In a year of firsts for SWBOCES at Transfiguration School in Tarrytown, Moving Up day was a day for first goodbyes.

Programs launched here last summer for students in the Elementary AIIM and K-6 IDT programs. Eleven students will now move up to middle school programs, where Principal Francesca Fernandez told them the teachers are eager to meet them and ready to help them on their journeys.

“Every single student here has worked so hard to reach this moment this day, and we are here to celebrate the journey that brought you here,” Ms. Fernandez said.

Student Lowen DeJesus led the packed gymnasium in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certificates were presented, along with kind reflections, by teachers Rebecca Churchill, Adriane Lomupo and Adrianna Elias. Ms. Tumolo’s Class performed along with the song “This Is Me,” while a slideshow showed off the graduates over the years. Student Alaia Carchipulla Flores’s artwork graced the cover of the ceremony program

Each student has learned to overcome challenges and share their passion at Transfiguration School, Principal Fernandez said. Their perseverance made our school a richer, kinder and more colorful place. She thanked the educators—teachers, teaching assistants, aides, and related service providers—for seeing the brilliance of every child in this room.”

Social Worker Yolette Levy added a note of thanks to family members.

“Your dedication, patience and love have played a vital role,” Ms. Levy said, turning to students and adding, “You will always be part of the BOCES family.”

Transfiguration School, Class of 2026

Alaia Carchipulla Flores
Martin Dedvukaj
Tyler DeJesus
Marx Duche Ponce
Addiena Gray-Simon
Jacob Pulido
Sienna Quinn
Aurora Rudaj
Abel Shepperson
Santino Strynowicz
Daniel Young