There is a well-earned sense of pride and accomplishment at Huguenot Academy as the school year ends.
New Rochelle High School’s Class of 2022 includes 100% of the 21 seniors attending Huguenot Academy – and 19 colleges have accepted Huguenot Academy seniors into their programs next fall.
Huguenot Academy is a program for students whose success is powered by a small, supportive, educational setting. Of the 21 seniors, 19 participated in the high school ceremonies Thursday; two others will be a part of the August graduation. Students were ecstatic:
- "I just can't believe I'm done with high school,” said Jenniffer Avelar. “Feels like just yesterday I was in middle school enjoying recess. Now I'm all grown, ready to say 'hello' to adult life."
- "I've accomplished what my parents couldn't, and I hope to keep accomplishing!" said Samantha Geronimo.
- "It's a bittersweet feeling,” said Juel Thomas. “I'm not ready yet, but I've worked so hard for it. It means everything to me. The last four years of my life, I've been through every situation possible and still pushed through at the end. It just means everything."
Andrea Schwach, director of the program who is at left in the photos, has been with the Academy’s new graduates throughout their Huguenot journey. "I've seen them grow from freshmen trying to acclimate to impressive and capable young adults who are ready to take on whatever comes next,” she said. “There are no words that adequately express the amount of pride and love I feel when thinking about 'my babies.' Together, we've made it through so many challenges. Every one of our graduates worked tirelessly to achieve this major milestone within four years. They are most deserving of celebration, acknowledging not only their hard work, but also their transition into their next chapter.”