A School Graduates 28 Students in a Ceremony Led by their Peers

Master of Ceremonies Sophie HoffmanThe Scarsdale Alternative School (SAS), created in 1972 by students, teachers, and administrators as an experimental program within Scarsdale High School, is an incredible program that affords mainstream students a greater voice in their education and welcomes them to an unparalleled learning community. In addition to their academic and intellectual development, the SAS community strives to promote students’ social, civic, and moral development by establishing a workable, democratic school governance system. Though SAS maintains the high level of academic achievement and excellence for which Scarsdale is known, students and teachers learn to work together toward agreed upon goals, and to create a culture that emphasizes cooperation in hopes of eliminating the more destructive forms of competition.

This strong sense of cooperation and working together for the good of the community, was on full display at the beautiful SAS graduation ceremony on Friday June 14th. The intimate celebration of 28 graduating seniors, was organized by sophomore students and Graduation Heads, Jacob Dallal and Sam Weston. The duo also had support from the other SAS sophomores and juniors who pitched in to buy flowers, decorate, and to help set-up for the meaningful event.

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In addition to being organized by students, the Master of Ceremonies for the evening was senior Sophie Hoffman. Hoffman not only kept the flow of the event moving along nicely, with her natural stage presence and charming humor, she was the star of the show. Her brief introductions of each of the SAS advisors, were sweet, personable, and served to remind the audience just how tight-knit of a community the A-School is. In her remarks, SAS teacher Fallon Plunkett thanked Hoffman for running the day’s event, relating that she had “the perfect balance of humor and sincerity for the job.”Tyler Hughson won the Jean Award

While each senior was recognized for their contributions to the SAS community, three students were further acknowledged with a distinctive A-School award. In true SAS fashion, the first award, the Jeanne Award, recognized a senior who best embodies the A-School values of integrity, empathy and service. This year that award was given to Tyler Hughson.

Ava Shandler won the Jen AwardThe Jen Award which celebrates the student who works behind the scenes to better the community, was awarded to Ava Shandler.

And the last award of the evening, the Senior Project Award which honors the best senior project, was bestowed upon Emilia Gomez.

In her opening remarks, Plunkett also thanked the Senior Speaker of the night, Jade D’Agostino, saying that her “passion, voice and inclusive nature embody so much of what the A-School values.” These qualities shown through in D’Agostino’s heartfelt speech which highlighted that the A-School community is a community of care. Her touching reflections, delivered with grace and sincerity, didn’t leave a dry eye in the house.

Emilia Gomez won the Senior Project Award

Senior Speaker Jade D'Agostino