Sleepy Hollow Seniors Receive Final Rose Ahead of Graduation

Some things in life come full circle, for the graduating class of Sleepy Hollow High School (SHHS) the spring Rose Ceremony was one of them. In 2012, the now seniors, had just entered their journey at the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns. In October of that year, they were each given a rose by the graduating class of 2013, welcoming them into the district.

As the graduating class of 2024, it was now their turn to receive their farewell rose. The SHHS seniors headed to the gymnasium where they were joined by the W.L. Morse first-graders on Thursday, May 23 to take part in the cherished tradition.

“The Rose Ceremony is a tradition that shows our close, connected school community that is the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns,” said Torrence Walley, principal of W.L. Morse.

The Rose Ceremony is a bittersweet event for the graduating class. It comes at a time when they are reflecting on their years in the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns and are anxiously awaiting to start something new. The rose they receive symbolizes all the hopes, dreams, and aspirations they have, and serves as a reminder of all the fun, exciting, and new things they learned over the years.
Sleepy Hollow Principal Dr. Deborah Brand opened the ceremony by praising the graduating class for being leaders and establishing pathways for the next generation of learners.

“Today, we would like to give back to you. When you receive your rose, we hope that you remember both the pain and beauty of your educational journey. You’ve had thorns along the way and you may have lost some petals, but the end product is something beautiful to behold and celebrate,” said Dr. Brand.

During the event the first graders stood proudly in front of the graduating class and sang a song to the seniors before wishing them well on their next chapter. They then handed roses to each member of the graduating class.

“The Class of 2024 has been a pleasure to watch grow and flourish. We are looking forward to learning about their journeys and accomplishments in the years to come,” said Dr. Brand.
As the SHHS seniors prepare to say farewell to their educational journey through the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns, they prepare for a new adventure where they will head out into the world utilizing the knowledge and life skills they have obtained while in school.

“You are embarking on a journey into the world beyond the limits of our school and community. Take the lessons you have learned here to seed new pastures and to spread roses throughout the worlds you touch,” said Dr. Brand.