Graduation is an exciting and memorable day for graduates, their families and the special people in their lives.
For four young women, their graduation from Pine Bush High School on June 27 was so much more. They are students in the English as a New Language (ENL) program. They came to the United States within the past year or so, and entered Pine Bush High School knowing little to no English at all. They knew no one here except for a few family members; some left their parents behind in search of a safe and better life.
The young women – Fabiola Durandis, Chiara Gabriel Fils, Tatiana Japon Medina and Ronnie Sabag – came from Haiti, Ecuador and Israel. Their childhoods were not like those of the kids with whom they walked the PBHS halls. They lived with fear amid violence and destruction in their home countries.
“Some of the girls weren’t even allowed to go to school in their home countries, it was so dangerous,” said Maureen Curtin, secondary ENL leader. “This may be the best moment of their young lives.”
Ms. Curtin, along with her ENL colleagues Courtney Lueck and Cynthia Fortunato, wanted to make their graduation day even more memorable for these young women. After graduation practice, they helped the girls steam their graduation gowns and held a little celebration for them, complete with cake and cookies.
“They all have persevered unimaginable challenges throughout their short lives, and yet they pushed through with determination, spunk and remarkable strength,” Ms. Curtin said. “They are all such great examples of the endless possibilities education affords all of us!”
Two of the girls – Fabiola and Chiara – are from Haiti but did not know each other until they met in Pine Bush. They became fast friends and great support for each other.
“Fabiola didn’t know any English when she came here. It was so difficult for her,” said Ms. Curtin. “She lives with her sister and doubled up on her English classes. She and Chiara support each other – they have that commonality of their home country.”
Tatiana is here happily with her mom and brother from Ecuador. Ronnie is from Israel. She arrived here last summer and, while she learned English in Israel, she blossomed here, passing all of her Regents on her first try.
Before the graduation ceremony, Ms. Curtin, Ms. Lueck and Ms. Fortunato had one more surprise for these young women. They presented them with stoles to wear at graduation, depicting flags of their home country and their new country.
“This is amazing for us. They have all worked so hard,” said Ms. Curtin. “Their perseverance is inspiring. They are all so resilient. They teach all of us so much, especially the value of education.”
Congratulations Fabiola, Chiara, Tatiana and Ronnie. We wish you the wonderful lives you so deserve. You are inspirations to all who know you and so many more!