Celebrating Seely Place Class of 2026

Family members arrived to a slide show on a big screen featuring highlights from the last seven years—from kindergarteners wearing COVID masks to the recent trip to Philadelphia.

With the first notes of “Pomp and Circumstance,” the sixth graders proceeded into the room; soon the risers on the stage were a mosaic of smiling faces.  

Superintendent Kenneth R. Hamilton congratulated them on Moving Up. “Success isn’t defined by grades, but by character,” he said. “Be curious, be courageous, be kind.”

The students had been leaders at Seely Place all year, and their confidence, composure and creativity were evident throughout the ceremony. Four students displayed the American and New York State flags, and the all-grade chorus led the Pledge of Allegiance and singing “America the Beautiful.” Later in the ceremony, 15 students delivered their class’s Last Will and Testament—warm and witty tributes to the teachers and administrators who meant so much to their elementary school experience.

“We cannot wait to see what comes next for you,” said Principal Eve Feuerstein in her address. “When you return to visit for your senior walk through, I have a feeling that while you will be taller, wiser, and more accomplished, I will still see the same smiling faces that first walked through our doors not so long ago and that sit here with us today.”

The sixth graders weren’t the only ones moving up. Their Assistant Principal Nathaniel Peterson would also be moving with them, as an Assistant Principal at the Edgemont Jr./Sr. High School. Sixth grade teacher Dawn Curran would also be moving up—to a happy retirement after 30 years of teaching at Seely Place.

“I will always remember you,” said Ms. Curran,” as you are my last group, forever etched in my mind.”

The final speaker was seventh grader Nora Huang, who sat where these rising seventh graders were one year ago. “Moving Up is a big jump,” she said, “one that you are ready for … you just might need a GPS to find the cafeteria!” Nora shared that on her first day of school last year, she only realized she was in the wrong classroom when attendance was taken. “Remember you are not the only ones who are new,” she said. “Everyone is super welcoming.”

The rising seventh graders’ final song, “You Can Count on Me,” amplified Nora’s message of support. “You can count on me 'cause I can count on you.”

Congratulations to the Seely Place Class of 2026!