Harrison High School celebrated the Class of 2025 at commencement exercises on Friday, June 27th. Family, friends, administrators, faculty, staff, and members of the Board of Education gathered to recognize the exceptional graduates seated on stage at the SUNY Purchase Performing Arts Center.

Ms. Beukema congratulated graduates and acknowledged all who “contributed to our students’ journeys far beyond this evening.” She spoke about how the graduates brought the core values of our school district to life, created space for each other, and “learned how to see, hear, and value others.”

Board of Education President Kelly Kozak welcomed everyone to the ceremony, and reminded graduates to “Stay curious. Keep asking questions. Be bold enough to challenge the norm, and kind enough to listen.”

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Wool, acknowledged the many accomplishments of the graduates, including science scholars, record-breaking athletes, and future NCAA competitors, award-winning musicians and actors, and nationally ranked debaters.  He reminded the audience, “the children are always listening,” and “these graduates not only listened but embraced every opportunity offered to them.” They challenged boundaries, took risks, paid attention, and ultimately achieved “mindboggling academic accomplishments.”  

Dr. Wool closed his remarks with a boomerang in hand: “the game of life is a game of boomerang; our thoughts, deeds, and words return to us sooner or later with astounding accuracy.”  Twenty-two years ago, we decided to welcome every child, refuse to rank children, and not require test scores for entry into any program. We have maintained our unwavering commitment to all students to become one of the most successful high schools in the world.. The Class of 2025 reflects that promise. Like a boomerang, the impact of our decisions has returned in the achievements of the Class of 2025. He reflected, “These students delivered on our promise….All Means All.…they are extraordinary.”

Senior members of the chorus gave a final performance together, a beautiful rendition of “Slipping Through My Fingers.” Three members of the graduating class shared thoughtful reflections of their experiences at Harrison High School: Class President Isaac Schultz, faculty-selected speaker Ohtaro Tanaka, and student-selected speaker Caua Dos Santos Barofaldi da Silva. The ceremony concluded with the awarding of diplomas, tassel exchange, and the traditional tossing of graduation caps.

The Harrison community celebrated the Louis M. Klein Middle School 8th-grade class of 2025 at a Moving Up Ceremony held at the Harrison High School Performing Arts Center on June 26th. A highlight of the ceremony was the performance of "Just Got Here," an original song written and composed by 8th-grade students in the Modern Music Studio, reflecting their journey through LMK.

Mr. Fried thanked parents and encouraged students to remember all who have been there for the past three years: parents, family, teachers, staff, counselors, and administrators. He reminded students that new opportunities that await them at Harrison High School and urged them to “design your own experience…create your own history and make it meaningful.”

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Louis Wool addressed the students and encouraged them to pay attention, “see the people in front of you, and when you do, you will transform someone’s life.” He reminded them to “invite people in when they get to Harrison High School” and create an inclusive community like they did at LMK.

Board of Education President Kelly Kozak thanked the community for supporting our schools and investing in our children and recognized the administrators, faculty, and staff for their thoughtful guidance. She reminded students, “as you step into high school, carry with you the lessons of perseverance. Follow your heart and believe in yourself.”

Student speakers Giuliana Currim and Aris Morales shared reflections on “Looking Back” at their time at LMK and “Looking Ahead” to all that awaits them at Harrison High School.  At the conclusion of the ceremony, Harrison High School Principal Ms. Beukema led the students off the stage in a symbolic gesture of transition and the opportunities that lie ahead.

Harrison’s 5th-grade students from Harrison Avenue Elementary School, Parsons Elementary School, Preston Elementary School, and Purchase Elementary School were applauded and acknowledged at the Moving Up ceremonies.

Principals welcomed families, expressed gratitude to parents for their partnership, and recognized the dedication of faculty and staff. Each principal shared stories about how the 5th-grade students have grown since arriving in kindergarten, and encouraged them to take the lessons learned in elementary school with them to LMK.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Wool greeted families and thanked parents, faculty, staff, and the Harrison community for their commitment to our students. He spoke to students about games… and the importance of including others, “games are fun if you get invited to play.”  He reminded them that they have the ability to impact other people by inviting them in, “The game of life is won not by how many things you have but by how many lives and hearts you touch.”

Board of Education trustees spoke at the ceremonies and thanked the community for its support and belief in our schools and children.