AMD graduates get ready for the next chapter in Moving Up Ceremony

When all was said and done, the 348 members of the Anne M. Dorner Class of 2022 sighed with relief during a celebratory ceremony commemorating their completion of middle school. Come what may, they had made it!

Now is the time to be their unique selves, Principal Kate Mathews told them citing characters from A.A. Milne’s “Winnie the Pooh,” and each of the characters unique characteristics. She reminded them that they too have their own special qualities.

“You are amazing, and you deserve to shine,” she said.

Ms. Mathews also reassured them that they have nothing to worry about when they get to Ossining High School.

“OHS is an amazing place,” she said. “And I will be there supporting you and cheering you on.”

Student speakers, Owen Brennen, Ty’Asia Carver and Shane Quadras each talked about their experience at AMD and offered their classmates advice.

Owen encouraged them to take advantage of opportunities, read and stay curious.

“We are ready to move on to high school,” Ty’Asia said. “We can do this no matter how hard the obstacles.”

Shane left his classmates with one last “morning announcement,” as he was accustomed of doing each day, with one small change, “Gooooood bye AMD!”

Superintendent of Schools Raymond Sanchez offered two simple messages, the first was for them to pursue their dreams, the second was to “remember to be kind.”

“A small act of kindness can be more important than you know,” he said. “Kindness spreads to others.”