St. Augustine School Holds Final Eighth Grade Graduation

The eighth grade class of St. Augustine’s School graduated on Saturday—the last time the academy will produce a crop of alums. The school is shutting down after over 50 years in the community.

The event marks a milestone for the fourteen young men and women who are moving on to high school, but also a loss for New City. While parents, students and administration alike said they are devastated by their beloved school’s closing, smiles and laughter were still abundant as the eight graders received their diplomas.

After a mass led by Father William Cosgrove, the graduation ceremony was held. While the class was small, the awards were not sparing. Many of the students took home multiple scholarships, as well as academic and character-based awards. The occasion was concluded by a teary speech given by the Principal of the school, Katharine Murphy. She told the children how much they’ve meant to her, and read the song lyrics of “I Hope You Dance.”