PS1 Pluralistic School Class of 2026:
Thursday, June 4, 2026 3:00pm Field of Dreams
Rose, Jesse, Georgica, Conrad, Rileigh, Mateo, Kai, Emiliia, Annabelle, Ruby, Seon, Micah, Rhodes, Alexander, Bryson, Willem, Bodan, Nico, Allison, Elsen, Sonam, Chloe, Connor, Nathaniel, Finn & Sebastian
The guiding principles we hold dear:
Spark curious and critical thinkers who confidently contribute to their communities.
PS1 Values:
Many voices build a better world.
PS1 Mission Statement:
PS1 Vision Statement:
How we get closer to our vision:
Learn with joy Children learn through unbridled curiosity, abundant questions, and opportunities to learn from failure. We embrace that spirit and understand learning journeys are not a means to an end, but one stage in lifelong exploration.
Discover your full self Students need safe environments where they can develop self-awareness, responsibility, and connection. We cultivate open minds and hearts so every learner can embrace challenges as opportunities, lead with empathy, and thrive in a complex world.
Honor our lived experiences Our individual identities unite and enrich us. We respect diverse strengths, talents, and experiences and seek to understand how we each show up in the world, knowing we are stronger because of our interactions.
Be part of something bigger We encourage everyone to be part of something bigger than themselves, make connections, and see themselves as contributors to the PS1 community and the world beyond.
Congratulations Class of 2026!
Rose Mizuki Behr Jesse Campbell Georgica Rose DeFeo* Conrad DiMauro* Rileigh Dixon Mateo Escalante Kai Fairbourn Emiliia Fokova Annabelle Frazier* Ruby Ayana Kanashige* Seon Kang* Micah Jeemin Kim* Rhodes Megna Alexander Benjamin Melamed Bryson Ning Willem Clarke Patch* Bodan Skye Parry* Nico Bray Recinos Allison Reyna Elsen Kingley Rogers Sonam K Shrestha Chloe Emma Truino* Connor Eames Vogel Nathaniel Wax Finn Wilson* Sebastian Gerald Wolff* *Class of 2026 Alumni Representatives
The Graduation Ceremony is a PS1 rite of passage. Each year, each graduate stands in front of parents, teachers, and fellow students to address the crowd. This experience is incredibly moving as the graduates share their words of wisdom before heading off to middle school. We are excited to share this Class of 2026 Grad Book (containing all of the student speeches, parent and Head of School tributes, and Moving Up words from all of their years at PS1). We hope you enjoy!
Rose Mizuki Behr I walked into this school in first grade with no understanding of time—no idea that the smallest moments would become the ones that became the hardest to leave behind. These halls watched us grow in ways we didn’t notice then: in scraped knees and second chances, in quiet struggles, in laughter that filled rooms we will soon walk out of for the last time. And now, somehow, we are here—asked to say goodbye to a place that never felt temporary. And even more—how do we say goodbye to the people who were part of every step along the way? The teachers who have been in our life for so long. When we doubted ourselves they didn’t. And that makes this moment feel even more fragile. But time is cruel in the gentlest way. Somewhere between the first day and today, I learned who I am. Not all at once, but slowly—like sunlight finding its way through the branches of a tree. Every lesson, every mistake, every friendship left its mark. This place did more than teach me facts; it helped shape my voice, my courage, and the person I am. The child who walked through these doors years ago, and somehow this person is standing here. But time is cruel in the gentlest way. It steals moments without asking. One ordinary afternoon becomes the last time in a classroom together. One laugh in the hallway becomes an echo we will spend years trying to remember exactly as it sounded. After today, life will scatter us like pages torn from the same book. Some names will slowly fade. Some memories will blur at the edges. One day, we will struggle to remember the little things we swore we never could forget. We are leaving versions of ourselves that will never exist again. Here, we learn growing up is beautiful, but it is also a kind of loss. So before we walk away, let us hold this moment. Let us thank the years that changed us, the people who carried us, and the love hidden inside every ending. So instead, we carry this with us—always. Thank you -Rose Behr
Dear Rose, Congratulations on your graduation from PS1! You started at PS1 in first grade, right in the middle of the COVID pandemic. Now, it’s hard to believe that you barely remember what those days were like. I am so glad that you had such wonderful years at PS1, filled with great friends and favorite teachers. I hope the experiences, friendships, and lessons you gained at PS1 will help guide you on your next journey. I am so proud of you and excited to see all the amazing things you will do in the future. With love, Mom and Dad
Words from the staff:
Today feels like standing at the end of a story I never wanted to finish.
Words from Ritsuko and Matthew Behr:
Words from Rose Mizuki Behr:
Six Years at PS1
Rose, you bring warmth, energy, humor, and heart wherever you go, and you have a special gift for making people feel welcomed and included by leading with openness and joy. Funny, spirited, and outgoing, you genuinely want others to feel connected and cared for, whether through a warm conversation, an invitation to join in, or proudly sharing one of your dad’s delicious recipes. You are a thoughtful and caring friend who appreciates people for who they are and you bring enthusiasm and fun to your relationships and your classroom community. As a learner, you are deeply engaged, creative, and expressive, asking thoughtful questions, making animated contributions to discussions, and bringing high energy to everything you do. You are also a remarkable storyteller who can completely captivate an audience with sincerity and love of stories, especially those passed down through your family. Your creativity shines in the arts, where you have grown into an independent and confident artist and performer, eagerly learning new skills and dedicating yourself fully to your leading role in the musical. Over the course of the year, you have shown tremendous growth in self-awareness, resilience, and an increasingly strong sense of who you are becoming.
Words from friends:
Rose Behr
2020-2021
2022-2023
2024 -2025
You are a good friend because you play with me everyday at recess. We have a lot of fun together playing tag. When I’m alone and don’t have anyone to play with you come up to me and ask, “do you want to play?” You are really good at Karate. I like it when you show me your Karate moves. You can do lots of cartwheels. At centers, we play math games together and you make them really fun. You are a really good reader. I love it when you tell me about the books that you are reading.
You are always energetic and funny and you make jokes that make me laugh. I loved when your dad came into Indigo and you showed off your cooking skills! You always brighten everyone’s face with your enthusiasm. You always check in when someone is recovering from a recent trauma. I remember at Great Wolf Lodge when we went on that four rider ride and you were brave and excited! Thanks for being an awesome friend and making me laugh.
Rose is so outstandingly funny and brave. She doesn’t care if people are watching and she’s so outgoing with whatever she does, but also self aware. I love how imaginative she is—I also loved her Halloween costume. Rose is kind and smart and asks questions in every discussion. She loves to help and tries her best in whatever she does.She’s so energetic it is always super fun to be around her. When Rose tries to make you laugh, you laugh, and when she tries her hardest it makes you try your hardest. Rose is always working hard in class and in PE. She is so athletic, I always feel lucky to have her on my team. Rose, you’re my top bestie and always will be. We’ve been through so much together and I’m so grateful to have someone who understands me as much as you.
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Take a step forward everywhere you go.
2021-2022
You know how to comfort me when I am sad by checking on me and staying with me. I like how you help me with gymnastics moves. You can play fairly and joyfully with any classmates. I like to laugh with you and come up with funny jokes. You are such a cheery classmate and care about your classmates’ feelings. You are so energetic and move around with great joy.
Bloom like a flower, the world needs your beauty.
Dear Rose, your love for being with your friends inspires me. You are the most energetic person and that’s the most amazing part about you. You are always so enthusiastic and you come to school with a big smile. You are silly and you make all your friends laugh and your jokes are contagious! I really admire your personality because you never let anything bring you down. I appreciate how in math, you were not afraid to answer any problem whether it’s division, multiplication, addition, and subtraction. Rose, You are such a talented athlete! I REALLY LOVE HOW YOU ARE SOOOOO GOOD AT ANYY SPORT YOU TRY.
2025-2026
You are such a great friend. You are very talented and energetic. You have a bright smile, and everyone is so glad to have you as a classmate. You bring a playful energy to PE, and throughout the years, you’ve learned to take responsibility for your mistakes and we are all proud of you for that. You’ve grown alongside me, and encouraged me to push past limits. You’ve been an amazing role model to the younger children. You’re really energetic (in a good way) and open minded. You are very engaged in subjects and ask interesting questions. You have always been kind, smart, funny, and really athletic. Hope you have fun at your new school. You are super interactive with
Jesse Campbell
One of my most cherished memories was when the Olders Cluster went on a field trip to Santa Cruz Island, which is one of the Channel Islands. I took a boat ride with my classmates and teachers, and the Island Packers guided us on a hike up to one of the scenic points of a mountain. We saw a rare, but harmless island fox and even found a shark tooth. I had so much fun on this field trip. In fifth grade, my class was performing Macbeth, and I was thinking I would be literally anything that wasn’t on stage. Then my teachers saw how good I was at one of the roles and recommended that I play the role of Third Witch. And even though I wasn’t expecting too. I did it, and had a really memorable experience. The next year, the Olders Cluster did a musical called James and the Giant Peach. Even though I had a really great time being the Third Witch, I wanted to do something backstage. I wanted to be part of the magic that happens to help make the production as spectacular as it was. I did mics and I had a great time. A couple months later, the staff asked me if I could help out with the Bridge and Middles musical too, so I got to help with a second musical in my grad year, which was really special to me. PS1 has given me so much more than education. It has taught me to be confident in any situation, to walk into a room and believe in myself even when doubt tries to sneak in. Now I am not only leaving with knowledge but also with courage, confidence, and joy. Now, after seven years at PS1, my last days are here. And one more thing, thank you for the best seven years of my life. *mic drop*
Dear Jesse, Being your mom has been the greatest joy of my life. I am so proud of the person you have become, and I look forward to watching you continue to grow and flourish. You are curious, kind, funny, smart, and passionate in everything you do — whether it’s helping the neighbors with their gardens or learning a new sport, you bring your whole heart to every endeavor. In school, you have worked hard even when things didn’t come easily, and you’ve met every challenge with a good attitude. I can see how proud you are of all that you have learned and accomplished at PS1. You are a true community member — always ready to step in and help wherever there’s a need. Others frequently tell me how helpful and supportive you are with friends, classmates, teachers, and staff. You have been a true original since the day you were born — happy, always smiling, and full of personality. My wish for you as you step into this next chapter is that you carry your hard-earned confidence and joyful spirit into every adventure that lies ahead. You’ve got this. I love you with all my heart, Mom
Words from the staff:
I would like to start by expressing my deepest gratitude to my friends, family, and faculty, who have stood by my side in every high and low of my time at PS1.
Words from Kim Campbell:
Words from Jesse Campbell:
Seven Years at PS1
Jesse, you are thoughtful, dependable, and kindhearted, and instinctively look for ways to help others and the community around you. You notice what needs attention and quietly step in, whether calmly supporting classmates on the grad trip to fill their water bottles, helping teachers set up and clean up, welcoming visitors, or assisting younger students with patience and care. Over the years, you have grown into a calm, mature, and emotionally grounded young person who brings joyful energy and inclusiveness wherever you go. Your observation that you wanted to offer the Middles tech crew the same opportunity to explore and learn on their own that Brad had offered you was a landmark moment in your development of patience and self-reflection. As a learner, you are curious, engaged, and especially skilled with language and ideas, often explaining complex concepts with clarity and insight that help others understand. You are also reflective and eager to grow, approaching academics, athletics, technology, and leadership with persistence and increasing confidence. Your generosity, reliability, and genuine care for others make you someone who positively impacts every community you are a part of.
“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do." Pelé
Words from friends:
Jesse Campbell 2019-2020
2022-2023
2024 -2025
I like playing with you. I liked going to your house and playing with the sprinkler. I think you have a really sweet heart. You are good builder. I see a lot of amazing things that you have built this year. You are a fun kid. I wish we could play. I love playing with you. I am so glad you are in red class.
You are very open to what everyone else is doing and can compromise. You are very helpful and agreeable. I can count on you to help me out if I need it. You are really good at math. You are super energetic and you make really good jokes. You make me laugh. You are so positive. You have a lot of good ideas and are creative. Whenever someone is hurt, you jump in and ask if they’re ok. You’ll make sure that the game is paused in soccer so they can get back in and play.
You’re persistent and never give up on anything, including writing assignments— you always push through. When we take notes in class you always pay attention and work as hard as you can. You are also really kind. I have seen you stop playing soccer or some other game when someone was hurt just to check and make sure they are ok. I liked the way you organized your Black Panther Party presentation. It really represented you and I thought it was really cool. You are very smart in everything, especially math. You can always solve a problem no matter what it is. You know a lot about technology and know how to fix anything. You always give a helpful hand, like the other day you gave me a fineliner when I needed one and then I needed to open a bottle cap and you helped me open it. Even though these little acts of kindness seem small they all add up to something bigger and I appreciate that. You find the good in everyone.
2020-2021
I love you. You are such a sweet friend to be around. I like you because you are my friend. When I transferred here you were my friend. You are a super fun guy and I love to be around you. I’m so glad we play together and you are just cool. You are so fast, that I can’t run away when you are “It.” Jesse, I like to play with you.
2021-2022
You are a big helper in our class. You help clean and organize our classroom. You are so supportive and say kind words to cheer others up. You have good sportsmanship and share encouraging words to others. You are so friendly and cheer on your friends during recess. You are so kind and notice ways to help others when they need support. You are determined to try new things.
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I really enjoy when we are in a group together because we get to learn so much about each other. Your personality is such a great reminder of how sweet you are. I also really appreciate how much you care about anyone. You always support your friends in difficult times like when they are hurt! I admire how you play soccer. You always try your best whether you’re playing against older students or people your age!
2025-2026
You’re really good at soccer, and pretty funny. I thought you did a good job in the James and the Giant Peach play, you know so much about technology and you did a good job with your backstage stuff. I think you’re a great sport. You’re always so open minded, even when it’s hard. You always help me with my DreamBox and you’re really, really good at it, too. I can always talk to you, and you listen to me, and that’s awesome. You’re nice, funny, very helpful, smart, fearless, and cool. Thank you for being a great friend.
Georgica Rose DeFeo
But that’s not how this story goes. It’s a normal day around the end-ish of the year. It’s Covid, but still, normal. Masks cover expressions as people run to classes, making me even more nervous. Someone points toward my new class, and my PS1 journey begins. I quickly make friends, and everyone is so kind and nice, it was hard to remember I was ever scared. I learned, did math, had recess, and more. But not everything is perfect, Covid makes us wear masks even after my first year at my new school. The first year we have tents outside, and online classes like art and library. But … My feet keep moving across the pages, over the words of my story, urging me to push on. The more I get to know people, the more I feel at home. Jumping, running, spinning through my adventure of possibilities. Learning, playing, making new friends, and enjoying the experience as I walk up the path of my adventure. Even now in my last years here, I’m still making new friends, learning new things, and walking over the words of my story. My story will continue, but my PS1 journey will have to end, eventually. But that doesn’t mean not taking my story with me. Even after I turn the page to a new adventure, the things I’ve learned here at PS1 will still come with me, guiding a new path through a forest of unknown. My memories of laughter with friends, and help from teachers, projects with classmates, making California out of cardboard, plays with weird characters (and musicals), Shakespeare that inspired me to go on stage, late homework nights after activities, and sitting at the high top tables laughing about only inside jokes, and who knows what, will always stay with me, never leaving my side. I would never change this magical amazing journey for anything, especially these last years of PS1, I would never be me without my awesome teachers and friends, who have helped me be me. Standing up here on a stage, where I never thought I would be. So thank you, PS1.
Georgie, What a joy it is to watch you grow and flourish into the person you have become. We are so proud of you and all you have accomplished. What a journey the past 7 years have been. Who could have thought that when you started kindergarten in Brooklyn as the shy and quiet child who didn’t want to leave our side that you would become the person you are today. You entered PS1 during COVID, when faces were covered and uncertainty was everywhere. Your first day at PS1, Nancy met you at the gate with a thermometer and a mask and lead you away from us to your new class. PS1 ignited a passion in you as a learner, and it has been incredible to watch you become the confident, curious, passionate human you are today. Your continued desire for exploration, sense of adventure, and artistic prowess never ceases to amaze us. We are so excited to watch you continue to flourish in your next chapter and see where life takes you next. You have grown into such a strong and determined young woman, and it is the true joy of our lives to watch you grow. We cannot wait to see what you do next. All our love, mom and dad
Words from the staff:
As we walk into PS1, bubbles erupt from the building and welcome me forward, smiling faces all around, laughing, hugging, talking, inviting me in. That’s how you normally imagine starting at PS1.
Words from Courtney Gertler-DeFeo and Alex DeFeo:
Words from Georgica Rose DeFeo:
Six Years at PS1
Georgie, you are a joyful, thoughtful, and deeply curious person whose calm presence, bright spirit, and love of learning make you a special part of our community. Rarely seen without a hat and a book in hand, you move through your days with a genuine delight in stories, ideas, and discovery, often arriving at school completely immersed in the latest mystery or fantasy novel you can’t wait to discuss with friends. You are sensible, and lead naturally through steady effort, kindness, and the way you fully commit yourself to whatever you are doing. You are an original thinker and engaged learner who brings insight, creativity, and thoughtful participation to discussions, while also showing remarkable talent and care in your artistic and academic work. Whether creating detailed art projects, organizing a classroom closet simply because it needed attention, helping classmates, or representing the school as a poised and dynamic Grad Ambassador, you approach everything with focus, humor, and heart. You are a loyal and compassionate friend, a wonderfully even-tempered and inclusive presence, and someone whose intelligence, creativity, and quiet confidence leave a lasting impression on everyone lucky enough to know you.
Georgica DeFeo
ho nw o s r a A pe made er er nev nev e k ta ing mis yth n a d . trie new T BER -AL EIN ST EIN
Words from friends:
r eve n u Yo il unt l i a f p sto u o y ng. tryi RT BE -AL EIN ST EIN
If y ou don eth ’ you ing, c t like h c ang an cha e it nge ’t cha . n y ge i If our -MA t , a YA AN ttitude GEL OU . som
2020-2021
2022-2023
2024 -2025
You are very nice and sweet. You have a lot of confidence. You are a fast runner so it’s really fun playing tag with you at recess. You are so smart and curious. You always pay attention in class and get your work done. You are very focused and always understand what the work is. Your work is always so neat and you do always draw detailed pictures. I really liked the farm you made for our class community project.
You are super funny. Remember when we played the horse game? That made us laugh. You are such a great sport and so fair when you play games. Whenever you play basketball with me, you always pass the ball to everyone. You are so focused during the school day. You write so much - remember your fiction story? You bring great vibes to the classroom. We make funny faces at each other sometimes and it really makes my day! At jobs, you are so zoned in. You clean up everything! You stack chairs, pick things off the ground, and help everyone with their job. It really inspires me.
You are SOOOOO talented, smart, fun, kind, intelligent, and funny. You put hard work into everything and it always turns out to be awesome. You are so nice, kind, and caring and AN AMAZING ACTOR!!!!! When we were practicing Macbeth on stage, you sounded like the witch that would knock your boots off in one go. You are courageous and kind, and you push me to want to work harder on my math and writing. Even though you are in 5th grade and I am in 6th grade I will always look up to you in logical thinking. You’re very flexible, kind, smart, and hard working. You’re also creative and have an upbeat attitude and you never fail to lighten up any mood. People should wake up and say “I want to be like Georgie.” If that happened the world would be super cool.
2021-2022
You are such an amazing helper who always cleans up our room. You stick by me when things are challenging and help me through it. You practice things that are hard for you until you get better at it. You are a good sport and play fairly with your friends. You have a great way to make your friends laugh. I respect how you are so neat and organized.
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Georgie, you are hardworking and humorous. You are so fun to play with and you come up with creative ideas, like for our performance at the camping talent show. You are a really good artist and you always do great drawings, like in our LA river drawings and in art too. You are kind and a good friend because you want to be fair and include people. You are so supportive in class and help me figure out tricky problems without giving away the answers!
2025-2026
You’re super kind, and an amazing artist. I absolutely love your Personal Textbook entries - they’re stunning! I thought it was so cool how you made a little strip of the song “I Got You” in your Personal Textbook entry on James and the Giant Peach. You’re so athletic, good at swimming and at singing, and talented at everything. You’re amazing at presentations, and you’re a great partner. You work hard and always try your best. You’re nice to everyone, even outside the class, and it’s really cool that you care about everyone.
Conrad DiMauro
Throughout my time here one thing I loved to do was learning new things. As I joined different classes I learned different things. It would be challenging because for me learning new lessons and subjects was hard for me because I didn’t know what they were and I also have ADHD so it was hard for me to focus. But I would always try to stay among the students with whom I could focus and one thing my dad would always say is “ don’t be afraid to ask for help from teachers.” I had wanted to be the kid who doesn’t need help but in time I learned that getting support is a good thing and it is how we grow. My favorite thing I did at PS1 was making friends. Even on my first day I had butterflies in my stomach feeling like I wanted to go back to preschool but I would always show passion, kindness, and happiness, as my energy to everyone and it worked! I will always bring that to my interactions because to this day people even say that’s my superpower. And now it is finally time where my time ends. I want to say thank you especially to my parents for letting me go to this incredible school that taught me so much and where I found amazing people. I also want to thank all the teachers that taught me everything I need to learn, thanks to the staff for being yourself and working hard for this school. Thank you to all my friends for being so supportive of me and being so kind and caring. I want to also be remembered as the person who always cares for people when they’re sad or frustrated, and always being the kid who never could be quiet during recess or learning and always showing passion & happiness to everyone. Oh and one more thing, this may also be the last time you will ever see a Boston fan on this campus: thanks to all the kids, staff and teachers who had beef with me about all my favorite teams because it’s funny seeing your teams lose and my teams win. Anyway, thank you to the organization & community of PS1 for such an amazing experience and don’t worry, this is not a goodbye I will always visit even though this is the start of a new journey. Thank you.
To our dear Conrad, Congratulations on graduating from PS1! You’ve reached an important milestone, and we are so incredibly proud of you. We are proud of all your accomplishments, but even more than that, we are proud of the person you are. You are kind, thoughtful, and compassionate, and you care so deeply for your family and friends. Those qualities are going to take you far in life. We know there are many more exciting adventures and opportunities ahead, and we can’t wait to see all the wonderful things you will do. Please remember how loved you are. We love you, Mom, Dad, Penny, & Millie
Words from the staff:
I still remember the first time I stepped on this campus. It was nerve-racking because it was a new school and I didn’t know how to learn that well and just vibe with the school, because I was only six. but I was ready to make new friends and start a heck of a journey .
Words from Lisa Serra and Vincent DiMauro:
Words from Conrad DiMauro:
Seven Years at PS1
Conrad, you are an exuberant, warm-hearted, and unforgettable presence who brings energy, humor, and connection everywhere you go. You seem to know everyone on campus and you have a remarkable ability to make both children and adults feel seen, welcomed, and appreciated. Whether passionately commentating on a World Cup match, debating NBA players with teachers, enthusiastically cheering for every graduate at commencement, or turning half the school into Celtics fans, you throw your whole heart into everything you love. You are playful, outgoing, and deeply caring, always ready with encouragement, compliments, or a funny observation to brighten someone’s day. Beneath your big personality is a thoughtful and loyal person who genuinely cares about others and works hard to build a positive community. As a student, you are engaged, curious, and eager to participate, bringing creativity, humor, and persistence to both academic and artistic work. You are a talented performer, singer, announcer, athlete, and storyteller whose enthusiasm is contagious, and whose growing self-awareness and ability to advocate for yourself have helped you thrive. Your joyful spirit, strong sense of sportsmanship, and gift for making people feel connected leave a lasting impression on everyone around you.
PS1 2019-2026
“You will face
many defeats in life, but never let yourself be defeated.” Maya Angelou
Words from friends:
Conrad DiMauro
2019-2020
2022-2023
When there is a problem you help me find a teacher. You always know where everyone is! If someone excludes me, you try to get me to play with you. We like to play the chase game and Cheetah with everyone. You always want to be it. You are funny when you fall down playing cheetah. I laugh because I know you are being silly.
You are an excellent referee because you make the teams fair. You are hilarious and have a system to make others laugh. You are one of my best friends because we have a lot in common and can talk about anything. You have strong arms, a strong heart, strong back, and mind. You have good sportsmanship and support your teammates so well. You are welcoming to your friends and new people who visit our class.
2020-2021
You are the fastest runner during tag, you are hard to get! You make me laugh when I fake scare you. Remember when you dropped food during lunch and you did a funny dance about it? Everyone thought that was so, so funny. I like when you share your animal stories during Writers’ Workshop.
2021-2022
You are so funny and can cheer anyone up with “The Conrad Dance”. You enjoy making others laugh and be joyful. You are a great referee for our soccer games because you keep things fair. You are an upstander for your classmates to make sure they feel safe. You are so respectful and think about other friend’s needs. You are always in a jolly mood.
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I love how you are always so sweet to everyone in class. You always greet me with a warm smile in the morning! Your very cheerful personality, and phenomenal humor strikes in the room. I love when you start singing Gun n’ Roses! Your enthusiastic energy continues to amaze me. No matter what happens you always make everyone feel like a winner! You are amazing at everything you do whether that’s in subjects at school or sports in and out of school. You are the biggest basketball fan I have ever met and are so committed to your New England sport teams. Conrad, Thank you so much for being such a great friend. And one more thing GO UCONN!!!!!!
2024-2025
YOU THE MAN! While you always say this to other people, I believe that you deserve this title! Ever since Green, we have had a connection. You always agree with me and hang out if I’m bored. You always fight through even when times are tough. Never change, man. CONRAD! You are sooo funny.
You always light up the room when you talk. You’re never afraid to show your true self. Conrad, you are the kindest and most thoughtful person I have ever met. You always, I mean always, care about your friends, you are nice and kind, you will make them feel like they are a king in a huge, huge palace, that’s how nice you are to everyone. I will always remember your outgoing, bubbly, and proud personality. I remember how you used to be the announcer in bridge and middles, which we were lucky to have one. I absolutely love talking about the Celtics with you! You are also a super good basketball player, and I like how you make a great call to someone if they make a block. You have a great voice, and you aren’t afraid to use it. Keep singing. Lastly, BLEEDGREEN!!!
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Dear Conrad, you are one of my greatest friends because of how unique and funny you are, not just making me laugh but the whole class. You have been by my side even when no one else would. I hope we stay friends when we go off to middle school. You have such a bright and wonderful personality. Everybody knows you are an amazing basketball player, football player, etcetera but I just had to say it again. Everyone wants to be your friend because you are such a kind soul and I wish you happiness for days to come. When everyone’s silent, you make a big announcement, and suddenly the class is full of giggles. You are by far one of the nicest, uplifting,cheerful, and wholesome people I have ever met across my ps1 journey. You add so much value to conversations and ask wonderful questions and when someone asks you a question you think about it before answering.
Rileigh Dixon
That whole summer, I moped around the house. I tried not to let those feelings stop me from enjoying my summer, but every once in a while, that heavy feeling would come back. I kept wondering what my new school would be like and whether I would ever feel at home again. I still remember my first time walking into PS1. I felt anxious and worried, thinking: “How will I make friends?”, “Should I try talking to someone first or let them come to me?”, and “How will I find comfort here?” But as soon as I walked in, I was greeted by tons of bubbles floating around and sparkling in the sunlight, almost cinematic. I had never felt so emotional over bubbles before in my life. As the bubbles slowly drifted upward, it felt like my worries drifted away with them. A sudden sense of comfort replaced the tremble in my heart. Over the next few weeks, I constantly heard students talking about memories and events from the year before. Whenever they spoke, you could see the excitement, passion, and comfort they felt toward those moments. Hearing those stories made me realize something: I wanted experiences like that too. I wanted memories that would make me smile years later. That’s the thing about PS1: everyone eventually finds themselves confiding in the people and the space around them. The community here has a way of making people feel seen, welcomed, and valued. At PS1, I always felt like my feelings and opinions were validated and appreciated. This school taught me not only how to be a better learner, but also how to better understand myself, my emotions, my actions, and the importance of expressing and caring for myself. Through all the support and social-emotional growth, I could clearly see how much I had changed. I shared my hobbies and culture more openly. I expressed my emotions and thoughts more freely. I built closer relationships with my classmates and teachers. Slowly, the nervous student who walked through those doors on the first day became someone more confident, more open minded, and more comfortable. Looking back now, I realize that moving to PS1 was like starting with a blank page. At first, I was scared of what would be written on it. But over time, with every experience, friendship,
challenge, and memory, that blank page slowly turned into something meaningful. And just like a pen has endless possibilities, so do all of us sitting here today. As we move on to new chapters in our lives, we may not know exactly what comes next, and that can feel scary. But if PS1 has taught us anything, it’s that growth comes from stepping into the unknown, trusting the people around us, and allowing ourselves to grow through every experience. So today, as we close this chapter, I want to thank PS1 for helping shape the person I am becoming. The memories, lessons, and people here will always stay with me. And no matter where life takes us next, we will continue writing our own stories one page at a time.
Attitude By Charles Swindoll A spark within, a silent voice, It shapes our path, it molds our choice. It’s not the storm that makes us bend, But how we stand and where we end. Attitude, is not just a dance move, it is an inner belief, confidence and voice. RiRi, you embody attitude. As you turn the page to a new chapter, we pray that you continue to move with confidence, believe in yourself and remember, anything is possible when you believe. We are so proud of the young woman you have become. We can’t wait to read your next chapter. Congratulations! Love Mom and Dad
Words from the staff:
A pen — its possibilities are endless. Whatever your mind is thinking can effortlessly pour onto a page. At first, a page may seem blank, empty even. But once it’s in front of you, suddenly countless ideas begin to clutter your mind. A blank page isn’t really blank at all; it’s full of potential. When my mom first told me I was moving schools, I was distraught. I had made so much out of my old school: heartfelt memories, meaningful relationships, and a version of myself that I had grown comfortable with. The thought of going somewhere else felt strange. Since I loved where I was so much, imagining myself anywhere else just didn’t feel right.
Words from Ortovia Manning-Dixon & Ebson Dixon:
Words from Rileigh Dixon:
Five Years at PS1
Rileigh, you are a thoughtful, kind, and quietly confident person whose strength, creativity, and warmth enrich our community. Since joining PS1 in second grade, you have shown remarkable perseverance, resilience, and strength of character, carrying yourself with both grace and determination. Soft-spoken in larger groups but warm and engaging with friends, you build meaningful relationships through your caring nature, steady presence, and subtle sense of humor. You are a generous and attentive friend who brings connection and positivity wherever you go, whether during early morning breakfast club, in aftercare, or while thoughtfully making bracelets for people you care about. As a learner, you are focused, diligent, and highly reflective, listening carefully, asking thoughtful questions, and holding yourself to high standards while advocating for what you need. Your creativity shines across the arts, especially in dance, music, writing, and visual art, and you are a natural performer whose joy and confidence truly come alive on stage. Whether writing and drawing in your Library Journal, collaborating with classmates, or dedicating yourself to the rigorous demands of dance at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, you approach every opportunity with commitment, heart, and a willingness to grow. Your quiet strength, artistic talent, curiosity, and caring spirit leave a lasting impression.
on xo n diix d Work hard in silence and let your success be your noise - Frank Ocean Wealth is of the heart and mind, not the pocket Pharrell Williams
Words from friends:
h h g g i i e e l l i i r r
2021-2022
2 02 3 - 2 024
2025-2026
You perseveres no matter what, you keep going even if you makes a mistake. You are a very sweet and kind person. You will always make me laugh with your jokes. You are a kind friend, funny and active. You are always so understanding and thoughtful. You are really playful and helpful. You have fun reaction to things- you do this high pitch dramatic voice. It’s very funny,
Dear Rileigh, I want to start off by saying that it’s so fun to be in a class with you. Your personality is so sweet, fun, kind, and playful. I appreciate how you work so hard and you focus really well and you never give up on a challenge. You are sooooo nice to me and a really good friend. You are such a gifted dancer. You can spin without getting dizzy and bend without getting hurt. I wouldn’t be surprised if you won a dancing competition, in fact, I’d be surprised if you got eliminated. Thank you for being my bestie, classmate, friend, and so much more.
Oh my goodness, you are the kindest, sweetest, most respectful, honest, and understanding human being in history. This girl is literally amazing. I honestly have no words. Name something bad about this queen, I’ll wait. You persevere in everything you do. You are so passionate at whatever you do even if it’s math or science, you are the one to lead the group and put everyone’s minds together. I like when we do group projects because you always share your creative ideas with the group. Thank you for being such an amazing partner: you are a true leader. Rileigh, you bring such joy to the classroom. You are open minded and a great friend. Thank you for being so chill.
2022-2023
You always make me laugh when we are together. You’re such a good storyteller when you’re talking about your sister. I love how you’re always there for me when I’m sad. You’re always helping others and you are a great friend. Dancer vibes! I was surprised when one time in P.E. you did a high jump and you jumped really high. You express your feelings respectfully and I appreciate that about you.
2024-2025
Dear Ry, where to start? You’re just that girl. You are such a great dancer. I loved making our dance group and doing trendy dances. You are so funny, you make people turn from having a bad day to having a good one. You are lovely and crazy and so much fun, I have had an amazing time hanging out with you! Riri, I knew you from preschool. You are such a good friend and my spirit animal. I have only known you for a year, but it feels like many years. You are the best and I love when you match my personality. I remember when we first met in blue class. I sat next to you, I thought you were so cool on how you said you wanted to be a fashion designer when you grew up, on a piece of paper, so I wrote it on my paper too!. You are so cool, and it will always stay that way. OREOS AND RANCH!!!!!
Mateo Escalante
A core memory that I will always have, is my participation in the James and the Giant Peach musical, which not only gave me something to be proud of, it also allowed me to open up to singing, which I hated before the musical. The only reason I wanted to play a main role in the musical was because last year I did my first play. When I was in 3rd grade and 4th grade, the older cluster would put on a play every year, and each one would amaze my little younger mind, so when my class was practicing a play, I wanted to be someone big. When I got the role of Bottom in our play “A Mid Summer Nights Dream”, I was so ecstatic I jumped around the yard. Every theater character has a challenge and for me that is when my teachers gave me my lines. It was a lot of hardwork, but after practicing a lot, I felt ready. When the play came I was nervous, I put myself into the spotlight which was scary, but once I did I found out I was an amazing actor. I made my mom cry and had five other parents tell my mom that I should go to acting school. I used to be scared of going on stage, but now I realize it’s been the greatest thing I’ve done here and now I see the stage as a place of opportunity. The main lesson PS1 has taught me that with no doubt I’m going to take into seventh grade, is to put yourself out in the spotlight, even if you’re nervous. I would like to say thanks to my family, who helped push me to take on such a big role and be confident. My sister who also was a PS1 student and who taught me so many things that helped me persevere here, and my teachers … who pushed me to be my greatest self. I’m so thankful for all the people and teachers I met here at PS1. I love this place so much because it gives opportunities for kids to be themselves and not have to act differently. Thank you PS1.
Mateo We are so incredibly proud of you! You somehow managed to spend Kindergarten through 6th grade growing up right before our eyes….while also leaving behind approximately 14 Yeti water bottles, 4 lunch boxes, 15 hoodies, and enough snack wrappers to qualify as a small ecosystem. From the very first day of Kindergarten, backpack practically bigger than your body, you walked into the school with wide eyes, untied shoes, and the confidence of someone who had absolutely no idea what was happening but didn’t seem to care in the least. Somewhere between learning sight words, multiplication tables, playground shenanigans, science projects, awkward school photos, and “I swear I did my homework”, you became this incredible person we are all so proud of! You made friendships that will last for years, hopefully your whole life. You learned how to be kind, resilient, curious, and independent. You learned how to recover from disappointment, how to laugh at yourself, and how to occasionally pretend to listen when adults are talking. A true life skill. And through all of this, you carried what can only be described as Full Main-Character energy. No. This kid walks through life like a cinematic soundtrack is playing behind him at all times. Underneath all the comedy and chaos is a kid with a huge heart. A kid who feels things deeply, who makes people laugh without even trying. Who notices when someone is left out. Who can be so thoughtful one minute and then ask a completely unhinged question the next. We love all of this about you Mateo - because you are unapologetically yourself - an amazing friend, an amazing brother, an amazing student, and an amazing son. You have become exactly who you were meant to be. We know middle school and everything else ahead will bring nerves and challenges. More independence, more responsibility, and probably even more laundry left on the floor - but we could not be more excited for this next chapter. You are ready!! So keep your Full Main-Character energy. Keep the confidence, the humor, and the heart. We love you buddy! Love Mom, Dad & Izzy
Words from the staff:
Hi, I’m Teo. What made my PS1 journey so unique to me is the friends and connections I made along the way and the things that I’ve achieved here.
Words from Caroline and Marcos Escalante:
Words from Mateo Escalante:
Seven Years at PS1
Teo, you are a kindhearted, calm, and quietly confident young person with a steady presence and genuine warmth. Thoughtful, respectful, and humble, you have built strong connections with both peers and adults through your kindness, fairness, and willingness to help or include others. You have a growing and powerful voice that shouts “this is me”, something you are finding through Shakespeare and the PS1 musical, revealing confidence, expression, and talent that continues to blossom. You are a deeply attentive listener and reflective thinker who engages with stories and ideas in a meaningful way, offering insights that show both emotional depth and careful understanding. Your quiet determination shines in what you do, from academics to athletics, combining effort, sportsmanship, and focus, as you did with PS Run. You are a creative and capable artist, bringing imagination and care to your work, and you approach challenges with openness and a willingness to grow. You have grown from a more reserved student into someone who participates more fully, speaks with increasing confidence, who continues to surprise others with your range of talents. Whether cheering on classmates at events, offering thoughtful solutions during conflict, or giving one of your signature warm hugs outside of school, you leave people feeling supported, respected, and genuinely cared for.
TEO
Words from friends:
“Never let the 2025-2026 fear of striking out keep you from playing ESCALANTE the game” -Babe Ruth
2019-2020
2022-2023
2024 -2025
It is sweet that you are the best friend to everyone. I’m happy that you are in my class. You are a very good friend and you play good games. When a friend is left out or hurt you help them out. I want to have a play date with you. You are a friend that helps.
You are so thoughtful because you put effort into your work and friendships. You are a great athlete and it shows in P.E. You try to help others if they have a problem and it shows you care. I remember you zoomed through the multiplication facts which shows how smart you are. You think of what others need before yourself. You know how to cheer me up when I am sad.
Teo is so smart. He always listening and trying and going beyond is everything, even if its something small like a birthday card, he is always trying his best. You are also creative with everything you do. Along with all that you are always open minded. Thank you for always supporting me. Like in the regions project, you listen to my ideas and don’t dismiss them- you actually try it. You’re also super fun to play with because you don’t complain or cheat, like in basketball when the teams are unfair, you just roll with it, even when people cheat, you still roll with it and beat them! Once during basketball somebody was injured and he went straight over to ask if they were ok. I admire this because not everyone is like that. After all Teo is so kind and always will be. Teo, It’s been an awesome journey in class with you.
2020-2021
You are the best friend I could ever have. You have a wonderful heart. I love playing with you everyday and having playdates with you. I liked when you showed us your bearded dragon on zoom. I like building with you in the block area. I like you when you are happy, sad and every emotion.
2 02 3 - 2 024
Teo, you are a fantastic partner. You’re so collaborative and make learning fun. I loved working with you to define emotional words. Our “focused” emoji was the best. You are so nice and supportive. When your friends are feeling down, you stick up for them and help them deal with their problems. It’s clear you really care about your friends!
2021-2022
2025-2026
You play fairly and say, “Good game” to everyone after recess games. You are unique in amazing ways. I enjoy being a partner with you because you are so respectful. You are so considerate because you will lend things to others with a cheerful heart. You are a super friend because you are so understanding of other people’s feelings.
You are so calm that I am just in shock. You are also a very athletic person. You’re also a very smart and great person. You always care for your friends and are always kind in general. First of all you are always looking to make everyone’s day with your playful personality. Your jokes are actually funny, not just random. Second of all, you try your best and third of all if you sense something is wrong with someone, you always check to see if they are okay. You have a gift for noticing when someone needs a smile, and his genuine kindness ensures that everyone around him feels welcome and included. Teo, you are a great listener, staying quiet and are focused during class, and fully participating in PE, and enjoying your free time at recess.
Kai Fairbourn The stars aligning, the stars are shining. It is finally time for me to graduate from PS1. I remember when I first started here and everything felt so huge, but now the classrooms feel a lot smaller. I have learned so many things since my first day, like how to do hard math problems and how to work in groups with people I am not familiar with. I am going to miss seeing my friends every single day and playing sports during recess. PS1 has been a great place to go to school, and I have a lot of fun memories from being in my classrooms,and out on the yard too. Throughout my time here, I didn’t just grow as a student, but as a person as I have learned to be patient and be respectful to others. I also learned how to be responsible, how to help one another, and how to keep trying even when things were challenging. There were moments when I made mistakes, but those moments helped me learn and get better. I also did teamwork, and group projects that taught me to learn, how to share, and connect with other classmates. Field trips also were so fun and going on field trips helped me make new friends, learn new things, and overall have a fun time. From the soccer games getting heated at recess to the point where it got temporarily banned, it is all a part of the journey as it can never be perfect. I also learned that making jokes during class is not such a good idea but those are things that you learn from. I want to thank all of our teachers for helping me learn and for being patient when I didn’t understand something. I also want to thank our families for supporting us and being here today to celebrate. Even though I am a little nervous about starting at a new school next year, I am also excited to see what happens next. My journey at PS1 has been a great experience, and one I will never forget. Thank you.
Dearest Kai, Congratulations on this wonderful milestone! From that first day we walked through the brown gates to Bonnie and Julie’s kindergarten class, through your last years with John and Holly, you’ve always arrived at school with excitement and a readiness to learn... and play soccer or basketball before the bell rings. You’ve worked so hard and come so far in your journey at PS1. It has been a true blessing to watch you grow a little more each year — we couldn’t be prouder. You are thoughtful and caring, and nothing makes us happier than watching you become you. You are truly one of a kind. Keep moving through life with confidence, compassion, curiosity, joy, and kindness. There will always be hard moments, but you will continue to meet them with love in your heart. With all our love, Mom & Dad Kai, I’m so proud of you, and not just because you can turn the shower into a full concert arena every evening, but because you are the kindest, smartest, funniest, and most loving grandson a Nana could ask for. Keep being yourself. I love you with all my heart. Love, Nana
Words from the staff:
The Stars Aligning
Words from Zoe and Adrian Fairbourn:
Words from Kai Fairbourn:
Seven Years at PS1
Kai, you are a curious, thoughtful, and quietly determined young person whose mind often feels just a little bit “in the clouds” in the best possible way. Your longstanding interest in aviation brings an impressive depth of knowledge and enthusiasm to anything related to flight, and it is clear you are already serious about your future as a pilot, actively pursuing flight school experiences to get there. At school, you are highly observant and often notice the small details others miss, offering honest questions, insightful and sometimes surprisingly poignant contributions during discussions. Over time, you have grown into an open and engaged learner: curious, willing to ask questions, and increasingly brave in sharing your ideas and connecting with adults and peers. On the field, you come alive as a natural athlete, especially in soccer where focus, years of early morning arrival, and competitive spirit make you stand out. You are developing as a caring and thoughtful community member, stepping into leadership moments with younger students and showing a compassionate side that continues to grow as you build trust and connection. Your patience, in combination with your imagination, athletic drive, and deep love of learning, speaks volumes to your growing sense of purpose and awareness of your own potential.
Words from friends:
Kai Fairbourn
2019-2020
2022-2023
2024 -2025
You like to ask a lot of questions about me and are curious about people. I like you because you’re funny and fun to play with in the drama area! You’ve been a good friend to me since preschool. You are awesome when you play soccer because you run really fast. You are a good goalie whenever we play together.
You are awesome at soccer, especially being a goalie and striker. Kai has good sportsmanship. He doesn’t complain if his team is losing by a bunch. Kai is a dependable friend. Kai is really outgoing. He is empathetic and notices if someone is sad and tries to cheer them up. Kai is considerate. If someone gets hurt, he’ll make sure that they get help and will check on the person. Kai goes with the flow really easily.
Kai is committed and never gives up, like in sports he will never give up and he prevails. Plus he’s a good sport! Speaking of sports, we used to play golf together, and his golf swing was amazing! He also makes all the boys in the class laugh and brought jokes and joy into the school - he has the coolest\funniest AI and Italian voice. Kai, you are passionate about soccer and sports in general. You are kind to others on and off the field. Also, you are also always so super focused in class and ask questions which also help me learn. I noticed that you bring great emotion to Egeus in A Midsummer’s Nights Dream. You are always prepared with your lines. Thank you for being such a great person and friend.
2020-2021
You are really athletic. In PE you are one of the fastest person in our class. You are funny. I can’t stop laughing when you speak in funny voices. You are really nice to me because you teach me how to be a better soccer player. When we were building the airport for our community project, you had 72 ideas. You make the game “Ship” really fun because you have lots of energy.
2021-2022
“Why do they call it rush hour if nothing moves?” -Robin Williams 👍👍
You are have good sportsmanship because you don’t complain when things don’t go your way. You are a peacemaker when there are arguments with other classmates. You look for things to be fair. You are a good sport whether you win or lose. You are determined to try your best in whatever you do. You have an amazing sense of humor.
2 02 3 - 2 024
You have always been one of the greatest soccer players I have ever seen in my entire life. If I could nickname you, I think your nickname would be the flash. You have great taste in cleats and your soccer skills are amazing. Your passion and enthusiasm is inspirational! You are so kind, thoughtful, energetic and a hard worker. I always see you try your best on activities on or off the field! You are a very silly person. I appreciate your determination, I like how you are good at knowing yourself and taking a break when you need to. Thank you for being such a good friend. Thanks for always making me laughoh, and your hair always looks pretty good.
2025-2026
Despite your bubbling humor, you tend to always stay focused during class, and fully participate during lessons, contributing to the group, giving your attention. You are genuinely one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. You are very talented at soccer, and you are very athletic. Also, it’s really cool that you’re moving to London and I really hope you have a great time there. You make jokes that nobody else could think of that are very interesting in a good way. You have been a great partner for leadership PE, always coming up with fun games that nobody else would have thought of. You are so good at soccer and many other sports. You are smart and hard working.
Emiliia Fokova
I remember checking all my things to see if I had everything I needed, then the bell rang, and it was my time to say goodbye to my parents, and go up to my third grade green class. There I met my new teachers. They helped me learn the words I didn’t understand and sometimes, they gave me a google translator to help me understand better. In Green class I met my first ever friends at PS1. At first I was a bit nervous but then I warmed up to them. My first year at ps1 passed so quickly that before I knew it, I was moving on to 4th grade. In Violet class, I met new people, made more friends, and created new inside jokes. There are still so many we use and remember, but the ones we use the most still to this day are froggie, neverending Georgie and so much more! The teachers helped me a lot with math and writing because let’s just say I wasn’t so great at it. Mostly because I was still learning English and it was a little bit different from where I’m from so I got confused and lost sometimes, but they helped me work through it. The year passed by in a blink. My first year as an Olders student in west oak was so fun. We had a class pet bunny but sadly she passed away. In West Oak there was so much energy and a lot of funny things happened that year. I really liked how we went on a field trip to help the animal shelter. This year as a 6th grader in East Oak, I learned how important it is to keep trying even when something is really hard. This year in math I improved my skills and I finally see myself as a person who is good at math. It was fun doing our “its Friday” chant every Friday was such a fun tradition. This year the teachers helped me even more so I can do great in middle school. Sadly the year has come to an end and now the grads will all go to new schools. It’s hard knowing I won’t get to see my friends everyday but I’ll still remember all the memories I made here at ps1.
Dear Emiliia, It is hard to believe that the little girl who once held our hands on her first day of school is now preparing to take the next big step in her journey. Over the years, we have watched you grow into a kind, creative, determined, and compassionate young woman. You have always been curious about the world around you, eager to learn, and brave enough to try new things. Whether in the classroom, on stage, in front of a camera, on the basketball court, or simply helping a friend, you give your whole heart to everything you do. We are especially proud of the way you face challenges. Life has not always been easy for our family, yet you continue to move forward with strength, patience, and a smile. You remind us every day that courage is not about never being afraid—it is about continuing even when things are difficult. Your creativity, imagination, and ability to connect with people make you truly special. We love watching you pursue your dreams and discover your talents. No matter where your future takes you, never lose your kindness, your curiosity, or your belief in yourself. As you leave PS1 and begin a new chapter, remember that success is not measured only by achievements but also by the way you treat others, the effort you put into your goals, and the person you become along the way. We are incredibly proud to be your parents. Thank you for bringing so much joy, love, laughter, and inspiration into our lives. Congratulations on this important milestone. We cannot wait to see all the wonderful things that await you. With all our love, Mom, Dad, Olivia, and Grandma
Words from the staff:
The moment I walked through the PS1 doors on my first day of third grade I was nervous and excited at the same time. My old school in Ukraine was a very small private school with only one classroom of second graders and one of first graders. There my school day was 4 hours long, and now at PS1, I was at a much larger place with a longer school day.
Words from Nadia and Oleg Fokova:
Words from Emiliia Fokova:
Four Years at PS1
Emma, you are a joyful, warm, and deeply curious young person whose playful energy and kindness make you a truly special presence in our community. You arrived at PS1 five years ago speaking almost no English, showed remarkable resilience, quickly adapting, formed friendships, and found your voice through determination, openness, and genuine connection with others. You are thoughtful and observant, often noticing meaningful details in the world around you and responding with wonder and curiosity, captivated by the symbolism of a Sikh bracelet and other ideas that expand the way you see the world, responding with an excited, heartfelt “Oh!” You are a sharp listener and engaged learner who participates actively in class discussions, asks clarifying questions when needed, steadily building your understanding while contributing your own ideas. Socially, you are inclusive and caring, someone who celebrates others’ successes and helps create a welcoming environment wherever you are, in PE, aftercare, or the classroom. Your playful spirit shines through in Froggy and your affection for a simple squishy egg toy and your enthusiasm for fashion and makeup conversations, bringing humor and lightness to those around you. You have grown into a confident and creative student who balances curiosity, effort, and imagination, while continuing to build strong relationships and embrace every opportunity to learn and grow.
Just do it
Emiliia
Fokova Nev
ve u i g r e
p
Words from friends:
est
ur b o y y r T
2022-2023
2024 -2025
You are so filled with energy during recess. It was great being your science partner because you try your best. You are always in the mood to have fun with your friends. I like imagining creative ideas and stories with you. You are so brave to come to a new school and city. You are mindful and thoughtful of your words. You are willing to try new things and learn from them.
You’re really sweet, kind, and caring, and you’re always so calm and collected. I never see you get upset. Emma, you’re such a forgiving and generous person. You are nice no matter who the person is. I really like working with you on group projects! You are a really good team player- like the way you made that pencil in social studies, it was so good, I could never do that. Emma, I love being in your math group. You have such good ideas. You are fun to have in the book club, every single one of them! You’re good at everything, especially fixing chairs, and finding lost stuff- like the last puzzle piece! You also help keep our classroom very clean when you help out. You are also a very good artist, and I loved sitting with you at snack. It was a joy being in your class this year.
2 02 3 - 2 024
Emma, you are collaborative with any partners during science, math, social studies and more. You are respectful during reading, like you won’t come up and talk to people while they’re reading or doing anything important. You are also funny, like the time we were talking and looked at each other and burst into laughter. You are fun to play with, like when we made friendship bracelets, or when we tied our shoelaces together and fell on our butts!
2025-2026
Emma, you are my BESTIE! You make me smile, and laugh like CRAZY! I always remember the super fun pretend games we made in green. We became friends over pen toppers and sang about it for the rest of the day. You always have a smile on your face. You put your eye onto the prize and even if you don’t get it, you still make a good experience out of it. I remember when we made up “helicopter helicopter!!!” You understand everything I do and are such a great friend. You are so fun to hang out with and I love every time we’re together.
Annabelle Frazier There was a little girl in her first year at PS1 who made new friends that would last forever. She was at the start of her personal journey, learning to speak for herself and stand up for what she believes in. She’s been coming to the PS1 campus since she was born, and so she felt at home, but honestly, she would have even if she hadn’t been going to the campus for years. This was such an incredible place but this was her first time in the PS1 community. She loved recess, especially running through and exploring the bamboo forest. She had a heart and soul for those things. She loved jumping on all the rocks. All the possibilities were endless, but she also loved learning, exploring, and adventuring through the worlds of math and science and writing. Especially writing. The ideas in her head would flow out onto the paper, like a waterfall filled with creativity. She still loves all those things, but today she knows herself. She knows that she loves dance, she loves her friends, she loves all her teachers, and she loves her family. If you haven’t already guessed, that little girl was me. Throughout my years here, I remember my first Moving Up Day so well. I couldn’t wrap my mind around the fact that I was about to be in first grade, whereas now, I can’t wrap my mind around the fact that I’m graduating. The only quote that comes to mind right now is, “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”- AA Milne And one more thing, you know that feeling when it’s raining out, but you can’t help yourself from running outside and spinning around, all the little droplets on your eyelashes? That’s what this experience has felt like, like even if there were a storm outside, it would still be a sunny day in the end. So today I say “thank you and I’ll see you next time,” because this isn’t a goodbye; with PS1, it never really is.
To Our Annie You are the greatest thing to ever come into our lives. You are kind, loving, brave, brilliant, creative, present and aware. Since a little baby riding in a backpack on your Mom’s back through the wilds of Yosemite and taking your very first steps on the John Muir Trail you have always been ready for adventure. It has been a joy to watch your creativity expand and deepen over the years. From countless hours of crafting now evolved into dance, music and theatre, your creative spirit continues to blossom and we love it dearly. Your ownership over your life and actions, your deliberate intention in what you do and your discipline in the complicated long days you live are an early bedrock for accomplishing any goal you desire. You have all of the tools you need and the heart and mind to navigate life’s challenges. As you enter the next stage of life, remember to hold on to the child inside of you. It knows the right thing to do. Remember this: your real power in life is your belief in yourself and your love and respect of yourself. Don’t do anything that erodes that power. Couple that with kindness to others and your life will be filled with joy. We are with you. We love you with every fiber in our being. Your future is dazzling. Love, Mom & Dad
Words from the staff:
“Amazement awaits us at every corner” -James Broughton.
Words from Holly and Judd Frazier:
Words from Annabelle Frazier:
Seven Years at PS1
Annie, you are a calm, confident, and deeply thoughtful young person whose quiet presence and genuine warmth make you a friend to almost everyone at PS1. You have a natural ability to make people feel welcomed and at ease, combining friendliness with a steady confidence that draws others in. You are articulate and reflective, offering insightful perspectives that reveal the depth of your thinking and your ability to make meaningful connections between ideas and lived experience. In the classroom and Library, you are attentive, engaged, and genuinely passionate about books and storytelling, sharing thoughtful interpretations and expressive connections to what you read. Your creativity and collaborative spirit shine through in group projects, in your leadership roles organizing the after-school Shakespeare production, and in serving as a campaign manager in a mock election, where your organization and ability to bring people together stood out. You are musical and expressive, singing and dancing with dedication in James and the Giant Peach and “Winter Song,” and you bring growing confidence and teamwork to PE and sports. Thoughtful, responsible, and increasingly self-advocating, you continue to grow into someone who balances independence with care for others, quietly inspiring those around you through your kindness, insight, and steady leadership.
Magic lives in the wind, in the rivers, in the earth, in the sunlight. -Tamzin Merchant
e i n n A r e i z a r f I don’t try to dance better than everyone else I try to dance better than myself -Mikhail Baryshnikov
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Words from friends:
Y
PP
PU
SURF CHURCH
T
ES
W
2019-2020
2021-2022
2024 -2025
I like talking to you at lunchtime about true stories and things we did. You are a good table partner because you help me. Outside we like to play the baby and family game. You wrote a nice note about me and sent it to me and that made me feel good. I like you because we have known each other since Pre-school.
You are such a good friend because you are always there.. You care a lot about other people’s feelings. Everything about you is kind. You have lots of empathy and you will always have our back. You are such a good friend to have and you are fun and carefree, which makes me want to be around you. You are a best friend and very social, playful, and fun to be around. You are open-hearted and care a lot about other people. You are very confident- you always believe in yourself.
You are so kind, funny, smart, caring, cool, talented, and so much more. You always have my back and will support me through anything. You will stand up for people when they need it, and you will never give up and never stop being ✨AWESOME✨. You are hardworking, brilliant at dancing, not afraid to speak up for yourself, and will stand up for someone else, too. You always think outside the box in funny yet logical ways that inspire me to be more mindful of the many ways to solve all types of problems. You get along with everyone and are a great team project leader, like when we did the National Narratives project. Your math posters are always neat and very easy to understand. I like the funny games you make up at lunch, and it was so creative when you made that game and introduced it to the class for us to play for Leadership PE! I love that you can take things seriously but also make them not so serious at the same time.
2020-2021
You are very good at gymnastics on the playground and are the sweetest! You make me feel even more alive when we’re together. You did an amazing poster of earth. You are always kind to me ❤️. You’re so nice and it’s good to see you playing with everyone. I’m glad I got to be partners with you during science. You were the first friend I had when our classes were separate. I like that time that we went down the slide backwards holding hands together. You stand up and say what is wrong. You can make me joyful with a smile. You make me feel happy because you always smile.
2022-2023
You’re always taking care of your friends. A few weeks ago, I was having a bad day. You recognized that and gave me the space I needed. You’re a great partner for any subject because you’re so focused. For the Santa Monica Pier redesign you had a new idea everyday about what we could add to make it even more innovative. You’re also really collaborative. During the wave investigation, you always asked for my opinion. It made me feel really included and content!
#DREAMTEAM67!!!
#froggie
2 02 3 - 2 024 #ne ver #kidsoftheseason
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tor y
Annie, you are super nice to your friends. At recess, you play with many different people and play many different things. I see you making up dances, playing tag, or teaching others a gymnastics move. You are also very optimistic. When you’re working in a group you help them through big challenges and small ones like figuring out a math problem or setting up a tent.
2025-2026
You are my bestie. You are not afraid to stand up for yourself and your friends. You always know how to cheer me up when I’m sad and comfort me in the best way. Annie, you are so creative and funny. You are always laughing and honestly, I’ve never seen you get angry. You are amazing at dance and flexibility. Whenever we do projects in class you devote yourself to trying your best.You always try to fix problems, even if you are not part of that problem. You never talk down to someone and instead you try to help them. Thank you for being kind to me and always looking out for others.
Ruby Ayana Kanashige
Academically, parts of fifth grade were difficult. My teachers helped me with a plan that would help me grow. Math was particularly hard but by trying my best, I got through it. This year it felt unusual in math because all of us sixth graders were together in the same class. While still challenging, through hard work, math became easier and I have stayed on track. I also got caught up with my reading and writing and excelled. Such as when we extracted DNA from a strawberry, science was exciting too. I may not have a driver’s license but I have learned how to steer back onto the road when things are challenging and I have learned actual responsibility. My time has come to graduate yet I will carry my PS1 journey with me as I discover my life more. I thank my parents and everyone who helped shape me into who I am today.
We can’t believe you’re graduating PS1 already. You’ve been a part of the PS1 community for more than 10 years….that’s basically your entire life!!! You were still sporting a pacifier when you started visiting the campus for Derien’s drop-off/ pick-up and now you’re graduating with an iPhone and a full make-up kit from Sephora. It was clear you loved PS1 from day 1 and couldn’t wait to become a student yourself…even now it’s like pulling teeth to get you to leave aftercare. It’s a bitter sweet moment to see this chapter of your life come to an end but we can’t be any prouder of what you have accomplished at PS1 and the person you have become: always happy and smiling, always kind and loving, and always positive and ready for a new challenge. Even when you’ve struggled with something you’ve always had a positive attitude and persevered. It’s truly something to be admired and we hope you will always keep that “cando” attitude as it will take you a long way. Starting middle-school (and becoming a teenager…..) will be exciting but it will also present new challenges and we’ll always be there for you even if you don’t want or think you need our advice. Congratulations on your graduation. You truly light up our lives and always put a smile on our faces. Love, Mama and Papa
Words from the staff:
From Hard times to great times, my journey at PS1 has been a wonderful one. My memory is a bit foggy but I remember when I was younger, life was fun and easy. I always thought of the day that I would leave this school and go on another journey to another school but now that my time is here it feels like it came too soon. When I was younger and I would see older brother Derien, I would always run and try to hug him. It feels weird that I walked in the same spots he did and I have had the same teachers as well. I dreamt of the day I would play on 12th st as all the Olders did and now I am leaving that playground. I reminisce back to when I was just starting my memorable trip of learning new things and connecting with new people. My friends from back then are still my friends today and I appreciate how PS1 keeps people connected. I was devastated when I first came into Olders and didn’t seem to have my closest friends in class and yet this turned out to be the biggest difference in my life as I became close with new people that have had a huge impact on me.
Words from Bridget and Terry Kanashige:
Words from Ruby Ayana Kanashige:
Seven Years at PS1
Ruby, you are a radiant and unforgettable presence in the life of our school: a joyful, curious, and deeply compassionate young person whose warmth touches everyone around you. With your bubbly spirit, playful humor, and remarkable ability to connect across ages and social groups, you have become both a trusted friend and a natural leader in the community. Whether you are creating imaginative games for younger students, leaving thoughtful notes of encouragement, welcoming new classmates with open arms, or offering a comforting hug to someone having a hard day, you consistently notice and respond to the needs of others with empathy and care. You approach learning, art, athletics, and leadership with enthusiasm, resilience, and determination, making even difficult challenges look joyful and inspiring others to join in alongside you. From excelling in hockey and creative projects to becoming a go-to mentor in the Studio and serving as a student ambassador, you lead with both confidence and kindness. You are inclusive, attentive, funny, and wise beyond your years—a true friend to all and a person whose energy, generosity, and authenticity leave a lasting impact on every corner of the school community.
"Be yourself; everyone else is already taken." – Oscar Wilde
「自分らし く生きる。他の人 は既に存在するから。
Words from friends:
Ruby Kanashige
2019-2020
2022-2023
2024 -2025
You are super nice because you talk in a nice way. You always have cool ideas when we play. I really like your imagination. I remember you made friends with me at the beginning of the year when I was feeling shy. You love to talk about your toys and that makes me laugh. You wear great sweaters and always wear bright colors.
When I have a problem, you check if I am okay and I appreciate that. You are so kind and care for your friends. You are so funny and can make us laugh when you sing the helicopter song. You are a unique individual who is confident in herself. You are prepared to have fun and try new things. You are so helpful and full of energy in all you do. It was funny when you tried to be a cat during our morning meeting.
Ruby is the most caring person I know, it does not matter who it is or what it’s for. Her friendliness is always captured in her smile and the little bounce in her step. Wherever Ruby is, she lightens the world around her. You are always upbeat and cheerful! Every time you try something, you try your very hardest. You are always willing to go the extra mile to do your best, sometimes you even work through recess! You always find a way to help out in class and always brighten up the mood when you’re around. I remember one time when we were doing the regions projects you were very helpful and added a lot of cool ideas and were overall very helpful. You are my best friend. Ruby has always been by my side and helped me through my life and tough situations.
2020-2021
You are so generous. Once you brought slime to our playdate and you shared it with me when we were roller blading. You are kind and helpful. When people get hurt, you always help them. I always have a fun time playing with you because you have so many fun ideas of what to play. You are a good soccer player. When we went to Japanese school together, whenever I felt sad, you let me sit beside you.
2021-2022
„ önmagad; mindenki más
már foglalt.” – Oscar Wilde
You are a hardworking classmate by sticking with something even if it is challenging. You are flexible with your friends during recess and play whatever games bring us together to have fun. You are inclusive because you include me in your games even when it looks like I don’t have anyone to play with. You find ways to cheer me up no matter how sad I am.
2 02 3 - 2 024
Ruby, you are very playful, like the time when you were playing soccer. You always try your best and show great sportsmanship. You have a lot of positive energy and give your team momentum to win! Also you are very helpful like when you did the California map you helped your group a lot and it ended looking very good. You always help others if they need something or are feeling sad. You are so open-minded and never judge others, and you are always inclusive.
2025-2026
Ever since you came into my life again, it was like you were opening a door I never knew was closed. I love you so much, I’m so glad we are going to the same middle school, and if we ever grow apart, I won’t ever forget you. You helped me through all my rough times, supported me, and took care of everyone in the class including the actual classroom. I really admire you and everything you do for this class. You make friends so easily and always make everyday fun and special.That time when we were working on the poster for the Mayan train route you were so fun to work with and you suggested many good ideas and you knew how to help the group. At the open house you were a great person to work with.
Seon Kang
But I think I was just scared to accept that I can’t hold onto things forever. Like today. And days ahead. And for a big chunk of my life, I went on like that. Clutching to the things that I needed to leave behind, and when I could finally loosen my grip, a heavy weight left my shoulders. And when I stopped worrying if my friends and family would stay the same, If I would stay the same, I started looking forward to the change that awaits me, and the change that awaits everyone else. Remember when we were all little kids in our younger years? We were asked what we wanted to be when we grew up. I would always reply “An artist.” Now, I say I want to be an Animator, cook, therapist, writer, graphic designer, painter. My dream job went from an Artist, to many different forms of creative art that I want to pursue. But who knows? Maybe when I’m 20 I’ll apply to be an engineer, or an architect for some building. Things as simple as a dream job change overtime, and there’s no stopping it. Same goes for interests, style, personality. My journey in PS1 taught me to grow, learn, and express the creativity I kept bubbled up inside me. It’s never too late to keep growing and expressing as we all move forward in life; and though my journey may have been slow, we all work towards a new, greater, even more amazing us. I still hate singing in front of people I’m not used to, but my love for art hasn’t changed, and my passion for writing only grew. And I’m forever grateful that I was raised in a school where mistakes aren’t shamed, and passions aren’t excused. I had a couple bumps along the way, but thanks to support and encouragement from friends, family, and teachers, I was always, and always will, be able to work through them. Because I know change is scary, but it’s scarier to never change. That bittersweet feeling of leaving things behind, to venture further into the unknown can feel scary at first. And I hope everyone else who struggles with letting go, can find their way through it all. To my brother, who lovingly looks up to me, never stop dreaming, and never lock yourself in a cocoon, in a world full of butterflies. Thank you.
To our first daughter, Seon Kang, who made us parents… When we first met you, we were young, inexperienced, and still figuring out life ourselves. We were two grownup kids who knew very little about what it meant to be parents. Then you came into our lives—smaller, more precious, and more perfect than we could have ever imagined. From the moment we held you, we wanted to give you everything. We wanted to do everything right and be the very best parents we could be. But (not that I want to admit) we made mistakes, and there were many times when things didn’t go the way we hoped, no matter how hard we tried. Yet through all of those moments, you were often braver than we were, wiser than we were, and stronger than we were. Whenever we felt discouraged, you made us smile. Whenever we worried, you reminded us of joy. You have always had a way of bringing light into our lives. Thank you for being that kind of person. Thank you for growing into such an incredible “Big girl”. We are endlessly proud of your many talents and achievements, and they continue to amaze and inspire us. But more than anything else, we are grateful that you have grown into a child with a warm and compassionate heart. Your kindness, empathy, and ability to brighten the lives of those around you are what make us proudest. We hope you continue to grow into the wonderful person you already are—someone who shares her light with others and makes the world a little brighter wherever she goes. No matter how old you become or where life takes you, please remember that there are two people in this world who will always be your biggest fans, your strongest supporters, and the ones who love you more than words can ever express. With all our love, Mom and Dad
Words from the staff:
And now, as this school year comes to a close, I realize that eventually I will start to forget parts of my life I once swore would stay with me forever. But I know there will always be moments that will float around in the back of my head, popping in occasionally. Whether it’s a memory that cried me to bed, a memory that kept me laughing ‘till dinner time, or a memory that doesn’t even seem that important. Either way, I used to be scared my time at PS1 will gradually float back into a spot in my mind that is clouded and buried by other current events.
Words from Chloe Choi and Hyo Sung Kang:
Words from Seon Kang:
Seven Years at PS1 Seon, you are a thoughtful, deeply creative presence in our community whose quiet strength and artistic spirit leave a lasting impression. A natural artist and deep thinker, you move through the world with curiosity, sensitivity, and imagination, filling journals and margins with sketches, characters, and stories born from your rich inner world. Whether drawing during recess in the library, creating detailed sculptures and paintings, or dreaming up new ideas for books, you express yourself with remarkable originality and care. Beneath your calm and gentle demeanor is a courageous and compassionate leader who stands up for others, advocates for fairness, and helps create spaces where people feel seen and supported. You are a loyal friend, a devoted older sister, and a steady presence whose warmth shines brightest among those you trust. As a learner, you approach challenges with perseverance, humility, and determination, growing into a confident student who asks questions, seeks understanding, and fully engages in your learning. Your combination of artistic talent, emotional insight, resilience, and kindness make you a truly unique member of the school community, and your ability to connect the small details with the bigger picture will undoubtedly help you flourish in all that lies ahead.
Words from friends:
2026 Grad !!
2019-2020
2022-2023
2024 -2025
You are a really nice girl and you always let people play with you. You stand up for others. You are really good at the monkey bars and I really wish I could see you in person. You are really, really kind to others and I am happy that you learn new things super fast and easy. You are the best friend. I love playing with you. You are kind and sweet. I love playing candyland with you.
You make me feel calm and relaxed when I’m with you. You are a great anime artist! You are always good at running games and you always show your amazing smile which fills everyone with happiness. You are funny and mysterious and I love being in book clubs with you. Your sarcasm is super funny and it makes me laugh. I remember the one time we had to go to bed during a sleepover and I was accidentally kicking you in my sleep and you woke me up and said “Stop kicking me!” and then it turned into a game. That was fun.
Seon is a very nice, kind, and sweet person and she has given me so many memories that you can never forget. Through all of the math problems we did together and all the funny moments together I am happy to call you my best friend.A characteristic I respect about Seon is the fact that she is always calm and never intrusive.I observed this when the whole class fell apart and people were talking over each other. She was poised and didn’t interrupt anybody. She is always a content person and always pays attention.She is a talented artist and if you see her drawing you always want to compliment it. She listens and focuses in class and always tries her hardest! Seon is always caring, one time she bumped into me and immediately asked if I was okay and if I needed anything. She will always help out at any time of the day. Seon cares a lot about other people.
2020-2021
You are so kind. You have a very loving heart. You are a cool girl and friend. You are a really nice friend and I like to play with you. I love you to infinity. I love when I can play with you. You are the best artist and I like when you draw pictures for me. You also teach me how to draw.
2021-2022
You are a very empathetic person and you have such calm energy. You let everyone play with you. You are really funny, independent and inclusive. You are so playful and you always come up with fun things to do. You are an amazing artist and you have great fashion. You are a good mix of playful and calm. You are very patient. You are also a hard worker because you get down to work right away and you try really hard.
2 02 3 - 2 024
Dear Seon, you are such a kind, sweet, incredible person. I appreciate your calm personality. You are a fair person and stand up for people even if you don’t know them. You are so funny and frankly one of the people who I get a really good laugh out with–(I don’t laugh as much, except when I’m with you). You are so imaginative and creative and you’re really great at drawing. I can easily tell it’s your favorite thing to do. I know you take fashion classes and I bet your designs are very stylish and cute. You made our poster look amazing! Your artistic talent makes you who you are. Samantha and Stacy 4 eva! SQUELCH!!!!!!
2025-2026
Whenever we are together I always feel heard and seen. You are an amazing artist and you always try to teach me but you have some kind of magical powers that your art is irreplaceable. You make me laugh every single day and you are one of the only people in the class who is nice to everyone and I mean everyone. You are so fun to work with in projects.You make me laugh every single day.. You are so fun to be around and everyone likes you. You are so fun to work with on projects. Thank you for having such a creative mind. You’re always able to help people with ideas for a project or beautiful illustration for a diagram. Have a great time in middle school! Seon, keep shining the way you do and always be yourself everywhere you go.
Micah Jeemin Kim
For now, goodbye and thank you for your time.
Dear Micah, What a profound joy it is to be your parents, and what a privilege it has been to watch you grow into the young human being you are today! Congratulations on your graduation! Mama and Papa are incredibly proud of the path you’ve walked, with all its victories, stumbles, the hard falls, the times you fell hard, and the strength with which you always stood back up. Thank you for keeping us honest, for teaching us as much as we’ve taught you, and for never giving up on becoming the best version of yourself. You inspire us every single day. We love you more than words can say, and we cannot wait to see all the beautiful things still ahead of you. Actually, we can definitely wait. Please don’t grow up too fast! With boundless pride and love, Mama & Papa
Words from the staff:
Unlike most student’s adventures at PS1, I started as a fourth grader. I came from a different school, and I wasn’t very comfortable talking with teachers. After only a few weeks at my new school, I was in a tight friend group, and I never hesitated to ask a question to a teacher because asking questions was encouraged. I felt like I was here since kindergarten! I started to solve problems in a different way, learn things faster and see sides of myself that I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to see. I loved to learn about the construction of words and I always tried to bring that to class, and I truly learned that if I put effort and hard work into something, I could do it. There were also people I wanted to be like: the Graduates. In 4th grade, I revered them. The Grads were so cool, kind, and mature. Even when I was a fifth grader I felt that they were so much older than me. I was expecting to feel different when I became a grad, but I still feel pretty similar to myself a year ago. Even though I don’t feel different, there are changes in responsibilities. As a grad, people look up to me. So I should be my best self to help the next generation become great people. I have to say that this school isn’t about the buildings or facilities. It’s about the great staff and community that help the students get to this point. Thank you so much for uplifting and springboarding me into the next stage of my life but don’t interpret that wrong. This is not a “farewell” speech. This is a “thanks for getting me started speech”.
Words from Lisa and Hans Kim:
Words from Micah Jeemin Kim:
Three Years at PS1
Micah, you are a bright, curious, and deeply generous member of the PS1 community. Your joyful energy and infectious laugh have brought warmth and connection since the moment you arrived in fourth grade. With an open mind, adventurous spirit, and natural ability to make others feel included, you quickly became a trusted friend and enthusiastic collaborator, always ready to dive into a creative idea, build something ambitious, or help strengthen the community in meaningful ways. You approach life with humor, persistence, and wonder, whether you are building a biplane with friends, filming movies to showcase PS1, speed cubing and sharing strategies with classmates, joining the “Krack Hunters” club to recover lost items from campus benches, exploring new artistic techniques, or becoming inspired enough by an artist like Ruth Asawa to seek out her work in person. You are thoughtful and deliberate in your creativity, bringing focus, imagination, and rich vocabulary to both your academic and artistic work, while also embracing challenges with optimism and confidence. Your kindness, curiosity, and belief in growth make you someone people naturally gravitate toward, and your enthusiasm for learning, creating, and connecting ensures that you leave a lasting and joyful impact on our community.
Words from friends: “A change is brought about because ordinar y people do extr aordinar y things.” –Bar ack Obam a
Micah Kim
“Anyone who has never m ade a istake has “m Questions younever cannot answer are tr ied anything new.” usually far bet ter for you than –Alber t Einstein answers you cannot question.”
–Yuval Noah Har ar i
" The people who are cr az y enough to think they can change the wor ld are the ones who do," –Steve Jobs
2 02 3 - 2 024
2025-2026
Micah, you have the best sense of humor and a fantastic laugh. At lunchtime, we talk about the funniest things like “Right Foot Griddy,” it’s always an awesome time. You are also so flexible during the day! You can work with anyone and persevere when things get tough. I really like working with you for that reason. You also go with the flow, you can play with almost everyone and are excited to learn new games. It’s been amazing getting to know you this year!
You are one of the smartest, creative, imaginative people I’ve met, and the funniest. You have been such an important friend to me. I hope you have a great time over at Harvard Westlake! Ever since 4th grade you have always been a phenomenal friend. It’s so cool that you love to laugh. You are also one of the best skiers I know. You have a great way of bringing energy and light into every room you enter, often leaving people feeling better than before he saw them. Micah, it is a blast to be with you in my last year. You always show so much kindness to people. Your curiosity and amazing spirit make you a great friend. You always take the time to listen and share your kindness.
2024-2025
I notice how you always laugh and enjoy your time with your friends, and you are a great friend to the whole class. I really respect that and it’s really sweet to see someone so friendly. You’re also so creative, imaginative and have a lot of tenacity like when you made that cardboard airplane—it’s a big delta-wing glider. We included a small stabilizing wing to make it stay upright. It flew really well. It was so ingenious and you persevered so much through that, you never gave up. Also, Micah is one of the creators of our class pet Steve. And he is just so kind to everyone and nature, Micah is really kind, super curious, and very good at engineering. He likes to flip logs with me during lunch so we can look for mealworms for his chickens. I think he will do great things in the world someday.
Rhodes Megna
Thank you to all my amazing teachers for guiding me through all the colors of the rainbow here under this beautiful Oak tree. I feel like I’ve become the best version of myself with your guidance and inspiration. Thank you to my parents for always being there and believing in me and to my dogs for the joy you bring me when I get home. PS1 will always be in my heart and will also be the solid foundation upon which my house of life will be built. Bye PS1.
Our Rhodesy, We are the luckiest parents in the world to have been blessed with a son like you. Thank you for your smile. Thank you for your kindness. Thank you for your wisdom. Thank you for your laugh. Thank you for being funny. Thank you for being smart. Thank you for wanting everyone to be happy. Thank you for making everyone happy to be in your presence. Thank you for loving your family. Thank you for loving your friends. Thank you for loving your dogs. Thank you for having the best manners. Thank you for doing your homework. Thank you for being an excellent student. Thank you for caring about your hygiene. Thank you for being a great athlete. Thank you for practicing piano. Thank you for being a great performer. Thank you for your courage. Thank you for believing in yourself. Thank you for being yourself. Thank you for being so cool. Thank you for being so beautiful. Thank you for telling us how you feel. Thank you for making us so proud. Thank you for teaching us everyday what family means. Thank you for loving us and showing us what true love really is. You are the light of our lives, the key to our hearts, the breath in our souls, the music in our minds, the reason for it all. Love, Mom and Dad
Words from the staff:
My journey here at PS1 started as Cozy Rhodes the shy kindergartner and ended with me moonwalking across the stage as Earthworm in James and the Giant Peach. Standing here today is bittersweet because I don’t want to grow up so fast but it’s also time for me to move on. I know the friends I’ve made here I’m going to have for life and I’m excited to see where all of our journeys take us in the future.
Words from Michelle and Keith Megna:
Words from Rhodes Megna:
Seven Years at PS1
Rhodes, you are a calm, caring, and quietly confident presence whose warmth and steady spirit have made a lasting impact on the PS1 community. From your early “Cozy Rhodes” days, attending Zoom classes wrapped in a blanket, to your growth into an outgoing graduate who took on a lead role in James and the Giant Peach, you have always carried yourself with a rare blend of humility, humor, and heart. You have a calming presence that naturally puts others at ease, whether supporting younger students with your gentle voice, mediating peer conflicts with thoughtfulness and fairness, or simply stopping in the walkways to sincerely ask how someone is doing. You are an attentive listener and gifted storyteller who makes meaningful connections in conversations and classroom discussions, and you approach challenges with resilience and optimism, able to transform mistakes into creative successes. Your upbeat attitude, growing work ethic, artistic talent, and willingness to step up when others need help reflect the depth of your character. Mellow and kind at your core yet always ready to bring energy and joy when the moment calls for it, you make our community feel stronger, kinder, and more connected.
Words from friends:
2019-2020
2022-2023
2024 -2025
You like to play the family game with me. You never exclude anyone so sometimes we have a lot of kids playing together. You make me laugh with his funny voices. You are really nice and always say please and thank you. I like sitting with you because you always know what to do. You are a good partner when we read and we share facts and funny parts.
You are so fun to play with and you are so inviting to others. You are a great athlete and share the ball around to others during P.E. to help them be involved. You are so sweet and loveable to your classmates. You and your family are so generous to our class and school. You are thankful when you play a game because you had a chance to participate. You are on my side and help me so much. You are so calm with your words and thoughts.
You’re always so thoughtful, generous, and kind—even on a bad day, you still find ways to support your friends. You’re a great leader, whether in PE, leading a science project or helping to bring Steve to our room, you make thing more fun. Rhodes, you have a kind and competitive personality and always go with the flow no matter what. Even when someone cheated in PE, you said a redo was fine. You’re honest, like when you didn’t make a base and told the truth even when your team said you did. You always make me laugh, whether it’s a Drake cake or that garden company logo on the back of a truck. and your stories in writing are so good. Your happiness makes the school light up with big bright “lights”. Thank you for being the best friend I could ever ask for.
2020-2021
You are the best spy--you always find out what other kids are talking about and bring back information. You share silly jokes about people on shows during lunch that make me crack up. You know so much about Minecraft-you always talk about it and I learn a lot.
2021-2022
You are always in a good mood and cheerful. You often say, “Good morning!” to your classmates and me. You are so helpful and I can count on you to be there for me. You are a hardworking classmate. You are so kind in your words and actions. You are such a great actor especially in you Kidfx videos. You are so hilarious!
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Rhodes, you are super funny. You always come up with jokes that make me laugh so hard! You are really inclusive and are always determined to get the right answer! You are so thoughtful; you were kind to me when I didn’t know that many people in our class and I was really thankful. You are also thoughtful because you help me think about finding a great spot for learning, even if it means not always being next to one another.
2025-2026
During James and the Giant peach, you did a great job presenting your character, and when you performed on stage, you brought the play to life. You are funny, charming, and intelligent. Glad to know that the theatre world has some hope. Ps. Hoping to see you do more plays, you are great at them! The aura-full master Rhodes.You are so good at everything you do in video games and in school. Also we haven’t even been friends for one year (as of April 20th)and we’re already like best friends. Hope you have a great 7th grade experience. You are so chill, caring, funny, great at sports, smart and always kind even when you are in a bad mood, always lifting people up when they are down. And overall just a great guy.
Alexander Benjamin Melamed
My time at PS1 has been magical. It’s given me a sense of freedom and the ability to express myself so easily. It helped me be myself, which I’m so grateful for. I wasn’t stressed about deadlines or worried about tests; instead, I learned one of the most powerful lessons: joy. PS1 has helped me create so many unbreakable bonds that I’m incredibly grateful for—whether it’s our goofy inside jokes or just ranting about the most random topics. These moments felt unlimited, but now they just feel completed. As I stand here today, I know this is just the beginning of my journey. I’ve experienced both the highs and the lows, but throughout my time at PS1, the challenges helped me grow, and the happy moments gave me memories I’ll never forget. I know I will experience many more of these moments of positive and negative outcomes, but I will carry the lessons I have learned at PS1 wherever I go. Before I conclude, I want to give a few thanks. To the teachers—you have taught me so much more than just academics. You have shown me the power of resilience, love, and creativity. I wouldn’t be here without you. To my friends—I love you all so much. I am so grateful we met, because you have brought so much joy, laughter, and meaning into my life. And to my family—you are my safe place. I love you more than I can put into words, and I couldn’t imagine life without you. (And yes, you too, Coco/Squishy Face - If you know, you know). Thank you, God, for providing me with this amazing life and for guiding me every step of the way. And now, this is Alexander Melamed signing off. Thank you, PS1. I love you. Thank You.
Our Dearest Alex, Where should I start, it felt like yesterday you were born and simply you made us complete. Our home became more happier with your laughters and our heart became more warm with your presence. And till this day you are making life more enjoyable, and making every moment more magical for us. It also felt like yesterday that you were playing in PS1 sandbox as a 3 year old sibling when Valentina was a younger there and it brings tears to my eyes thinking you are graduating from this magical school. To us you are an amazing boy, an awsome brother, a best friend, an Amazing therapist with the best advices , and a strong mountain when one of us need support and the best pal to watch Ted lasso with .
☺
😜
You have the biggest heart with the most love a person can have and anyone and I mean any one from a baby to an adult crossing path with you will feel a strong vibe of joy and happiness just because of your vast heart and pure energy. Keep going keep loving keep shining our boy. Love you beyond words can express. Mom, dad and Valentina
Words from the staff:
I never thought this day would come so fast. It feels like just yesterday I walked into this amazing school—a curious and joyful little boy, plunging headfirst into too many bubbles to count. I had my essential Spider-Man backpack, my camo bucket hat by my side, and a sense of self just waiting to bloom. And now I’m here, at this very podium where 5-yearold me dreamed of being. But now, it feels bittersweet to say, “I’m leaving PS1.”
Words from Golnaz and Kourosh Melamed:
Words from Alexander Benjamin Melamed:
Seven Years at PS1
Alex, you are a deeply kind, joyful, and thoughtful presence whose warmth has helped shape the spirit of the PS1 community. With your cheerful energy, genuine curiosity, and remarkable ability to make people, especially your younger buddies, feel truly seen and cared for, you have become someone that students and adults alike naturally gravitate toward. Whether greeting teachers each morning with your signature “I am crushing whatever day it is,” telling clever jokes that make everyone laugh, designing inclusive games and lunch activities, or simply offering a heartfelt hug, you bring a sense of connection and belonging wherever you go. You approach friendships with generosity and empathy, while also growing into a strong self-advocate who leads with honesty and grace. In the classroom, you are an attentive listener, a reflective thinker, and a creative learner whose poetry, writing, and artwork reveal both imagination and emotional depth. You meet challenges with persistence, curiosity, and optimism, balancing conscientious work habits with a joyful spirit that makes learning alongside you rewarding. Whether on the basketball court, in discussion, or simply walking through campus greeting others by name, your kindness, humor, integrity, and positive energy leave a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know you.
“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” — Dr. Seuss
Words from friends:
ALEXANDER MELAMED
“Some feelings don’t need words—they just need the right sound.” — Don Toliver
2019-2020
2022-2023
2024 -2025
It is fun when we play chase together. You are great at chasing people in tag. You smile a lot and that makes me happy. You are fun to be around. You are a good friend. I like when you give me a high five.
You are so kind and caring to others. You have a nice personality and play fairly during games. When things don’t go your way, you know how to move on. You concentrate deeply on the things you need to do in class. You try your best and push through when something is hard. You are so patient and wait for the right time to speak. You lead by example with your words and actions.
This is the first year I have been in class with you, and it has been WILD. You always make funny jokes, and you make everyone happy. I love being in your class this year! You are super fun to work with in math because of how smart you are. It was nice of you to help me in math at that time when my mind went blank and I forgot that you were supposed to use a common denominator. Alex, you are a great sport in basketball; you don’t care if you win or lose. I also appreciate how you always pass the ball in basketball. You are a great basketball player and an even better classmate. You’re simply a funny, kind, and thoughtful person. Thank you so much for being a great friend. Going into this year, you and I weren’t friends, but now I would call you one of my best friends, and it has been a pleasure becoming such good friends this year. I will forever cherish GOFI!!!!
2020-2021
I remember last year you were really good at soccer. You are always grateful when people are kind to you. You always speak so kindly to people and make them feel good. One time at PE we were on the same soccer team and you scored a really good goal. You are very patient and calm.
2021-2022
You are a cool, caring person. I consider you a great friend because I can always talk to you about anything. You are so hilarious and cheerful. I need you when I am feeling down. When I am sad or frustrated, you are always there to cheer me up. You are usually in a good mood and it really shows. I admire how you tried something new, like soccer, and want to keep learning how to play it.
“I built my own lane, sped past everyone, and never looked back to see who followed.” — Playboi Carti
“If I lose, I learn. If I win, I grow. Either way, I move forward.” — Carlos Alcaraz
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One of the things that makes you special is that no matter the situation you will stay positive. When you walk into the class you always come in with happiness and joy. I love how I can always trust you with a secret you are very loyal to everyone. You are one of the funniest people I know. If I hear your jokes, I will be the first one laughing. I love your hilarious sarcasm. Your passion is everything and I think It’s a special thing that you have in your heart. I really like how you are determined to do anything. You inspire me to play more basketball when I see you play.
2025-2026
Alex, you are amazing at basketball. Thank you for including me, always passing to me, plus encouraging me. You’re so nice to everyone in the class. You always want to make someone’s day and lift their spirits up to the clouds. You’re always respecting people’s values and understanding what people want. If someone needs a friend to talk to, you’re that guy. You are so supportive of your friends. I like that you will always be by their side no matter what. I can talk to you about anything and feel respected and heard, you are just amazing. You are a star reaching above and beyond everything. Making sure you’re ahead in your homework, thinking outside the box, and achieving your goals. You bring so much joy to the classroom.
Bryson Ning
In 5th grade at PS1, we were learning algebra, and I was struggling. It almost felt like a foreign language to me. We learned Algebra through a frog scenario. For example, a frog jumped 54 feet, with each hop being 6 feet. He hopped X times, and we were trying to find X, but I couldn’t understand it. One day, I was struggling like usual, but then it just clicked; it was like I unlocked a new level in my brain. I felt thrilled that I finally did it after all these weeks. Another memory would be learning times tables in violet class. In violet class, I had trouble learning my times tables, so we started playing a game where we had 2 minutes to answer as many questions as we could from a set of 100. At first, it felt like the clock was getting faster and faster until I was doing so much better, but I didn’t realize it for a couple of days because I was too busy having fun. PS1 has taught me that the best work doesn’t feel like work; it feels like living. One thing I will miss about PS1 is the bubbles on the first day of school. This used to make me so happy because I deeply loved bubbles, and I felt safe in this community. Another thing I will miss is the small classes. I like this because all my teachers at PS1 cared about me. They all knew what I was like, my learning style, and when I was confused about something, they would know before I even said anything. You can’t get that in a classroom with 30 kids. One more thing I will miss is that PS1 doesn’t take any tests at a younger age. This helped me be a kid and not stress at all. PS1 gave me the freedom I needed to learn; I’ll never forget that.
Dear Bryson, Let me tell you something about your sister Brooklyn. She thinks before she leaps. She weighs the options. She asks follow-up questions. You are not like that. From the time you could talk, if anyone in our house said “Hey Bryson, do you want to...” you had already said yes. Full yes. Enthusiastic yes. Didn’t matter what came after. Camp where you don’t know anyone? Yes. New sport you’ve never tried? Yes. Jiujitsu, where a stranger is going to grab you and put you on the floor? Absolutely yes. We used to finish the sentence just to see if there was anything that would give you pause. There wasn’t. I want you to understand how rare that is. Most people spend their entire lives building walls around the things that scare them. You came out of the womb without the walls. That’s not something we taught you. That’s just who you are. And then there’s the other thing. The thing that’s harder to explain because it sounds like something parents are supposed to say, but I mean it in a very specific, observable, I-have-evidence way kind of way: you are genuinely and measurably kind. I know this not because I’m your dad. I know this because of what happens every time I pick you up. Someone’s parent stops me. A coach pulls me aside. A teammate’s mom catches me or your mom in the parking lot. And they all say the same thing, almost word for word. They say: your kid is different. They mean it as a compliment. I take it as a fact. I’ve watched you cheer for teammates like their success was your own. I’ve seen you make room for the kid on the edge of the group. I’ve heard your voice at baseball games, lifting somebody else up, genuinely wanting to see them succeed. You are not performing kindness. You’re just kind. Here’s what I need you to hold onto as you walk into middle school, which will occasionally be hard and weird and will test everything on this list: The “yes” is a superpower. Protect it. The kindness is rare. Don’t let anyone convince you it makes you soft. The work ethic you already have, at twelve years old, in four different sports, is going to take you places we haven’t even imagined yet. And the joy, that ridiculous, infectious, always-down-for-it joy, is the whole thing, Bryson. That’s the whole thing. We are so proud of you it’s almost embarrassing. We love you more than we can say. Mom and Dad
Words from the staff:
When I came to PS1, I didn’t really have many friends, and I didn’t really like school that much at first. I felt like school was not important in life but soon I started to see that PS1 lets you be yourself and collaborate with other people. And pretty soon, I started to like school more. Eventually, that confidence and love for school helped me thrive through my time here at PS1.
Words from Amelia and Jason Ning:
Words from Bryson Ning:
Seven Years at PS1
Bryson, you are a thoughtful, driven, and quietly remarkable member of the PS1 community whose calm presence and steady determination have earned the admiration of peers and teachers alike. While you may move through life at “warp speed” when it comes to athletics, problem-solving, and completing challenges, you balance that energy with humility, patience, and deep thoughtfulness. A dedicated athlete who competes seriously in multiple sports, you bring the same focus and commitment to academics, especially math, where your logical thinking, attention to detail, and love of problem-solving shine. Though naturally quiet around adults, you come alive with friends, creating Guiness Book of World Record games in the library, competing enthusiastically at recess, or sharing your subtle and well-timed humor. You are loyal, fair-minded, and collaborative, someone who values relationships deeply and consistently treats others with kindness and respect, especially your sister. Your willingness to challenge yourself, learn from mistakes, and work hard without needing recognition reflect a maturity beyond your years. Creative, hardworking, and deeply grounded, you have shown that leadership does not need to be loud, and your combination of intellect, athleticism, loyalty, and integrity leaves a lasting and meaningful impact on our community.
Words from friends:
Bryson Ning
2019-2020
2022-2023
2024 -2025
You are really nice and playful and really kind. You are so funny and really sweet. You are a good friend and you play really nice games. I am really glad that I have you for a friend. You are fun to play with and I am glad you are in our class. You are a really nice friend. You are one of my best friends.
You are so lively. When you play soccer, you put energy into diving to save goals and passing to your peers on your team. We are both teacher’s assistants and you are always so helpful! You wrapped the headphones so thoughtfully so no one tripped on the wires. At lunch, you are hilarious! You started a new game based on “Among Us,” and it keeps us laughing so hard. During P.E., you are so unbiased. You pass to anyone on your team. A couple weeks ago, you asked me if I wanted to play Structure Tags because you told me you were trying new things. It’s so cool how you try new things.
Hi Bry Bry, you’re super sporty and athletic. You score a lot in soccer. It has been so fun talking about baseball with you. Your athleticism, kindness, and gentleness shape you into who you are- a team player. Bryson, you’re a very hardworking person and always stand by what you believe in. I remember in math when you proved everyone wrong. You are an awesome classmate and friend, you always have a good joke or a funny statement. I remember this year like it was yesterday, you were such a great person as to let me hang out with you or just chill in general. You are also a really good actor in Shakespeare. Brysonnn. I will always remember the time I started laughing in the middle of class because you hit your head on the wall. I also will never forget when I tied your shoelaces to the chair and you almost fell for it. Good memories. By the way, you are also kind and smart.
2020-2021
I like you Bryson because you always play cool games. You have good ideas. I’m glad you are a good player and you are just a cool guy. You are a really nice friend to play tag with. You are such a great friend. I love you Bryson, you are a really nice friend to be with. You are really good at work! You figure out math so fast and I like the poetry you write. I like to play with you.
2021-2022
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” -Lao Tzu
You are a determined athlete. You try your hardest and keep trying until you get something right. You are a curious student who likes trying new things. You are so skilled in many things, for example in math, you do things so well and take your time. You make creative sketches for our “It’s A…” drawings. You set goals for yourself to prove that you can do it.
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Bryson, you are collaborative, like when we were working on our changemaker project and you listened to my ideas. We made an awesome poster. You are nice, like the time you complimented me on making a goal in soccer. You are flexible and always go with the flow with your friends. You are athletic and always do your best in sports. You always raise your hand, especially in math. You love to take on a challenge and help me through it, too!
2025-2026
Where do I start? From Bangu to the story of Paco- Pablo, you have made this year memorable.Thank you for being my friend, you make everyone and anyone near you feel happy. Bryson, you are such a kind peer. You made me crack up everyday with your funny jokes. We have laughed so much over the years that if someone were to count, well, they actually couldn’t. You’re a very athletic person and a team player, always collaborating and playing your best. I’ve also observed that you’re always making sure everyone participates and gets a shot to do their best. You are so smart. Thank you for always helping me when I needed help like when you helped me code my Scratch project. I appreciate what a good partner you are. Thank you for helping cheer me up when I am down.
Willem Clarke Patch
When I reflect back to the end of that first day. I remember the sound of my backpack hitting the car seat, looking over at my family, and saying, “I never knew school could be that fun!” From that day on, my mornings changed from, “I have to go to school” to “I get to go to school!” Before I came here, school felt like a place where I didn’t quite fit in. My past school experiences weren’t great, and I used to feel like I was always a step behind. But the moment I stepped on this campus, something felt different. It was like my life had a rewind button. All the times I felt frustrated or confused were wiped away. Being welcomed into PS1, I learned how to do things at my own pace. For example, 5th grade math was scary. Just the thought of it felt like a nightmare. I was glued in place. I struggled to understand the lesson and I’d have to ask many questions just to get a thought of understanding. In 6th grade, something clicked. Instead of worrying about what went wrong yesterday, I thought about how I could improve tomorrow. I wasn’t stressed about math. Math wasn’t a roadblock anymore. It was just a speed bump. Now, this journey is coming to an end. It’s the end of a long, amazing chapter. I want to really appreciate the small things, the laughter that filled each and every space, the way the classroom felt when a hard lesson finally made sense, and the friends who became like family. These memories will last me a lifetime. As I look around today, I realize that I’m no longer just a student stepping foot on this campus for the first time. I’m not just passing through anymore I’m leaving a footprint.
Willem, I will never forget your first day at PS1. It was just after the Winter break during your 3rd grade year. I was nervously waiting in the pickup line in the alley hoping the day had been a good one. You hopped into the car with a huge smile on your face. I asked how it went and you said “I never knew school could be this much fun.” WOW. What a moment I’ll never forget. I knew we had landed in the exact place you were meant to be. There is nothing more fulfilling as a parent than seeing your child thrive. The last few years have passed in the blink of an eye. You have made incredible friends. You have challenged yourself to master new things (sometimes in subjects that don’t come easily to you.) You have followed you passion and committed yourself to becoming a better basketball player. You’ve grown as a person, a student, and an athlete. You have thrived and I hope you are as proud of yourself as I am of you. Our journey has not been without challenges. You taught me how to be resilient and to see the positives (when sometimes they were out of my sight.) You taught me a that community is essential. You showed me that it’s not the neighborhood you live in or the school you go to-but the people in those neighborhoods and schools that contribute to your successes and your happiness. “You could only have it all if you give it all away.” It is your time to fly. Our community has set you up for this. I hope that your future is filled with love, joy, basketball victories, laughter, and great triumphs. You got this! I love you more than every grain of sand on every beach, Mom
Words from the staff:
First, I want to say a huge thank you to all the teachers who helped me get to this big day. Thank you to the families who supported me through ups and downs, and to all the specialists who worked with me one-on-one. You didn’t just give me answers; you helped me understand and master the subjects, even when they felt impossible at first.
Words from Gretchen Patch:
Words from Willem Clarke Patch:
Four Years at PS1
Willem, you are a calm, thoughtful, and deeply kind presence whose quiet leadership and generous spirit have made you an essential part of the PS1 community since the moment you arrived in third grade. Though you may first be noticed for your height or athleticism, those who know you quickly discover your gentle whimsy, warm humor, and remarkable attentiveness to others. Supporting younger buddies during recess, helping a new student feel comfortable and included, or simply noticing when someone could use a smile or kind word, you consistently show empathy, patience, and care in ways that make people feel safe and valued. You approach friendships, academics, athletics, and creative work with focus, resilience, and humility, bringing both intellectual curiosity and steady determination to everything you do. A passionate basketball fan and athlete, you use sports not only as an outlet for competition and growth, but also as a way to connect with others and build community. In the classroom, you are engaged, analytical, and persistent, balancing strong critical thinking skills with creativity and openness to new ideas. Your authenticity, dependability, and quiet confidence have earned the admiration of peers, younger students, and teachers alike, and your presence has brought warmth, steadiness, and joy to every corner of the school community.
Words from friends:
WILLEM PATCH
2022-2023
2024-2025
You always care about your friends. One time, I hurt my finger playing basketball with you. You sat me down and talked to me about it and even got me an ice pack. Whenever I see you playing basketball, you look so energized. It makes me want to join in. You are so unbiased without even thinking about it. You have many friends from different genders. You sit with different people at lunch and during meetings each day. You’re open to new opportunities and trying something new. I remember when you first tried soccer or kickball. You kept laughing the whole time.
Willem, you’ve always been so kind and caring, and you’re a really great friend. Being in class with you has been awesome with your funny and silly attitude that can make anyone laugh. Your jokes are hilarious and you’re always hyped and happy. You’re one of the best basketball players I’ve seen—that’s not in the NBA lol—and you never leave a game without giving it your best effort. I think our friendship really solidified after the camping trip—being in the same tent, playing games, and laughing nonstop. Willem is so smart and good at every subject, he is always answering and asking the right questions, and always gives 100% effort in math. I am so glad that you are in my class.
2023-2024
“All the days that you wake up you have one job, and that’s to get better every single day.” Derrick Rose “Change is never easy but it’s always possible.” - Barack Obama
Willem, you are so kind because whenever we play basketball you always say good game to the other team, whether you win or lose. I think that’s really kind. You are also really hilarious and I love your jokes. They bring me joy and make my day. You are kind and inclusive whenever you’re working in a team. You’re also so helpful! You keep the classroom and school clean.
2025-2026
You are a very funny person, you always make me laugh. You are a very good basketball player and are always passing the ball to all of your teammates and whenever the game ends whether we won or not you tell everyone how good they did in the game. The way you dribble on the court so smoothly and swish a three is something I’ll never see again. You are always nice to your friends, even people you don’t know well. Thank you for being such an amazing and creative classmate. The way you come up with ideas and write such detailed paragraphs is out of the ordinary. You are a really kind person with a heart of gold. You are really supportive of others and you are really funny. You are kind, thoughtful and hard working and you are such a great person that north oak really needed
Bodan Parry
When I sat down to write my grad speech the thing that kept coming to mind were the bubbles: To me, each bubble represents a memory made at PS1 Being an Orange Duck, listening to Avocado Baby, going home for “two weeks” for Covid, figuring out Zoom school, sitting on dots 6 feet apart, nasal swabs, bey blades, bottle flips, going on my first all school camping trip, walking to the community gardens, running to the beach with ps runs, performing Shakespeare, being a Dodger for every single Halloween. The memories inside each of these bubbles really helped shape who I am. As I think about my grad year, one memory that rose above the rest comes from the beginning of this year. Being a grad ambassador, I was sitting upstairs with a couple of other friends I’ve known since Youngers, and looking out at a crowd of nervous parents for a panel. One of the prospective parents asked me to summarize PS1 in a sentence. I replied “PS1 is a tight knit community where everyone knows they can be themselves, where it’s OK to make mistakes because you know that you are surrounded by caring adults who will support you.” When I was 5 the bubbles represented hopes and dreams. Now, they represent growth and learning and so many moments spent under this oak tree. But, the thing is, bubbles don’t float forever. And we must graduate. It’s just how it works. We knew this day would come. So here I am. A little taller, a bit wiser, and with much shorter hair than when I arrived here at PS1. I am grateful for this community who created these bubbles and pretty excited for what’s to come.
Dear Bodan, You are creative, kind, and connected. You are thoughtful and curious. You are a good friend and a talented athlete. You play hard. You love your friends and your teammates. You skipped zoom school to learn to skateboard and now you drop into the bowls and try again and again until you land a new trick. You love to surf because the ocean meets your intensity and now you paddle out into the lineup on your own. You are a stellar lacrosse player with the rare ability to play both goalie and field which has allowed you to build empathy and resilience. You are a talented baseball player and you engage in the game with your intellect, athleticism and heart. You picked up golf and mountain biking quickly because they blend your desire to be with your people with your love of nature. You find the best parts of yourself in relationship to the world around you. And you know your own heart so well. You are insightful and caring. You love your people intensely. You take great joy in being a part of the PS1 community. You have grown up on this campus and under the oak tree. From your first day as a kindergarten to your last day as a sixth grader, you have charged hard, loved fiercely and found community in all kinds of moments. You took on elementary school with your characteristic balance of curiosity and enthusiasm and you found your voice as a student, leader, athlete, and friend. You grew in so many ways and loved being a grad ambassador and buddy. We are so proud of you! You are uniquely curious and we can’t wait to see where your next adventure takes you. You are a gift to the world and we are so grateful to be on this journey with you. We’re so happy to get this chance to celebrate the one and only you. We believe in you! Love, Mom, Dad and Asha
Words from the staff:
At the beginning of this year, my mom had cancer and that was really difficult for me because when you see someone that you love so profoundly have that type of experience, it’s really hard. It’s hard to be yourself. It’s hard to go about your day the same way you normally would. PS1 taught me to be resilient and also how to ask for help. I’m grateful for the PS1 community that supported me and kept me grounded during this experience. Okay. Moving on
Words from Shannon Clements Parry and Michael Parry:
Words from Bodan Skye Parry:
Seven Years at PS1
Bodan, you are a vibrant, wholehearted, and deeply authentic member of the PS1 community whose energy, humor, and emotional honesty make a lasting impression on everyone around you. Whether competing fiercely on the sports field, diving into a challenging math problem, or sharing your feelings openly and thoughtfully, you approach life “full throttle,” bringing maximum effort and genuine passion to everything you do. Beneath your confident and competitive exterior is a deeply kind and sensitive person who cares greatly for your friends, younger students, and community, often offering thoughtful guidance, empathy, and encouragement to others. Your playful spirit and quick sense of humor bring joy to those around you, while your integrity and self-awareness make you someone others naturally trust and gravitate toward. A curious and engaged learner, you love books, big ideas, and meaningful discussions, and you consistently demonstrate perseverance, creativity, and a willingness to grow from mistakes. Whether through athletics, storytelling, art, or classroom conversations, you bring warmth, leadership, and heart to every space you enter. Your ability to connect deeply with others while remaining entirely yourself is one of your greatest strengths, and you will continue to thrive and inspire in all your future communities.
“Do not go where the path may lead. go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” - Ralph Waldo emerson “success is not final. failure is not fatal. it is the courage to continue that counts.” - winston churchill
Words from friends:
Bodan Parry
2019-2020
2022-2023
2024 -2025
During centers, you and I like to do Marby Run Run. You build with me too. You like to be funny when you dance at lunchtime it is hard to eat because we laugh a lot. You are fun to play with. You are nice and one of my best friend. At one Center, you were the best hitter. The ball went soooo far.
You are awesome at soccer and athletic at everything. You are confident in the best way possible. You have a really open-heart for people, like you care about other people. Once you helped me find something I made that was special to me. It made me feel good. You are happy for others when they do well. You are supportive and cheer people on. You’re really good at math. Whenever you get excited, you do a flexing pose and you say “Let’s Go.” You are really enthusiastic and good at pumping people up. You’re the best hype-man!
You are super athletic. You also score a lot when playing basketball. You can shoot from anywhere, which is crazy because I can’t shoot from the three line. I appreciate your great sportsmanship. You are very athletic and very good at sports. You’re a baseball man and a chill guy with an even chiller pitch. #Goldielocks! You are a strong person, not just physically but mentally. A memory I have of you is at PE. You were screeching Risk by Gracie Abrams at the top of your lungs. I was sooo surprised at how you knew every Lyric. You are an awesome friend, you always make funny comments that make me laugh. This year, especially you and I have had such a strong connection, and you always are serious if we need to be. You never argue at all, and to be honest, not a lot of other people can do the same. It was fun having you as my tablemate, especially when you goof around sometimes.
2020-2021
You are a great jumper--you always land on your feet or do a crazy roll. When we play basketball, you get tons of baskets. Your funny voices are funny and make me laugh. You help me understand when you explain your thinking in math. You are a good friend. You run so fast. You draw colorful pictures and it is fun to make books with you. You love to play baseball and tell good stories.
2021-2022
You are a great friend, whenever I get hurt you tell me to push through. You are really nice and kind to me. You like telling funny jokes. You are super athletic, especially at lacrosse, kickball, soccer, snowboarding and baseball, and pretty much every sport. You push yourself in math and you love to do your best. You are open-hearted. You are enthusiastic and confident. You tackle most questions people have for him head-on.
2 02 3 - 2 024
You are very good at sports including soccer, basketball, baseball, and lacrosse. You are the best goalkeeper in the school. You are kind and funny and always up for a challenge. I always see you laugh and it brings a smile to my face! I love your enthusiasm and how you are so determined. You are helpful to your classmates,loyal to your friends,smart, and enthusiastic. From the moment I met you, you’ve always had a good heart. I admire how you never give up even if times are tough. I also love how you’re not afraid to do anything and you put your mind to it. Keep going.
2025-2026
Bodan, you are so open and honest to anyone you are around. You have such a great personality and can bring a smile to anyone’s face with just a few words. You are just the best person ever, you are sooooo funny and always make the best jokes. You bring so much joy to the classroom. Your intelligence mixed with your love makes you who you are and makes you a true gem. You’re always willing to learn something new and master it and once you have, you go out of your way to teach and show others how to do it, which we all admire. Thank you for working with me and sharing amazing ideas with our group in social studies. Thank you for always including me and accepting me.
Nico Bray Recinos When I first started here I was a tiny seed. My hopes and dreams being just a small embryo, I would be placed in the class West Oak. Scared and not knowing anyone, I started the year and began to make small but meaningful connections that would eventually grow just like me. Everyone was so friendly and open to being friends. In one year I had grown to love the class, but I would have to be biased since it was my first class. Knowing that this school year could not last forever, I tried to make real friendships that would last long after PS1. I thought it would be hard, but it could not have been easier. Finding people to connect with was successful. This was reinforced by my teachers. I am so grateful to them, they really helped with my personal growth. Now I hope my connections continue past PS1. I just can’t believe it is now over. Thank you teachers, thank you friends, for making my school life better and helping me break out of my shell, and finally… Thank you PS1
Dear Son, As you graduate from 6th grade, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey that has brought you to this moment. While many children spend their elementary years in one school, you have experienced something very different. You have attended five different schools across four different states, and through every move, every new classroom, every unfamiliar hallway, and every fresh start, you have shown remarkable resilience. I have watched you walk into new schools not knowing anyone and somehow find your place. I have seen you make new friends, learn new routines, adjust to different teachers, and navigate unfamiliar systems with courage. Again and again, you have proven that home is not a place but something you carry within yourself. Wherever life has taken you, you have found a way to grow, adapt, and belong. There is another part of this journey that feels especially meaningful to me. Through every school, every move, and every transition, we have been at the same school together. I took comfort in knowing we shared the same community and daily experiences. In many ways, we grew through these years side by side. As you move on to middle school, that chapter is changing. This is your first real step into greater independence and the beginning of an adventure that is entirely your own. While we won’t be in the same school anymore, nothing can take away the experiences we’ve shared. The first days, the hard goodbyes, the new friendships, the challenges, and the successes are part of our story, and we will always carry them together. What makes me proudest, though, is not your ability to adapt. It is the person you are becoming. You have a kind and generous heart. You are the friend who notices when someone is left out. You are the brother who brings laughter, support, and love to your family. You care deeply about others, and that kindness shines through in the way you treat people every day. As your mother, there is no greater gift than watching you become a good human being. Your compassion, curiosity, and determination matter far more than any grade, award, or achievement. Those qualities will carry you farther than you can imagine. When middle school brings new opportunities and challenges, remember everything you have already overcome. You have started over more times than most people your age or mine and learned how to keep moving forward even when things are unfamiliar. That strength is part of who you are. I am endlessly proud to be your mother, and I cannot wait to see where life takes you next. Congratulations, my sweet boy. The world is better because you are in it. Te amo, Mami
Words from the staff:
This is the story of how I grew my tree here at PS1.
Words from Gabriela Recinos:
Words from Nico Bray Recinos:
Two Years at PS1
Nico, you are a deeply thoughtful, creative, and quietly hilarious presence whose warmth and intelligence has brought joy and connection to the PS1 community. With your dry sense of humor, memorable impressions, and ability to make people laugh effortlessly, you have a way of instantly putting others at ease, often disarming people with a smile before drawing them into thoughtful and sophisticated conversations. You are naturally curious and imaginative, immersing yourself in books spread across a library table, building elaborate creations at the LEGO wall, inventing characters for D&D adventures, or teaching yourself about everything from superheroes to politics. You combine creativity with focus and persistence, approaching both academic and artistic work with care, insight, and independent thinking. Just as remarkable as your intellect is your empathy: You consistently notice the needs of others, helping younger students, checking in on friends, and ensuring everyone feels included and valued. You bring kindness, emotional awareness, and generosity into every environment, balancing wit and playfulness with sensitivity and thoughtfulness. Your ability to connect meaningfully with people of all ages, paired with your creativity, humor, and genuine care for others, leave people smiling long after they have been with you.
Nico.B.Recinos .
n't fight change re, captain. You ca tu na ht fig t n' ca You nde -Dutch van der Li
2024 -2025
Words from friends:
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s at le m o s. isd d w atthew e r i M qu d ac Hosea ' I sh I wi price a
Nico, Tung tung tung! You’re the most creative and thoughtful human being I’ve ever met. You are so considerate of other people. You have this side of you that just wants to take care of people. You’re very polite, nice, and sometimes crazy. You’re so funny, you always make weird quotes that make everyone laugh, and the voices you can do are super cool. You are an amazing classmate. I appreciate how you help me with math and come up with cool ways to do math. You were such a great addition to ps1, and I am so gladIi got to be in your first ps1 class. It has been a joy to get to know you and bond with you this year.
2025-2026
"Ha
d to be m e gott en it . Someo ne e wron lse m g.” ight Mor h din Solu ave s
"T
e for r o g m ss thin o n e Bo s i h e T r he
ve".
o gi me t
I normally don’t like to write a lot but this is for you. You are an intelligent, kind, and thoughtful person that cares so much about everything. You’re like an old soul. You have an extremely high and extensive vocabulary, knowledge beyond the 6th grade level, and always are considerate of everyone. You are so smart and generous to other people, and you make people laugh for ages. You tell awesome jokes that I could have never thought of in a million years. You value your friends so much. I know we will go our own ways this year but I will remember all the memories we have made. Thanks for being a radiant friend, Nico.
Allison Reyna
The school I’m leaving today isn’t the same one I first came to. Over the years, so much about this place has changed, and honestly, it took time to adjust. At first, some of those changes felt strange because after being somewhere for so long, you get used to things staying the same. But one thing I’ve learned is that change is always going to happen, whether we expect it or not. Even though it can be difficult sometimes, change also helps people grow. Looking back now, I realize that all of those changes became part of our experience and helped shape who we are today. After spending seven years here, it’s hard to believe how much of our lives happened inside this school. We saw the same people every day, made memories without even realizing it, and slowly grew up together along the way. Before I came here, I never realized how much PS1 would end up meaning to me, but it became such a huge part of my life. What I’ll remember most are the small moments that didn’t seem important at the time: the loud lunch conversations, the inside jokes that made no sense to anyone else, and all the random memories that somehow became the best ones. We got so used to seeing each other every day that it never really felt like one day it would end. This became our normal, and that’s probably what makes leaving so difficult now. I may have started here 7 years ago, but now it’s time to move on. This school has been such a big part of my life, and I’m really grateful for everything it’s given me. I’ll miss it a lot, but I’m also excited for what comes next. And thank you to everyone who made my time here one crazy, unforgettable experience.
Dear Allie, Congratulations on graduating from PS1! You have been part of this school community since birth, and it has been wonderful to see how you’ve made your experience so uniquely your own. In class, you have demonstrated how you are a curious learner, a critical thinker and a wonderful writer. For instance, when you started playing soccer, you loved reading books about soccer players and books written by soccer players. You learned about the pay gap in women’s sports, so you wrote an essay in support of equal pay. You have forged strong friendships through countless hours of playing, hanging out, laughing, chatting and playing sports. In the spring of your Kindergarten year, you discovered ways to keep learning together and developing friendships during distance learning. When you got older, you attended several of your friends’ soccer, basketball and hockey games—because you were excited to cheer them on. Likewise, your friends have supported you by watching your soccer games. And, you found a way to be proud of your accomplishments and to stretch beyond your comfort zone. When you conquered your stage fright, you celebrated this accomplishment. Then, you applied to be an Admissions Ambassador as a new way to develop your public speaking skills. Keep learning, keep connecting and keep believing in yourself. With all our love, Mom and Dad
Words from the staff:
I may have started here 7 years ago, but PS1 has always been a part of my life. From hearing about it long before I walked through these doors, to finally walking in myself and realizing it was going to be my story too.
Words from Anna and Jeffrey Reyna:
Words from Allison Reyna:
Seven Years at PS1
Allie, you are a bright, joyful, and deeply grounded presence whose warmth, humor, and quiet confidence have helped shape the heart of the PS1 community. Full of life and quick wit, you have a gift for making people laugh and feel seen, waving dramatically across campus, telling a perfectly timed story, or greeting others with your signature enthusiasm and warmth. Beneath your playful energy is a deeply thoughtful and caring person who notices what others need and quietly takes action, from carefully sweeping wood chips off the walkway as a Youngers student to consistently supporting classmates and younger students with kindness and calm leadership. You balance fearlessness with gentleness, bringing resilience, self-awareness, and a low-drama steadiness that helps those around you feel safe and included. Whether dominating soccer games in Ugg slippers, with snack in hand, leading collaborative STEAM projects, playing piano, or immersing yourself in creative writing and art, you approach life with enthusiasm, curiosity, and determination. You are self-directed, imaginative, and highly engaged in learning, often unable to resist sharing an insightful idea once your curiosity is sparked. A natural role model and community builder, your combination of intelligence, humor, athleticism, empathy, and authenticity leaves a lasting impact.
Allie "si túreyna n
o cre es en lo ha ti, na die rá po r ti" -bad bunn y
in, w r ve e n s r it" e u t q t i r ve "qu e n s er n n n i w w o n -unk
"nev er w anna wha do t i'm -kat told" seye
Words from friends:
ou y n he w d n i n t a i t s yf o h t w " rn o b e " wer out ss e u s -dr.
2019-2020
2022-2023
2024 -2025
You are so smart. You make me laugh and I have fun with you. You are helpful to everyone. You are a good friend. You are nice and always use kind words. I love playing in drama with you. You write really good stories. You showed the class how to be an upstander all the time.
In the morning you created a game called “Tape Ball.” It’s like basketball with a ball of tape. It’s so much fun! You’re a really fun friend. It’s so fun playing basketball with you (even without tape). Sometimes, you just hold the basketball and walk around - it makes me laugh so hard. You are an amazing partner for the Broadway Unit. You are so connected to what you’re learning. You have the best, joyful vibes. Even when someone is sad, you check in with them, and somehow you just end up making them laugh and happy! I don’t know how you do that. You have great social flexibility. You can hang out with anyone and really enjoy it.
You are so loyal and kind to not just your friends but to your whole community. You are so funny, relatable, and friendly. You are kind, compassionate, open-minded, and empathetic. You’re willing to take risks and stand up in situations, and you always put your friends first, which is a really cool quality that not many people have. Thank you for always helping me in math and almost every other subject, and for being a great book club member. You are so upbeat and not afraid to be yourself, and because of this you are able to hang out with almost anyone in the school without making yourself feel weird or other people feel weird when they are talking to you. I appreciate how kind and caring you always are. You are so supportive and funny, you can always make me laugh no matter where we are.
2020-2021
You are a very nice person. You always help people when they need help. You are so athletic and energetic and I think you are a great soccer player. You are so creative because you make a lot of really cool things. You are really smart, especially at math. You are always there when someone gets hurt. One time when we were in music class, you gave me a compliment about my song and that made me feel good.
2021-2022
Your drawing abilities are amazing! I like when we partner to draw our “It’s A…” drawings. You are a champion to me because you play sports fairly, try your best, and don’t complain. You play games, you make sure to respect the rules. You are a flexible learner because you balance between being playful and being serious with your schoolwork.
2 02 3 - 2 024
Allie, you have great sportsmanship and are really joyful! For example, you never brag when your team wins. You are honest and fair so it makes games fun! You are always spreading positive energy to others. You are so collaborative! When we worked in a group you let everyone talk and tried to help us decide stuff together, plus we always spend a lot of time laughing. Our map of California was so fun to make and looked really awesome.
2025-2026
Allie, where do I even begin? You are the most sweet, big hearted, and loving friend. You are so kind, smart, beautiful, and always include me. You always know how to set the vibe and make everyone die of laughter. Remember that time it was all quiet at dismissal and you made a joke and we all started laughing and then we laughed again because one of our laughs sounded weird and then it turned into endless laughter and the laughing got so severe we started crying. There was that one time while writing poetry we tested the Bangu version of a poem where you replace the non-important words with Bangu and it was so funny. Ahh the good times- but the greater thing is that it was all because of you.
Elsen Kingley Rodgers
For starters, PS1 taught me how to lean on others in tough times. The year after my sister Emme graduated, I was left all alone to navigate the rest of my elementary years. (I was about 8 years old at the time.) The first few weeks were especially tough. Though I had many friends, there was still a void that couldn’t be filled. Unfortunately, around the same time, I happened to lose 2 of my front teeth and another 2 were pulled out, so I had a giant toothless grin. I expected to be ridiculed for my goofy look, but instead my friends shared similar stories about missing teeth or puffy lips, and asked if I needed help treating my mouth pain. And one of those people went on to become one of my closest friends. I knew my friends would never be able to replace my sister, but they were pretty good substitutes. We had dumb arguments all the time, developed exclusive inside jokes, and always watched each other’s backs. PS1 also taught me about how to stand up for what I believe in, leadership, and how to turn frustration into something positive. One year, soccer was constantly getting too heated at recess, so we were suspended from playing for a month. I was devastated. Soccer was my favorite part of school. After weeks of angrily sitting on the bench, I realized that my struggles wouldn’t be fixed by my tantrums on the sidelines. Eventually, I joined a task force to have a voice in the situation and try to be a problem-solver rather than a complainer, but it turned out that when soccer was reinstated, it was like The Hunger Games all over again. That’s when a couple of friends and I decided to transition the schoolwide game of soccer to football. This change turned out to be an excellent decision, because teams were more evenly matched, we were able to play football as a community, and there was a lot less fighting. That year, I learned a lot about listening, forming an argument, and being calm. Lastly, PS1 also taught me to express myself in different ways: I am a writer. I can build things. That as a Grad Announcer, maybe I’m not as afraid to speak in public. That as Sir Toby Belch, maybe acting is more fun than I thought. Looking back on my years at PS1, I realize that the lessons I learned here go far beyond academics. Whether it was through friendships, sports, arguments, or teamwork, every challenge helped shape the person I am today. So even though my time at PS1 is coming to an end, I know the experiences and memories I made here will stay with me forever. This isn’t really goodbye — it’s just the start of the next chapter.
Seven years ago PS1 became your home Now it’s time to go The bell will still ring Books will be read on the rug Recess will play on We give thanks to staff Who imparted their wisdom And gave heart and soul Listening, thinking, Your curiosity grew You learned to soar Surpassing our hopes Becoming kind and thoughtful Son, brother, friend The memories are Carried in your heart with love That strengthens your soul Friendships forged here Will continue through the years A departing gift So goodbye for now The yellow brick road awaits The future is yours
Words from the staff:
Most PS1 students remember the big brown gate and bubbles as their first PS1 memory. Not me. The first time I remember coming here, it was for a child visit and I was asked to draw a picture. I drew myself tinkling in the shower. It was detailed and colorful. My parents were horrified. But, to their surprise, Joel thought it was hilarious. I guess in the spirit of pluralism, he was okay with me being myself. Somehow, they decided to let me in, and so began my career at PS1 where I learned many things.
Words from Ann Singhakowinta and Jeremy Rogers:
Words from Elsen Kingsley Rogers:
Seven Years at PS1
Elsen, you are a self-directed and intellectually curious learner whose determination and steady confidence have made you a valued member of the PS1 community. You approach academics with focus and persistence, especially in challenging areas like math, where you are willing to stick with difficult problems and work toward understanding. Your curiosity extends far beyond the classroom, taking on learning Italian and practicing it with friends, and you bring the same enthusiasm to art, theater, and design, where you consistently give your best. Socially, you are loyal and quietly observant, and you bring high energy and commitment to your areas of passion. You show leadership on the soccer field where you balance athleticism with fairness and respect for others. Your competitive spirit and leadership help drive your team forward, and your willingness to take initiative encourages others to do the same. Teachers have observed your enjoyment for drawing, designing, and building, bringing creative ideas to life through detailed projects and collaborations with friends. Known for your dry humor, strong opinions, and independent thinking, you have grown into the bravery to express your voice, pursue your interests, and be the best version of yourself.
“AND I WOULD’VE GOTTEN AWAY WITH IT TOO, IF IT WASN’T FOR YOU MEDDLING KIDS!” - (VILLAIN) SCOOBY DOO
Words from friends:
ELSEN ROGERS
2019-2020
2022-2023
2024 -2025
You are great at hockey and you are super excited about it all the time. You are a good friend. You took me to Esther to get ice after I got hurt in soccer. I like reading with you. You do very detailed drawings. You are a good listener. You share your things. I love playing soccer with you. You taught me how to make a dragon.
When I talk to you you always treat me with kindness and respect. You are so good at making origami every free choice time I mostly see you make origami. You are funny and good at soccer and you always score on me. You’re a fun friend and I love how neat and tidy your handwriting is. You’re also a really good typist. It’s been really great getting to know you this year. I feel like we can talk about anything.
Elsen, I’m going to start by saying, stop the ice chewing! Jk. You’re really athletic and good at all sports. You are a great basketball player, and you score a lot. I like how much you enjoy hockey- Go Maple Leafs! I like how you’re bold and vocal and state your opinion. You are definitely the clean freak of the class, but that is what makes you such an amazing classmate. Yoson, you’re a smart guy. I had fun being in math class with youyou are so smart, and when I’m not doing my best, you always help me. I will never forget when you skipped ahead in book clubs and the amount of bruises I had on my legs after you kicked me 1 billion times. Elsen, you are so funny and make everyone laugh just by doing simple things. You’re such a goofball and always make sure to consider others and their feelings.
2020-2021
You are very athletic because you are a great soccer player and really good at the monkey bars. You are the fastest person in the Yellow class. When I got hurt at school, you got me a wet paper towel to make me feel better. You make me laugh. You are really good at math. Thank you for helping me with my math when I don’t know how to do it. You are the best origami folder I’ve ever met. You always make the coolest paper airplanes.
2021-2022
You are a really good friend who always stands up for others when they need it. You are thoughtful and keep others in mind. You are really funny, you do silly voices and you joke around. You are very athletic and you always try your best. You are very honest and diligent because you always focus when it’s work time. You are flexible and go with the flow to make things work. You put others before yourself and show a lot of compassion.
2 02 3 - 2 024
Your love of sports inspires me. You are an amazing soccer player and you are very devoted to playing. You are always the one to save us in the last seconds. I admire how you are so good at everything you do. You’re also such an intelligent kid and that’s a gift of yours. You are always willing to help me even if I do not ask. I like how you work hard and always stay on task. And your typing skills!!! Are so fast! You are so kind, selfless, and fun to hang out with. You do not hesitate when it comes to helping a peer and you always come up with great ideas.
2025-2026
Allie, where do I even begin? You are the most sweet, big hearted, and loving friend. You are so kind, smart, beautiful, and always include me. You always know how to set the vibe and make everyone die of laughter. Remember that time it was all quiet at dismissal and you made a joke and we all started laughing and then we laughed again because one of our laughs sounded weird and then it turned into endless laughter and the laughing got so severe we started crying. There was that one time while writing poetry we tested the Bangu version of a poem where you replace the non-important words with Bangu and it was so funny. Ahh the good times- but the greater thing is that it was all because of you.
Sonam K Shrestha
Although my time here has been shorter than some, PSOne still made an impact on me. Ever since I joined PSOne, my confidence has really gotten to shine. I’ve gotten to become more social, to try new things, and I have so many memories here that I will never forget and friends that I will always miss. Looking back at these friendships, I’ve realized something important. If my two years here have taught me anything, it’s that it doesn’t matter how much time you have, it’s what you do with it, and the people you decide to spend it with. I still remember how nervous I was when I was entering PSOne for a day, and I remember how happy I was, excited to start next year as a fifth grader. Even as I move on to middle school, I will never forget the values PSOne has taught me. Thank you to my teachers for pushing me to always be my best, even when things were hard, my family for being my mental support and being my biggest fans, and my friends for making every day livable and special. You all make these memories unforgettable, and I hope that the next chapter will be as fun as this one.
Dear Sonam, We are so excited that you are graduating from elementary school, and can’t believe how quickly the time has flown by! We are incredibly proud of you, your hard work, determination, and dedication to your goals. As you begin the next exciting chapter, into Middle School, remember that we will always be cheering you on, every step of the way. Never stop believing in yourself, because we certainly believe in you. Lots of love, always, Mamma & Papa “Wherever life takes you, stay curious, stay kind, and always be yourself.”
Words from the staff:
As the future becomes my present, I am left to think about the past. Since I joined PSOne in fifth grade, my time here has been one heck of a ride, and I have loved every second of it. From surviving in the wild for the first time, to being a big buddy to the cutest little youngers ever, these years have been amazing.
Words from Kalsang and Sandeep Shrestha:
Words from Sonam K Shrestha:
Two Years at PS1
Sonam, you are a warm, thoughtful, and quietly confident human whose kindness and gentle spirit have become an essential part of the PS1 community in a remarkably short time. From your very first day, you seemed as though you had always belonged, forming friendships quickly, joining in new experiences with courage and openness, and weaving your caring, inclusive nature into the fabric of your classroom and peer group. Naturally reserved in large groups, you speak with insight and confidence when it matters, and you consistently show deep consideration for how your actions affect others, creating a sense of ease and belonging wherever you go. You approach learning with focus, persistence, and curiosity, engaging deeply with books, contributing thoughtfully to discussions, and bringing care and creativity to your academic and artistic work. Whether bravely saying yes to new adventures like camping trips and school overnights, collaborating with friends in playful and meaningful ways, or simply offering quiet support to those around you, you demonstrate courage that inspires others and kindness that strengthens your community. Calm, diligent, and compassionate, you have shown that you are not only a dedicated learner but also a connector and contributor whose presence makes any group more welcoming, thoughtful, and complete.
“I would rather die of passion than boredom” - Van Gogh
Words from friends:
2024 -2025
You are so kind and calm about everything. You are smart, thankful, and funny. You listen first, then speak your opinion, always giving everyone a chance to speak. I am really amazed at your skills in badminton. You are persistent. Whenever I work with you in class you are funny but also still focus on the project, that’s why it’s so fun to work with you. You are nice and never make a big deal of anything even when something is hard or someone is giving you a hard time. Even though you only started this year, it feels like you’ve been at PS1 all these years. You are really considerate and hardworking. You help others when they need help. In writing, when we wrote short stories you made yours really detailed and it really inspired me. You are thoughtful, authentic and so caring. You’re always in a positive mood, which is amazing.
2025-2026
“It’s hard to turn the page when you know someone won’t be on the next chapter, but the story must go on.” -Thomas Wilder
You have made our school better since the day you came last year. You are the sweetest and funniest friend I could have. Every day you make me laugh until I can’t breathe, and smile until my face hurts. You are a great friend and are super generous to other people. Thank you for working with me when I needed help. You were the best partner with me in social studies. Whenever there is a group project you are so collaborative, listening to everyone’s ideas and putting people first before yourself. Thank you for being super nice to everyone: you are a great role model. The thing I appreciate most is how your first instinct is to check on your friends. I am so thankful that we have grown so close this year. Keep glowing Sodium.
Chloe Emma Truino
When I was in youngers, I dreamt of the day I was a grad. All the fun opportunities that awaited me. To me it felt like being the mayor of the school, little me liked that. Olders was a magical two years filled with joy, fun, life, learning, and discovering myself. It has truly been a blast and my experiences will stay in my heart forever. I am so grateful to be here today, standing on stage as a grad. One of my favorite parts of PS1 is the relationships I have created with my teachers and friends. My friends and teachers are like family to me and have made my time here exceptional. I love every moment my friends and I spend together. Every year my teachers help me so much with everything and I don’t know what I’d do without them. PS1 has given me a voice and has inspired me to feel comfortable expressing myself, sharing my opinions, and to stand up for what I believe in no matter what. PS1 has helped me to shine and be passionate, and has taught and empowered me to ask questions, be curious, speak my mind, and to be my own person. My journey has been so incredibly special. The times I’ve struggled, the times I’ve had to ask for help, the times I’ve had to problem solve, my journey with friends, school work, I wouldn’t change one bit of it. My experiences at PS1 have shaped me into the person I am today. I’ve never been more proud of who I am and my knowledge and experiences PS1 has taught me. PS1 Will forever be a part of me. I have so many phenomenal things to say about PS1 but the most important thing is thank you. Thank you for helping me become myself, and for making me, me. Thank you so much to the best friends ever for all the fun times, laughter, and joy. I will never forget all the memories we’ve made at this special place together. Thank you to my incredible teachers over the years for helping me and guiding me through my fantastic journey here at PS1. Thank you to the best family in the world. Mom, Dad, thank
you for loving me, supporting me, being with me through this journey. I could never have done this without you. I love PS1 with my whole heart and I will always remember all the special memories I’ve had here and I will take them with me through my next chapter. And remember, this isn’t goodbye, this is just see you soon PS1. Thank you. Love, Chloe
Dear Chloe, You are the love of our lives. You came into this world as a ray of sunshine, and you have brightened every day ever since. You shine so brightly and light up everyone around you. You have the biggest heart, and you give that love so generously to the people in your life. You care so deeply about your friends, your family, and your incredible PS1 community. We remember your first day at PS1. We had just moved from CT, and you were starting at a new school in a new city with new friends. You came home from your first day with a smile from ear to ear, telling us all about your amazing new school, and you have never looked back. You have truly cherished every moment of your PS1 experience. It has been such a gift to watch you grow and thrive over the past seven years. You give your all every single day in everything you do. Your dad and I are so incredibly proud of the person you are. You are so incredibly kind, caring, empathetic, and loving. You have formed the most beautiful lifelong friendships. You are so confident in who you are, you are articulate in expressing yourself, and you never hesitate to stand up for what you believe in. We are so excited for you to take everything you’ve learned and all of your incredible PS1 relationships and experiences with you as you start your next chapter at Crossroads. We know it will be amazing! We will forever be your biggest cheerleaders, and we will support you unconditionally in everything you do! We love you more than anything in the whole world!! Love, Mom and Dad
♥
Words from the staff:
Hi my name is Chloe, and I’m going to be sharing my story with you. My journey at PS1 has been amazing. I remember when I came for the interview before kindergarten. I was sitting in a room with Joel. I didn’t know what to expect but a few minutes later after the “that was easy button” came out of the drawer, I was happy as can be laughing and chatting with him. It was the moment my family and I knew, I was meant to be here. Moving from a totally different state and coming to a new school where I didn’t know anyone was scary for 5 year old me, but PS1 made the transition so easy. Then the first day of kindergarten came. I was excited, ready, and confident. Kindergarten Chloe knew this was her place, the place where she is going to thrive for the next seven years. Everyone was so incredibly warm, welcoming, and kind. I already felt connected after the first two weeks of school. At dismissal I was high fiving and saying bye to the teachers, staff, and students. I was so happy to be here every day.
Words from Stephanie and Anthony Truino:
Words from Chloe Emma Truino:
Seven Years at PS1
Chloe, you are a vibrant, thoughtful, and deeply expressive member of the PS1 community whose creativity, empathy, and clarity of voice have made you a memorable presence. From the beginning, you showed a natural ease in forming connections, speaking up with curiosity, building friendships across grades, and greeting both past and present teachers with your signature warmth and bright smile. You are a gifted storyteller with a strong sense of self, able to articulate your feelings with honesty and nuance, carefully choosing your words while staying true to your experience and perspective. Your emotional awareness and social intelligence are remarkable; you notice others’ needs, care deeply about your friendships, and work thoughtfully to help resolve conflicts, sometimes even advocating for peace and understanding among peers. You bring creativity and ambition to everything you do, from launching your own fashion brand and styling photoshoots for your website, to writing, collaborating, and sharing imaginative ideas in the classroom. You approach learning with focus, persistence, and pride, consistently giving your best effort while balancing independence with openness to guidance. Whether leading with kindness, engaging in collaborative projects, or simply making someone feel seen with a wave in the hallway, you bring joy, insight, and authenticity into every space you enter.
Words from friends:
2019-2020
2022-2023
2024 -2025
I love that you are sweet and a nice friend. I like playing with you. You are a really good friend. I really like talking with you and playing with you. You are a nice person. You like playing with lots of people. You are a good person and really sweet. I liked it when we had a playdate. You are really good at drawing. You are fun.
You are a generous great friend who includes others in activities. You are so creative with your ideas. You try your best to solve problems when we do group work. When I have nobody to play with, you ask me to play with you. You have your own ideas especially when it comes to art work. You check on your friends to make sure they are okay. You give excellent suggestions when I am stuck with coming up with ideas.
Chloe, you are kind, caring, and nice. You are loyal to your friends and when something is wrong you will stand up for the person or help the situation. You are very determined to reach your goal and will try your hardest to do so. You are a nice friend and a super joyful person. You are amazing at basketball, and you never miss a shot when we play Knockout. You care about your friends if something happens, you are always looking out for other people too. At the end of the day you’ll always have my back and I’ll always have yours. Chloe you always share very important information in the class and feel confident about it. You inspire me to share whatever I am thinking. You always give super detailed answers to every question. Your ideas are so creative and cool and I like how you always voice your opinion. You are so confident, friendly, and you never give up whenever things are hard.
2020-2021
You are a very kind and nice friend. I am glad that I know you because I enjoy playing with you. I love you so much. You are a sweet friend. You are really good at drawing. You are really good at the monkey bars and rings. Thank you for making a picture for me. You have good dance moves.
2021-2022
You are an honest person and will tell truth. You will admit when you messed up. You try and try even when things are hard. I respect how you don’t give up easily. You are hardworking and try your best to complete assignments. You are so generous with your things and time. You are a cheerful student. You get pumped for things to get our class excited.
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Chloe, you are kind and always make others feel cared for, like when you checked in on me after I got hurt. You are supportive, like when you cheered me on and encouraged me, even though I missed a goal in soccer. You are an amazing soccer player and I love watching you score goals! You are so great at gymnastics. You are kind, like when you ask me for personal space, you don’t change your tone.
2025-2026
Chloe, you are such an amazing friend and you make things happen for yourself but you do it with others in mind as well. Right off the bat I have something to say about you. You are a fashionista, you have GREAT style, and taste in clothing. You know what the best color is, it’s pink. You are really great at drawing and you always make sure that everyone is having a good time. You always light the class up and make it fun for people. You always can find the good in everyone and you’re super thoughtful about what you say. You know what’s right and will show what’s right. Obviously, you slay!!! I love you.
Connor Eames Vogel
Then covid hit…. I was wondering why I couldn’t see my friends any more. Why learning was over a screen, why we had to be six feet apart from each other. Wondering if it was ever going back to normal. My parents got worried that I was spending too much time inside, Then I got put in Brella. I got to see my friends in person again. It was such a joy. I got to play again! Back to normal. Meeting new people, not being the youngest. I remember drinking hot chocolate while watching a movie. The academics were getting harder, from learning how to write a sentence to learn how to write a story. Crossing the bridge, Making so many new friends, Now I have gone from learning how to write a story to learn how to write an essay. We got to celebrate making poems with apple cider. Now I’m on 12th Street Learning so many new things. From making oobleck to doing dissections, then doing the applications. To doing the James and the Giant Peach I was so excited to go to middle school, everything was so cool. From being on Euclid to going upstairs after Covid to going back downstairs to be an Older! It was amazing. I gained emotional maturity from PS1, I couldn’t get this wonderful experience anywhere else. PS1 is amazing!
Dear Connor, What a joy and privilege it is to be your parents! We love you deeply and feel so lucky to have a son who exhibits so many of the values that we hoped you would develop when starting PS1 seven years ago! You are intelligent, thoughtful, and have a great sense of justice. You are a leader who will stand up for what is right… not just following the crowd like many. We have loved being part of your journey from childhood to young adulthood and we cannot wait to see where life takes you next! As you graduate from PS1 and prepare to begin a new chapter at Geffen Academy, we want you to know how proud we are—not only of your accomplishments, but of the person you are becoming. One of the things we admire most about you is your ability to think for yourself. You ask questions. You challenge ideas. You care deeply about fairness and about doing what is right, even when it may not be the easiest path. That takes courage. As you get older, there will always be pressure to fit in or to simply go along with others. We hope you never lose the independent spirit that makes you uniquely you. We also hope you continue to embrace your sense of curiosity and adventure. The world is full of incredible people, ideas, experiences, and opportunities waiting for you. Continue to try new things. Take risks. Learn from mistakes. Don’t be afraid to fail sometimes, because failure is often where the greatest growth happens. What matters most is not perfection, but the willingness to keep trying, learning, and growing. Congratulations, Connor. We are endlessly proud to be your parents. Love, Mom and Dad
Words from the staff:
“Oh the places I’ll go!” I came in feeling as if there were butterflies in my stomach, feeling curious about the new school year. Having recess with my friends, to reading books with my parents, to having free choice at the end of the day, It was all new to me. Learning how to write a sentence- I was confused.
Words from Donna Weiss and Lorin Vogel:
Words from Connor Eames Vogel:
Seven Years at PS1
Connor, you are a thoughtful, steady, and quietly insightful member of the PS1 community whose growth over the years has been both meaningful and memorable. You bring a calm confidence to everything you do, paired with a strong sense of purpose that guides how you learn, participate, and show up for others. Whether serving as a Grad Announcer, engaging in deep class discussions, or contributing ideas grounded in your own experiences, you listen carefully, think before you speak, and offer perspectives that often help move the conversation forward. You are a genuine and attentive learner who values understanding the “why” behind your work, and once that connection is made, you engage with focus, curiosity, and commitment. Your maturity has grown in visible and telling moments, like the jeans arriving to take on new responsibilities and change. You are a creative and confident artist, unafraid to explore new techniques while staying true to your own ideas, and you bring that same openness and imagination into all areas of your learning. Kind, humorous in understated ways, and deeply respectful of others, you build strong relationships through listening, reliability, and quiet leadership. Your combination of reflection, independence, and growing confidence allows you to continue to evolve in ways that are thoughtful, authentic, and entirely your own.
Words from friends:
2019-2020
2022-2023
2024 -2025
I love to go skateboarding with you. We love to trade Pokemon cards durng Aftercare. You like to play hyenas with me. You are just hilarious playing tag during recess because we laugh and run. “Isn’t it a great day to play catch ???” I like when you play cheetah with me and sometimes we make fake chocolate cake for Holly.
You are very friendly to everybody. If there is a new person visiting, you’ll be really nice to them. You are really good at soccer (like x15) and you are a good sport. You don’t let anybody be mean to anybody else. If you see someone is upset you’ll always check on them. You are fun-loving, a hard worker and don’t give up even if something is challenging. Your work ethic is really high. You are dedicated and keep on working on things so you get better.
You are such a great friend!!! You stand up for everyone, and you never leave them out or be exclusive. Whenever I play a game of basketball with you, I love seeing how much you try and the creative ways you try to score a basket. You have great sportsmanship no matter if you are winning or losing. You always pass to everyone when we are playing sports, and even if you don’t like the sport that we are playing, you try anyway. You’re so funny, and you are persistent in everything you are doing. You are so loyal to all of your friends and classmates, and a lot of people are friends with you. Connor you have been and are the greatest friend to me this year. You always comfort me and let me convey my troubles upon you and I am tremendously thankful. You are the best friend I can imagine. Thank you!!!
2020-2021
I feel like you have a set of eyes in the back of your head. You are really good at observing things that I bet nobody else can see. You are really cool, you play monkey in the middle with me at recess. You really like sports. You like to play basketball and you make good shots. You are a really good soccer player. I think you have the best moves and you always play fair. You are really funny.
2021-2022
You are fun to play with and you always include people. You have a really kind heart and you are helpful. You are honest and a good communicator. You always care about solving problems fairly. You have a positive attitude and make the best of any situation. You have been a good friend all year. You are a really good buddy and team player. You are a genuine friend and you always stay true to yourself. You are dynamic because your personality stands out in the best way. You are a very good person
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Connor, you are so flexible. At recess, you play with different people and many different things. You can laugh with anyone and that makes you a great person to be around! You can also work with different people in groups in class. In our science group, you were talking to everyone and listening to different ideas. You are really thoughtful and in book clubs your wonderings made me think about stuff I hadn’t thought about before.
2025-2026
You are a good sport and team player and always notice when someone isn’t playing fair and take action. You are determined in sports , especially basketball, and you’re always looking for ways to improve which is amazing. You pass to the people who haven’t had a shot yet, and include everyone in the sport. Connor, you are a funny, kind, caring, and positive person. It is always so fun being at a table spot with you. You always cheer up people’s days and that is so great. You bring in joy to the East Oak classroom.
Nathaniel Wax
As I entered the golden brown gates of PS1 I was completely astonished by the school. It was an amazing place full of wonder, joy, and curiosity. Shortly after I started school here; covid struck. Covid was a horrible time, keeping us in our homes and making us learn on Zoom. I felt like I hadn’t learned much and I was so relieved when I went back to school. I was in the now gone “blue class”. That year was revolutionary for me, because after such a terrible pandemic, I relearned many things that I had forgotten, learned new ones, and had a great year. My next two years seemed to fly by, but isn’t that what people say, “Time flies when you’re having fun?” That is where I learned more advanced math, reading, and entered the world of poetry. I especially enjoyed that year because I was at PS1 with both of my brothers. Not only did I get to see them at home that year, but I also got to spend time with them at school. That was a personal experience at PS1 that I will never forget. 5th and 6th grade, may have been my favorite yet. That’s where I learned long division, my reading comprehension and vocabulary improved, and I had great teachers, who taught me many things. When I was absent, they’d teach me what was in the last lesson no matter what. Something that I distinctly remember was the mock election. We simulated a real live presidential election, but just for our school. My political party didn’t win the mock election, but it was still an extraordinary experience. I am grateful for these opportunities because they helped me be prepared for the ISEE and get into schools I was happy about. Even though I have loved my time at PS1, I am excited to try out a new school, to try learning new things, and especially to make new friends. But if someone ever asks, “Where did you come from?” I will always be proud to say “PS1!”
Nate the Great ~ Happy 6th grade graduation, sweet boy! As you celebrate your milestone, we wanted you to know just how proud we are of you and that we absolutely love being your parents. It has been the most wonderful privilege for us to watch you grow from an inquisitive and talkative toddler to the kind, witty, fun-loving, thoughtful, persistent, and brave young man you’ve become. It’s hard to believe it was nearly eight years ago that you walked into the Yellow class for your first day of kindergarten. Ever since, we’ve so enjoyed watching your enthusiasm for learning, both at PS1 and outside of school – from your early love of gems, caterpillars, race cars and all things “rare,” to your enduring interest in reading, geography, building with Lego, and exploring the world. It has been such a thrill for both of us to watch you take the stage with confidence during school performances, including your portrayal of Macbeth when you were in fifth grade. We are especially proud of you for challenging yourself with new experiences and pushing through tough moments – you’ve gained more comfort speaking and performing in front of crowds, taken steps to conquer your fear of heights, ridden dizzying rollercoasters, and you bravely got back into the batter’s box after getting hit in the face with a fast pitch. Most of all, we’re proud of you for being a warm, thoughtful, supportive, and loyal friend, brother, and son. You are such a joy to be around . . . it’s no wonder that we sometimes have to reserve a slot in your schedule for some one-on-one time! Natey, your family adores you forever and always. You bring warmth and light and liveliness to our home and to those around you, and we are so lucky that we get to share this life with you. We love you so much, congratulations again on graduating from PS1 and we can’t wait to see what’s next! ~ Mama & Papa
Words from the staff:
“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken” that’s a quote that sums up my PS1 experience throughout my 7 years here. I have been going to PS1 for more than half of my life, loving pretty much every single day of it. I remember my first day here: watching the bubbles go by, wondering things like, “Will I make any friends?” And, “Will I like it here?” Turns out those were both easily answered, undoubtedly with a “yes.” Now, 7 years later, I’m under the oak tree on the Field of Dreams with all of the other 2026 graduates.
Words from Soraya Kelly Wax and Jonathan Wax:
Words from Nathaniel Wax:
Seven Years at PS1
Nate, you are a thoughtful, curious, and quietly remarkable presence in the PS1 community whose humility, intelligence, and good-hearted humor have made you someone peers and adults alike deeply respect. You carry a wide range of knowledge and interests, and what stands out most is the generous, unassuming way you share your knowledge, offering insights with curiosity rather than ego, and always making space for others to learn alongside you. Whether talking about Lego builds, baseball strategy, nature, or your love of facts and research, you bring a grounded enthusiasm that invites connection and conversation. You are often a quieter voice in a group; when you speak, your words are thoughtful, well-considered, and impactful, reflecting a mind that listens carefully and thinks deeply. In the classroom, you are diligent, consistent, and intellectually engaged, especially in math and problem-solving, where your focus and persistence shine. You are also a dependable teammate and athlete, bringing strategy, fairness, and calm confidence to games, while your humor and easygoing nature keep things light and connected. Creative and expressive through detailed drawings like your meticulously crafted Dodger Stadium sketches or through your storytelling, you blend precision with imagination. Above all, you are a kind, steady, and genuine friend whose humility, reliability, and quiet leadership strengthen communities.
"If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way." —Martin Luther King, Jr. "It is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change." —Queen Elizabeth II "We will fail when we fail to try." —Rosa Parks
Words from friends:
Nathaniel Wax
2019-2020
2022-2023
2024 -2025
You are really good at building with magnatiles.You let me play with your toys. You are cool and really fun to play with. I get to see you in my neighborhood from six feet away and that makes me want to see you more. We had a lot of fun together at center time, especially at the art table. You have always been such a nice and kind friend to me.
You’re always making funny jokes and you make the whole class laugh. I love playing soccer with you. You’re pretty competitive and that makes the game super fun. You have a sarcastic sense of humor which comes out a lot in our Morning Meetings. You treat everyone with respect and it’s fun talking to you in class, especially about writing because you have interesting ideas.
Nate, you are so smart, informative, and collaborative. You always help me and push me to work harder. Even though you value your opinions you value those of others too. When it’s math time you make math the priority but you’re also able to have fun! You’re a big part of our class community. You are hardworking in math, writing social studies, geography, SEL, literally everything. You are kind to everyone in a subject or any game. You are always ready to make someone’s day turn around. A good memory I have with you was when I was in the same half group as you. You are really funny and thoughtful. You are always in a positive mood which is good. You are also really good at basketball and it’s fun to play Knockout with you. You are especially good at acting, and playing Macbeth. You are such a good friend to everyone. You always put a smile on my face even when you’re not trying. Thank you for making this year so memorable.
2020-2021 2 02 3 - 2 024 You are fun to play with because if people are having a hard time tagging others, you let them tag you. You make games at recess really fun. You are a good tree climber. You are really good at math and you are one of first people to finish your work. When you finish your math, you always come over and help me with my work. You are very creative because you make really cool things with Plus Plus.
Nate, I love being in a book club with you because you come up with great theories about the characters in our book. We also have a lot of fun just chatting. We start talking about our book and then suddenly we’re talking about something totally different and cracking up! You are an amazing listener. When I get into conflicts, I know I can come to you to talk about it. You ask if I’m okay and it really makes my day.
2025-2026 2021-2022
You are really funny and pretend weird stuff. You call yourself Nate the Great. You are always there for me and a good listener when I need one. You are kind of crazy. You are a nice person and always answers my questions when I need help. You are funny and kind. You are zany and determined, honest and considerate. You are open-minded and truthful, creative and confident. You really believe in yourself. You are enthusiastic and you get really excited about baseball and also Math on Wednesdays when we play Blooket.
You’re easy-going and fun to talk to. In group projects it’s always fun to work with you. Your projects are so creative, and give lots of good information, while also keeping people entertained. You can be very funny sometimes, but you are so locked in to everything you do. I remember when we all worked on the Ancient Greece civilization project together, you made it more funny and enjoyable for everyone. Nate the great, you are an amazing friend. I can always count on you. I know you’re always in my corner because you are so loyal. You are a kind, caring, funny, thoughtful, and creative person.
Finn Wilson I have so much to say to you; what if, good bye, see you soon, but the thing I want to say most of all is thank you. Thank you for making the little boy standing outside of PS1 seven years ago the person in front of you today. I want to say thank you because before you I would do and say whatever my brother did. I know it sounds funny but it was an actual problem. If people would say, “Finn, are you hungry?” I would say, “Is Ford hungry?” Now I’m a confident, outgoing, soon to be a seventh grader with my own voice and can figure out when I’m hungry all by myself. Since I have been with you more than half my life, all the staff has become my family. The only people that know me better than my PS1 family is my literal family. I am so grateful for my mom, dad, my brother and so many others that have guided me through these seven years. All your guys’ love and support has made me strive to be the best person I can be. I knew I would be close with the staff here in my first year when my class at the time, the yellow class, was going somewhere on campus and I got separated from the group. I got really scared because I didn’t know where to go, so I started crying. Our amazing PE coach came up to me and took my hand and showed me where to go. Six years have gone by and I still remember that moment like it was yesterday. That’s part of the reason PS1 is so magical, the staff. PS1 my journey with you was a bit different because my first year covid hit and I was diagnosed with Chron’s disease. Not only as I limited to just seeing my friends through a screen, I was going in and out of the hospital. I was scared, anxious and not myself. Then we got to go back to school. Being around my friends and the faculty brought me back to the funny, kind little kid I used to be, thanks again. A couple months ago, somebody asked me a really important question. “How do you want to be remembered?” I thought about it and I think now I have my answer. I want to be remembered as the person that helped people up when they were down, put a smile on people’s faces when they were sad, and was fiercely loyal to their friends and cared about their family a lot. I think PS1 has shaped me into that person. That’s why just like I got my moving up day words and all of my classmates got their moving up day words, I want to give PS1 their moving up day words. PS1 is a second home, a place that helps kids find their passion, a family, and a place where just, just isn’t good enough. Sincerely, Finn Wilson
Dear Finn, It feels like yesterday when you were standing outside of the brown gate, waiting to be let in for bubbles and your first day of Kindergarten, and now you are about to start middle school! Over the past seven years, you’ve grown into someone who doesn’t just try—you persist. You don’t give up when things get hard, even when you’d really, really like to. That kind of perseverance is rare, and it’s something we admire more than you probably realize. It’s going to take you far. You also happen to be one of the funniest people we know. Truly. No one makes us laugh the way you do. Your sense of humor is part of what makes you you. Then there’s your writing. Your stories and poems surprise us every time—thoughtful, creative, and often way beyond your years. Watching you put your ideas into words has been one of our favorite things. And of course, soccer. There’s nothing like standing on the sidelines, watching you play with so much heart. Whether it’s a big win or a tough game, we’re always in awe of how you show up, give it your all, and keep going. We’re so grateful for your years at PS1. You loved going to school, and that says everything. You built friendships, discovered new interests, and became more and more yourself with each year. That’s exactly what this time was meant for—and you made the most of it. What we love most right now is that you’re ready. Not just ready to leave, but ready for what’s next. You’ve grown into this quiet confidence and maturity that tells us you’re going to step into middle school and thrive. Windward is lucky to have you—and we can’t wait to see what you do there. Wherever you go, whatever you do, just keep being you: determined, funny, thoughtful, and kind. That combination is pretty unbeatable. We love you more than you know. Mom & Dad
Words from the staff:
Dear PS1,
Words from Caroline Lindqvist and Owen Wilson:
Words from Finn Wilson:
Seven Years at PS1
Finn, you are a vibrant, thoughtful, and deeply genuine member of the PS1 community whose unique blend of humor, integrity, and heart have made you a connector, a leader, and a friend to many. With a personality that balances playful energy and fierce conviction, you bring people together effortlessly, drawing classmates into games, ideas, and conversations with your warmth, creativity, and unmistakable sense of fun. You throw yourself fully into experiences, sharing jokes on Funny Fridays, building imaginative projects, leading presidential campaigns, or welcoming others into the joy of whatever you are doing. Beneath your humor and playfulness is a strong moral compass; you have a clear sense of fairness and are unafraid to speak up when something feels wrong or unjust, always grounded in sincerity and respect. As a learner, you are curious, engaged, and reflective, contributing thoughtful ideas in discussions and approaching new challenges with both imagination and care. Artistically and intellectually adventurous, you experiment boldly with materials and ideas, bringing originality and sophistication to your creative work. You help quietly shape our community through your relationships with younger students in Morning Care, who light up when you take the time to talk, play, and make them feel valued. Your combination of authenticity, courage, creativity, and joy leave communities brighter, more connected, and more alive.
*5²Ìͯ °ÑÍN
“Don’t cry because it’s over smile because it happened.” -Dr. Seuss
2019-2020
Words from friends:
“When you go out, go out with a bang, anything you do.” -Playboi Carti
You are a very nice person and your brain works in the coolest ways. You are so aware of everything that is happening in the classroom and always have something to add to a discussion. You work so hard in class and offer help to those in need. You are the best person to work with in a group or play with in PE or at recess because you are very loyal and confident, always sportsmanlike and so encouraging, funny, and kind.
2020-2021
You are hilarious. You make everyone laugh everyday especially when you speak with funny, weird voices. You joke about your brother all the time and it’s really funny. You are very handsome. I love your hair. When we play tag sometimes you let me tag you and that’s really nice of you. When we don’t have good ideas for what to play at recess you make up really good games. You come to help your friends when they need help.
2024 -2025
you are good at keeping the ball away from people but also passing to teammates in soccer. You are very easy-going and calm which makes it nice to be around him.
2022-2023
You are a great sport and very loyal. You are soooooooooo funny. You are actually the funniest person I’ve ever known. You don’t just say other people’s jokes, you make them up yourself. You are really witty. You notice what other people are doing and you make up jokes on the fly. You are zany and you love to make other people laugh and make sure they have a good time. You are very confident in yourself. You are so descriptive in your compliments and writing. You are very talented at story writing. You have an awesome vocabulary.
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We have been friends for a long time and you are a really good friend who looks out for me. You are a hard worker in class. You have empathy for others, you are so funny and pretend silly things and talk in funny voices. When I used to sit with you at luncheon on the bridge, you always made sarcastic jokes, like the one time you pretended you loved Mickey mouse clubhouse but actually didn’t. You are super good at making funny voices and you are really kind and make a point to connect with everyone. You are very athletic,
You are great at everything that includes soccer, basketball, dodgeball, and kickball. I think it’s impressive that you can just swipe a soccer ball really fast and kick into the goal. You always know when to crack a joke and when not to. You have a witty sense of humor. I like how you always make people laugh, even the teachers. You are my best friend. You are so loyal and so kind. Ever since I met you on the first day of school, you have never let me down. I’ve learned so much mainly because of you showing me new things. Thank you so much for being kind and thoughtful. Please don’t change.
Finny Finny Finn. You are so funny, very kind and fun to be with. Remember when we were on the same team in kickball and had back to back homers? A good memory I have with you was when you pranked us, pretending that you were sleeptalking on our way back from the field trip. We couldn’t stop laughing. You are loyal, nice, caring, and thoughtful. You are SUPER determined and don’t give up. The passion and hard work that you put into whatever you do is amazing. The jokes you make are not rude or offensive which makes them even funnier. You’re so friendly and sociable, and your goofy attitude makes it impossible to ignore you. Finn, you are smart, athletic, and funny. You inspire me to contribute more questions and comments in class. In math you are always such a helpful partner and if I don’t remember how to do something I can always count on you to help me. Thanks for making this year unforgettable.
2025-2026
You are so kind, helpful, hilarious, and a great friend. You have a bright, awesome, and joyful personality. You are so outgoing, friendly, and openly share your ideas. You make our class so much more fun and you make everyone happy - you give off great vibes. You’re committed to projects, assignments, and other things. I like how you’re kind and generous to others. You’re the best teammate, you’re GREAT at sports and have GREAT sportsmanship, and you always pass to people who haven’t had a shot yet. You are one of my best friends, not only at PS1, but in the whole world.
Sebastian Gerald Wolff
PS1 helped shape my creativity by giving me the opportunity to not only think outside the box, it inspired me to have no boundaries. Creativity means not just having so many ideas, but being able to take those ideas and turn them into a project. For example, in Violet we reimagined the pier and recreated it by hand. This goes to show how PS1 wants you to use your mind and creativity to make the world a better place, and how to use creativity in the future. Determination is a good skill to describe how I’ve developed over my 7 years at PS1. My teachers always told me to keep trying until I got the answer. This helped me to not give up when things got tough. Last school year we were trying to solve the frog problem in math. I was determined to figure out a way to solve this. We kept trying and trying to solve it and finally realized that there wasn’t just one way, but multiple ways to solve the problem. This school is so good at teaching you how to interact with different people you may not know. This year we were buddies with Red Class and my buddy was a young girl who was really shy. Reading her books, playing with her, and being partners the entire year showed me how to better interact with kids who are younger than me. I was able to make friends and be a part of a group of people who have mutual trust in each other. This is how I made some of my best friends at PS1. It helped me become who I am today. PS1 helped me to grow my tool box, now I am taking that tool box to middle school.
Dear Seb, One of your very first words was “wow” and for a long time, it was the one you used most. Everything was “wow.” From the beginning, you saw the wonder in the world. Whether it was airplanes in the sky or an incredible play on the field, you’ve always met life with curiosity and awe. Over time, that wonder has grown into something even more meaningful. You’ve become a young man with a strong sense of self and purpose: someone who stands up for what’s right, shows up for his friends, and leads with integrity. We admire your curiosity, your love of history and your drive to understand why things are the way they are. And we are so proud of your strength and grit. As a goalkeeper, you stand tall under pressure. You’ve taken on skateboarding, skiing, lacrosse, and every challenge with determination and resilience. On stage, you’re confident. At home, you’re silly and fun. As a friend, you’re generous and kind. And now, it’s our turn to say “wow.” What an incredible person you are. We are so proud of you, so excited for what’s ahead, and so grateful to be your parents. Love, Mom & Dad
Words from the staff:
When I think about my time at PS1, I’m reminded of a tool box. At first, my tool box was empty, but as I’m ending my journey here, I find that my tool box is overflowing. I came to this school adventurous, curious, and excited. Now, I am leaving with even more traits that PS1 helped shape, including creativity, determination, and inclusivity. I will take these traits and tools with me as I leave PS1 and continue to middle school. .
Words from Melanie and Bryan Wolff:
Words from Sebastian Gerald Wolff:
Seven Years at PS1
Seb, you are a confident, curious, and deeply thoughtful member of the PS1 community whose presence reflects both your expansive knowledge and your steady, kind-hearted leadership. You have a remarkable mind for geography, able to name countries, capitals, and even license plates with impressive ease, and you share that knowledge in a way that naturally enriches classroom conversations and invites others to think more deeply. Beyond your intellect, you are a warm and grounded friend who balances humor, silliness, and focus with ease, making you someone both peers and adults trust and enjoy being around. You are known for your fairness and emotional maturity, often choosing empathy over ego, and even in moments of disappointment you demonstrate perspective, generosity, and respect for others. Whether offering comfort to a classmate, stepping up to care for others in group settings, guiding your own Wolff-pack, or simply giving a thoughtful hug when it is needed, you consistently show up as someone who notices and responds to people with kindness. You are a strong and versatile athlete, bringing skill, leadership, and enthusiasm to every game, especially soccer, where your presence elevates those around you. In the classroom, you are engaged, reflective, and eager to learn, your natural curiosity brings a willingness to take on new challenges in art, problem-solving, and beyond. Your blend of intelligence, humor, integrity, and care for others makes you a steady and uplifting force in your community.
“It always seems impossible until it's done." — Nelson Mandela
Words from friends:
Seb Wolff 2019-2020
2022-2023
2024 -2025
Whenever I see you, you are playing sports and you never ever ever exclude anyone. You are the only one who really helps me in math. At lunch, we have fake funny arguments that make me laugh. During recess sometimes we have fun playing games that have silly names and chase everyone around.
You are so determined! You persevere in games even when you aren’t winning. You try, try, and try! In the classroom, you’re determined, too. You think deeply about problem solving and do your best! You are on a mission even when we’re doing our classroom jobs, “Outdoor Sweep,” and we try to find all of the kickballs from PE. You are such a historian. I am so inspired by how much effort you put into learning the names of all 50 states. It’s so cool! You put 100% into everything you do - everything in the class. It’s amazing to see.
Seb, thanks for being such a funny little guy. You are so funny, and at the same time, you are also really smart. I enjoy that you’re such a brainiac when it comes to certain topics; you always know the answer to questions! You’re always eager to learn something new, and I appreciate that. I remember being partners in math during our dimensions unit, and you were really good at finding the formulas for the shapes. You are such a smart, loving, and athletic person. I love how you care so much about sports. You’re a great basketball and soccer player. You are so good at remembering your lines in 12th Night. I appreciate when you helped me with my Shakespeare lines. It has been a joy to be in your class, Sebby Webby Chicken Debby.
2020-2021
You are really good at soccer. In P.E. when I scored a goal, you were really happy for me. It made me feel happy. You are really funny and I like your ability to make other people crack up. You are also really kind and very nice. You always check on your friends and you ask if they are okay. That shows you care.
2021-2022
It is amazing how you know so much about the world. You are so curious and want to keep learning more about history and things around you. You have such a fun and kind personality that makes others want to be around you. I appreciate how you share emotions with those around you. You are so athletic and can play any sport so well.
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Seb, you are really inclusive throughout the day. You invite people to play or hang out with you, especially during lunch, so they don’t have to be alone. You always care about fairness when it comes to playing games. During soccer or when you are playing anything you will always leave your team that is winning or doing good to make the teams and game fair and you are always so kind about it and don’t complain.
2025-2026
Seb, aka Hernandez, you are literally the funniest person. You make me crack up everyday. You are such an intelligent and thoughtful peer. You are SO GOOD at geography and can name all the countries in the world. You were a lot of help in our Mesopotamia group and always had helpful knowledge to share with us. You bring a great perspective to class conversations, I appreciate how you are always sharing fun facts and trying something new and unfamiliar. Seb, you are such a great athlete and friend. Thank you for passing me the ball when we played soccer and talking to me about sports. Thank you for helping cheer me up when I am down.
A PS1 Graduate is:
SELF-AWARE Demonstrates a strong sense of identity and resilience as an individual and a learner RESPECTFUL Exhibits kindness, consideration, and mindfulness of others EXPRESSIVE Confidently articulates thoughts, ideas, and emotions INQUISITIVE Eagerly satisfies curiosities and acquires new knowledge COLLABORATIVE Considers others’ ideas and points of view to deepen understanding PROBLEM-SOLVING Investigates problems, sets goals, and develops solutions encompassing multiple perspectives CONNECTED Balances needs of self and others; contributes meaningfully in community and society PROACTIVE Embraces responsibility to stand up to exclusion, prejudice, and injustice; advocates for change PREPARED Intrinsically motivated to meet the challenges of middle school and beyond
Good Luck!