A Heartfelt Ceremony for Scarsdale A-School Grads

In a heartfelt ceremony that reflected the values, connection, and sense of belonging that define the Scarsdale Alternative School, 28 graduating seniors were celebrated on the evening of Wednesday, June 17th.

The intimate commencement ceremony was a true community effort, organized by junior students and Graduation Heads Xavier Stebich and Gavin Costello. Demonstrating the collaborative spirit that has long characterized the A-School community, sophomores and juniors worked together behind the scenes to purchase flowers, decorate the venue, and help prepare for the meaningful evening.

Adding a personal touch to the celebration, senior Buddy Meiselman served as Master of Ceremonies. With humor, warmth, and genuine affection for his classmates, Meiselman guided the evening with thoughtful introductions that had students and families laughing, reminiscing, and reflecting on their shared experiences.

The first faculty member to address the audience was A-School Director Fallon Plunkett, who began by recognizing the dedicated team that helps make the Alternative School such a special place.

“Thank you to my A-School colleagues: Amanda Filley, Mike Giordano, Ava Laera, Chris Paulison and Haley Rauch,” Plunkett said. “Without your tireless commitment to making our program into a school of ownership, accountability and trust, it would not be the same. To our senior English teacher Pamela Kroll, your dedication and heart are seen in every minute of your teaching. To Maria Atkinson, the A-School Secretary, for without your attention to detail who knows where we would be!”

As the evening unfolded, the impact of that commitment became unmistakably clear. Faculty members took turns delivering individualized tributes to each graduate, sharing personal stories, words of encouragement, and reflections on the unique strengths of every student. Their remarks revealed not only how deeply they know their students academically, but how invested they are in their lives, aspirations, and personal growth.
Listening to the teachers' memories and carefully crafted messages, one theme emerged again and again: the Alternative School faculty does far more than teach. They inspire, listen, support, and foster a remarkable sense of connection that allows students to feel known, valued, and understood.

As the Alternative School community gathered to celebrate its graduating class, the ceremony reflected far more than academic achievement. It honored a unique educational experience built on student leadership, shared responsibility, meaningful relationships, and the belief that every voice matters.

For the graduates, the journey through the Alternative School was shaped by traditions unlike those found in most schools. At the heart of the community is the weekly Community Meeting, a student-led forum where important issues are discussed openly and democratically. Students learn not only how to speak their minds, but also how to listen thoughtfully, respect differing perspectives, and work together toward solutions. These meetings serve as living lessons in citizenship, leadership, and mutual respect.

Behind every Community Meeting stands Agenda, another student-driven structure that empowers students to determine which issues deserve the community's attention. Through brainstorming, discussion, and voting, students learn that participation is not merely encouraged—it is essential. Their voices help shape the culture and direction of the school itself.

Graduates also leave behind the close-knit bonds formed within their Core Groups. Meeting weekly with peers and advisors, these small groups become trusted spaces for conversation, reflection, support, and growth. Here, students develop confidence, explore community issues, and often build friendships that last long after graduation. The confidentiality and trust fostered within Core Groups create an environment where students can truly be themselves.

Equally important are the relationships cultivated through regular advisory meetings. For many students, these one-on-one conversations with faculty advisors become a source of guidance, encouragement, and stability throughout their high school years. Advisors help students navigate academic challenges, personal growth, and the complexities of adolescence, providing a foundation of support that extends beyond the classroom.

The Alternative School's commitment to fairness and accountability also distinguishes its culture. Through the student-led Fairness Committee, community members learn how to resolve conflicts, address concerns, and repair relationships through dialogue and understanding. The process teaches students that responsibility, empathy, and justice are not abstract concepts, but skills that strengthen a community when practiced together.

As this year's graduates move on to new opportunities, they carry with them lessons that reach far beyond textbooks and transcripts. They leave knowing how to lead, how to listen, how to advocate for themselves and others, and how to contribute to a community built on respect and trust.
While every senior was recognized for their contributions to the school community, three students received special honors for exemplifying the values that define the A-School experience.

The Jeanne Award, presented to the senior who best embodies the school's values of integrity, empathy, and service, was awarded to Sam Weston.

The Jen Award, which honors a student whose quiet efforts behind the scenes strengthen and improve the community, was presented to Freddie Whitman.

The Senior Project Award, recognizing the year's most outstanding senior project, was bestowed upon Michael Wong.

The ceremony concluded with a moving address from Tessa LeRoy, who was elected by her classmates to speak on behalf of the graduating class. Her thoughtful and poignant remarks reminded fellow graduates of the enduring power of community and the relationships they had built during their time together. LeRoy recalled one especially meaningful activity when she described for the audience the “Four Corners” debates which became one of the defining experiences of the A School and especially of the Class of 2026. LeRoy explained:

What began as a simple classroom activity after Amanda’s reading quizzes often evolved into passionate, thought-provoking discussions where students challenged one another’s ideas, took intellectual risks, and learned to appreciate different perspectives. These debates created an environment where everyone felt encouraged to speak honestly, listen carefully, and engage in meaningful discourse. Through moments of agreement, disagreement, and even occasional slip-ups, classmates built trust, respect, and a deeper understanding of one another. The conversations frequently extended beyond the classroom, reflecting the genuine enthusiasm and connection they inspired. Looking back, the debates helped transform a group of individuals into a close-knit community, leaving a lasting impact on everyone involved. LeRoy ended her address with a quote “As Elphaba says in Wicked, ‘So much of me is made of what I learned from you. You’ll be with me like a handprint on my heart,’ a sentiment that captures how the Class of 2026 has shaped and influenced one another throughout their years together.”

The Alternative School's greatest success has always been its people. This graduating class embodies the values that have sustained the school for generations: the courage to speak, the willingness to listen, a commitment to fairness, and a dedication to one another. Their accomplishments are measured not only by where they are headed next, but by the community they helped create along the way.

Plunkett closed the evening with words that perfectly captured both the personality and resilience of the Class of 2026 and added, “As the Director of this Community, I now pronounce you ready to graduate from the Scarsdale Alternative School!”

With laughter, tears, heartfelt reflections, and proud families looking on, the ceremony served as a fitting tribute to a graduating class whose journey was shaped not only by academic achievement, but by friendship, perseverance, and an extraordinary sense of community.

As they cross the stage and begin the next chapter of their lives, they leave behind a legacy of participation, compassion, and belonging—one that will continue to inspire future generations of Alternative School students.