June 2003
Contact: Holly Brooker
(845) 255-1450 xt.1301

Touching tributes moved everyone to tears at the recent Ulster BOCES Center for Alternative Education (the A-School’s) annual Recognition Ceremony. Each year the ceremony is personalized to address the achievements of each of the students. Guests witness heartfelt exchanges between students and staff, reinforcing the deep, caring bond that is a trademark of the school’s setting.

Following tradition, Ulster BOCES teacher and the A-School’s senior class advisor Dawn Krom shared some fond and “funny” memories about each graduate. She then read a poem by Sandra Sturtz Hauss entitled, “These Are My Wishes For You,” and dedicated it to the graduating students:

“May you find serenity and tranquility in a world you may not always understand. May the pain you have known and the conflict you have experienced give you the strength to walk through life facing each new situation with courage and optimism. Always know that there are those whose love and understanding will always be there, even when you feel most alone...May you find enough inner strength to determine your own worth by yourself, and not be dependent on another’s judgement of your accomplishments. May you always feel loved.”

The students then each spoke their “final remarks” (another tradition), which touched the hearts of everyone in attendance.

Crystal Fletcher, a 2000 alumna, made a special appearance and addressed the graduating student body, attributing her own success to the Ulster BOCES Center for Alternative Education. “Five years ago, I was almost a high school dropout. Three years ago, I graduated high school. And now I am a full-time account executive at the Daily Freeman and a college student who, I am proud to say, is on the Dean’s List at SUNY Ulster.” Fletcher continued, “Each and every one of you in a cap and gown stuck it out. You set a goal and you are all achievers. You proved this program works. So, where do you go from here? Well, if you want to be doctors, then be doctors; singers be singers; etc. My senior quote was, ‘Never give up because you have more to give.’ My hope for you is that you choose success.”

Marlene Anderson-Butler, director of Special and Alternative Education at Ulster BOCES, addressed the students. “My message to you is—have a positive attitude. Life is not always fair and fair is not always equal. You’ve worked very hard and you should be congratulated on a job well done.”

The A-School offers a full academic program approved by the New York State Education Department. Students receive academic credits for their coursework and upon completion of all required coursework and exams earn their high school diplomas from their home school districts.

The mission of the school is to provide at-risk students with additional chances for success in a safe, supportive school community. Students are able to reconnect with themselves, and others, as well as establish career goals through creative academic and hands-on learning experiences. The program’s objective is to reduce the dropout rate by improving attendance and completion of academic goals.