ABCD at Newfane Center Director’s Remarks to the 2026 Graduating Class

​

Good afternoon, friends, families, ABCD staff, honored alumni, and ABCD graduates!

 

Today we celebrate the big milestones achieved by our smallest, brightest learners. Parents look at how far they’ve come since their first day at ABCD. On day one, there were a few tears, a tight hug, and a little hesitation at the door. Today, they are walking with their heads held high, ready for their next big adventure.

 

To our parents and families: thank you for trusting us with your children, and for partnering with us every day. This milestone belongs to you just as much as it does to them.

 

To our dedicated teachers: thank you for your endless patience, your boundless energy, and for creating a safe and nurturing learning environment.

 

A special thank you to our alumni! Can you please stand up so we can all see you. Thank you. Look at them, graduates. Not too long ago, these kids were sitting exactly where you are sitting today. They wore the same gaps and gowns and sang the same songs, and they had the same kindergarten butterflies. Now they are thriving. They are living proof that the foundations built in this center can take you anywhere you want to go. Thank you, alumni, for coming back to show our graduates the amazing future that waits for them.

 

Graduates, as you move on to kindergarten, remember the lessons you learned right here. Keep asking “why?”, keep sharing your toys and sharing your smiles. We are so proud of you!

 

Congratulations to the class of 2026!