Scarsdale Alternative School Graduation 2011

Despite stormy weather that forced the event inside, the 37th annual Scarsdale Alternative School graduation was a beautiful and personal event for teachers, parents and of course, A-Schoolers. The unique graduation ceremony on Friday June 17 was held in the Scarsdale High School auditorium instead of the traditional location, the front lawn of the Alternative School. A-School underclassmen decorated the venue with fresh flowers, which were placed in vases that bordered the stage.

Alternative School senior, Sarah Bushin, was master of ceremonies and addressed the crowd from the beautifully decorated stage. She introduced the teachers and in the spirit of the Alternative School led the singing of happy birthday to a grandparent in the audience.

In tradition with the Alternative School graduations, SAS faculty members delivered personal tributes to each of the 28 graduates.

Each speech demonstrated the unique and special bond that the graduates share with the SAS faculty. In addition to the special speeches, each underclassman gave a personalized gift to a particular SAS senior. Graduating senior TJ Kawamura said, “the gifts were a very thoughtful testament to how close of a community the A-School is.” Following the ceremony, the Botvin family hosted a reception party for all SAS graduates and their families at their home.

Although, the A-School seniors participate in both the regular Scarsdale High School graduation as well as the Scarsdale Alternative School graduation, the student’s unanimously agree that the SAS graduation is much more joyous and meaningful to them. Founded in 1972, the Scarsdale Alternative School is a place where students and teachers co-exist as equals in a democratic community.

Pictured at top: Jeanne Cooper and Alex Caplin

Author Jake Bank is a rising senior at Scarsdale High School. He is a member of the varsity Ice Hockey Team and varsity Lacrosse team. He is also a member of the Scarsdale A School.