the Bronx: A Balloon-Filled June!
This June was a whirlwind — in the best possible way.
I had the honor of helping multiple Bronx Charter Schools celebrate their students' hard work, growth, and next chapters. From founding fifth graders to proud high school graduates, these were more than just balloon jobs — they were full-circle moments, labors of love, and joyful reflections of how far our students have come.
Each setup was tailored to the space, the school, and the energy of the day — and I’m so excited to share a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most meaningful events of the season.
Creo College Prep | 5th Grade Moving Up Ceremony
At Creo, we transformed the auditorium into a festive celebration zone for their proud 5th graders. The vibe was bright, clean, and celebratory — perfect for families to gather and honor this big step into middle school.
Balloon decor included:
A half-stage garland to frame the ceremony beautifully along the bottom of the stage
4 full-size balloon columns at the stage corners and entrance to greet families
4 smaller columns placed around the audience area and indicating where the graduates would sit
A stunning 8-foot open arch for guests to walk through as they entered
An 8ft x 5ft custom photo backdrop for students and families to take pictures when they came down the stage
The highlight? Watching kids walk through the arch grinning ear to ear like celebrities on the red carpet. This wasn’t any regular client, this set up was for my own current students. I love doing the extra step to make things special for the kids and their families, and while Im typically not part of the celebrations I decorate for it felt so special to be there to hear all the “Wow who did the balloons?” and “The balloons look amazing!”.
Dream Charter School | Founding 5th & 8th Grade Moving Up Ceremonies
This one meant everything. I was a founding teacher at Dream — I taught this very group when they were kindergarteners & 1st graders. To see them move up, and to decorate their space with love and intention? Unreal.
For the Founding 5th Grade and 8th Grade ceremonies, we went all out:
A full-stage garland that framed every moment, and
8 dramatic balloon columns to fill the space with color and energy
2 table centerpieces — bright, modern, and themed to the school colors
A welcome sign with mini garland to greet guests
And a showstopping 3-arch photo backdrop that became the hub for family photos, hugs, and happy tears
This wasn’t just decor — this was a celebration of a journey I was honored to be part of from day one.
Classical Charter Schools | 5th Grade Moving Up Ceremony
Created with Tuftex Royal Blue, Tuftex Sugar, Tuftex Silver
Classical’s ceremony was all about elegance and simplicity. Their 5th Grade moving up was held in a beautifully lit space that didn’t need much — just a little balloon magic to make it feel extra special.
Decor included:
A sleek 8-foot open balloon arch at the entrance
A half-stage garland that highlighted the podium and award tables
Sometimes, it’s the little touches that make the space feel complete — and at Classical, the balloons blended seamlessly with the celebration’s classic tone.
A Personal Touch: My Godson’s High School Graduation Party
And finally… one of the most emotional setups of the season — my godson’s high school graduation. Decorating for him wasn’t just work — it was a heartfelt tribute to a young man I’ve watched grow into someone I’m incredibly proud of.
His party was full of love, memories, and thoughtful detail:
Custom table centerpieces with fresh flowers and photos of his journey — from baby pics to prom night
A tall open arch welcoming guests into the back yard space
Multiple balloon columns in his school colors
And a bold, layered double-arch photo backdrop that brought all of the decor together
It was joyful, emotional, and absolutely unforgettable.
Reflections
This season reminded me why I love this work so much. It's not just balloons. It’s celebration. It’s transformation. It’s community. Every arch, garland, and column was a way to say: You did it. We see you. You’re moving up, and you deserve this moment.
If you're planning a milestone celebration — big or small — I’d be honored to help you make it beautiful, bold, and full of joy.
Until next time,
Elizabeth
Founder, Blooming With Balloons
