AIIM program at Rye Lake Lower Campus sees five star students graduate

Students time here recalled fondly by educators as families celebrate

The Decagon, the main building on the Rye Lake Lower Campus, erupted with cheers as five students in the AIIM program turned their tassels and took their first steps toward their next chapters following a moving graduation ceremony June 9.

“Life is all about change,” Principal Julia Dolan told her students, kicking off the event before an audience of parents, grandparents, siblings, friends and educators. 

Jacqueline Cubias Aguilar, Jamian Aron Watts, Joseph Lubieniecki, Kyle Lubieniecki and Dylan Singer graduated from the AIIM program, which provides a structured classroom environment for students with autism disorders. 

Teachers Tiffany Kittrell and Skye Masullo offered personal tributes to each graduate before each was called up to receive their diploma and pose for gushing family members and a sea of cell phone cameras.

“Kyle, we will miss your coming into the classroom humming a lovely tune that we can all join in on,” Ms. Kittrell said. “We will miss all of your tricks, Joe, as well as all of your greetings.”

She encouraged Dylan to “keep going steady through life with confidence and ease,” and told Jacqueline, ”You are an amazing young lady and you have truly blossomed throughout the years.” 

Miss Masullo said of Jamian, “We’re going to miss all of your wonderful performances of dancing and singing.

The commencement culminated with the presentation of the Bob Newman Award, established to recognize a particular students’ accomplishments, to Jacqueline. Ms. Dolan placed a medal around her neck and congratulated her before the ceremony gave way to refreshments and photos to capture the day.