Meet the Graduates of the Garrison Union Free School Class of 2009

First Row, kneeling (L-R): Avery Anderson, Jack Bynum, Ander Stebe-Glorius, Simon Close, Nicholas Shishkoff, Robby Schartner, Justin Voelp. Second Row, seated: Libby Simone, Chloe Wareham-Gordon, Nicklas Clemente, Ali Galezo, Maddie Freeman, Matthew Chason, Nicole Matros, Sarah Rodzevik. Third Row, standing: Elizabeth Lansbury, Hannah Penner, Eryn Kelly, Kady Neill, Montserrat Perez, Skyler Young, Graydon Cook, Julie Marcinak, Frank Auth, Olivia Menillo, Skye Horgan, Richard Stiehl, Lianna Culp. Fourth Row, standing: Drew Ford, Phillip Lewis, Lindy Labriola, Casey Gell, Connor Filardo, Chris Delamater, Emmanuel Saavadra. Not pictured: Jake Heitman The 2009 Garrison School graduation was the culminating event of the Garrison School's cornerstone celebration year. The graduates processed in as Pomp and Circumstance was played by Mrs. Marilyn Walker and Principal Stephanie Impellittiere and Superintendent Gloria Colucci announced each graduate.

After Malinda Labriola led the Pledge of Allegiance and she and Kadence Neill led the singing of the National Anthem, Mrs. Colucci provided welcoming remarks and recognized retiring School Board members, Marilyn Palefsky and Frances DiSarro for their years of dedicated service.

Mrs. Colucci also recognized special alumni guests Donald MacDonald, Garrison School Class of 1939; Evelyn Baische (Green), Garrison School Class of 1944; Rosemarie Hallenback, Garrison School Class of 1945; and Georgiana Jenerose (Green) Garrison School Class of 1952 as graduate Chloe Wareham Gordon presented each with flowers.

Graduates Hannah Penner, Elizabeth Simone, Madison Freeman, Allison Galezo, Olivia Mennillo, and Richard Stiehl presented special readings and Kadence Neill sang. Officers of the Class of 2009 came forward to announce the class prophesy and present the class gift of an apple tree and statue of a cougar, the school mascot. This Cornerstone Class also wrote essays about Garrison to be saved electronically and stored in the 2008 cornerstone to be installed in commemoration of this 100th anniversary year. Class President Malinda Labriola spoke eloquently of her experiences as a Garrison School student.

School Principal Stephanie Impellittiere addressed the thirty-six graduates before calling their names to receive their diplomas from School Board Vice President Frances DiSarro.

The audience and graduates were treated to a slide show prepared by Olivia Mennillo, and balloons showered the graduates as the Class of 2009 was presented for the recessional.