LAGRANGE, N.Y., June 24, 2024 – Abilities First honored three young men at Graduation 2024 Friday, celebrating their commitment to education with faculty, staff and families whose devout support helped the students, with developmental disabilities, succeed and mature.
The outdoor graduation, under a canopy at Abilities First’s LaGrange school on Firemen’s Way, honored Hunter Dylewski of Hopewell Junction, Rene Larin of Kingston and Thomas Reeves of New Paltz. Abilities First, a nonprofit organization, provides people who face developmental challenges and their families support to attain independence, self-determination, integration and acceptance by others through education, exploration and experience.
“It has been incredibly heartwarming to watch these three graduates progress through our program with the love and strength of their inspiring families and our devoted faculty and staff,” said Abilities First CEO Jeffery Fox.
Georgia Patchen, Abilities First’s LaGrange campus principal, echoed Fox’s congratulations when addressing the graduates and their families. “Over the past year, it has been a pleasure to get to know these students and see their growth,” she said. “There are so many people here today to celebrate – not only your parents who love you, but representatives of your home school districts who have supported you through your journey. Your Abilities First family adored you and enjoyed watching you grow as well.”
“Pomp and Circumstance” and other selections were played by the Arlington High School String Quintet, and the graduates were resplendent in bright blue caps and gowns. An uplifting video chronicled the past school year, using the songs “Our Time” from the Broadway play “Merrily We Roll Along” and Faith Hill’s “There You’ll Be” as the soundtrack. The ceremony concluded with Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” sung by Santos Rodriguez and accompanied by Jeffrey Mansfield, Ryan Ellis and graduate Thomas Reeves under the direction of Music Therapist Noah Pomerselig. Refreshments followed.
For the graduates’ families, pride, smiles and the warmth of their children’s milestone accomplishments will be wonderfully enduring memories.
Alex Reeves, father of graduate Reeves, said, “I’m very happy and proud about this occasion. Abilities First is really one of the greatest places. It’s been a great fit for Tom and kids with needs.”
“It’s awesome and rewarding after so many years,” said Rene Larin Sr., father of new graduate Rene Larin. “It has been a long journey. At the end, it was very joyful to see this day.”
“I am so proud of all three of these kids,” said Stacey Dylewski, mother of graduate Hunter Dylewski. “The ceremony was beautiful.”
Caption for group photo, from left: Abilities First CEO Jeffery Fox, graduate Thomas Reeves, teacher Nancy Besio, graduate Rene Larin (seated), Abilities First LaGrange School Principal Georgia Patchen, graduate Hunter Dylewski, Abilities First Chief Program Officer Mark Nace and Abilities First Chief Administrative Officer Kelly Martinez.
About Abilities First and the Foundation for Abilities First N.Y.
Founded in 1962, Abilities First is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization serving the needs of over 1,100 children and adults with developmental disabilities from birth through adulthood throughout the Hudson Valley. More than 600 dedicated employees are committed to providing a culture of compassion, empowerment and respect through educational, vocational, residential, habilitation and family support programs and services. Founded in 2018, the Foundation for Abilities First NY is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Its mission is to garner the financial resources necessary to meet the programmatic interests and to assure the sustainability of the mission of Abilities First, Inc. Learn more at AbilitiesFirstNY.org.
