PHOTOS: Greenwich Schools Windrose Program Graduates Exemplify Perseverance

On Tuesday, before the Greenwich High School graduation on Hillside Road, a small group of students graduated from Windrose, a GHS program where students earn a high school diploma in a small school environment with a low student-teacher ratio. The program is housed out of the Byram Archibald Neighborhood Center on Delavan Ave in Byram.

The graduation and recognition ceremony was attended by Greenwich Public Schools superintendent Dr. Toni Jones, GHS principal Ralph Mayo, BOE chair Karen Kowalski, and Chief Officer of Special Education and Student Supports, Stacey Heiligenthaler.

Dr. Garfield Charles, the Windrose program administrator, addressed students and their families, noting how the graduates all had one common trait: perseverance.

“Class of 2024, you have taught me invaluable lessons. One of the greatest is the power of never giving up. You have shown me that resilience is a key ingredient to success.”

“You have also shown me the importance of seeing beyond first impressions. Never judge a person by their first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth – I could go on – appearances,” Mr. Charles continued. “Each of you have layers of talent, character and potential that reveal themselves over time. Your diversity and your uniqueness have enriched our Windrose community.”

Dr. Charles said many memorable moments had bonded the Windrose community, including laughter, field trips, and fun times like the ‘cupcake wars,’ and the creative joy of Halloween celebrations.

He also referred to a “Windrosian spirit,” where each student’s energy and drive leave a mark on the program.

“Although we are a small community, our spirit is immense and it will carry you forward into whatever challenges and triumphs life has in store,” he added.

Dr. Jones kept her remarks brief.

“The world is yours,” she said. “Find something that keeps you grounded. For me, I love music. I listen to music every day on the way to work and listen to it probably for an hour every night.”

She said she was not embarrassed to say she was both a “Swiftie” and NFL football enthusiast.

She said Taylor Swift’s, “Shake it Off,” the lead single from her studio album, 1989, applied quite often to her own job.

A second song she mentioned was, “Humble and Kind,” by country music singer, Tim McGraw.

“Some of his music is really moving in that it keeps you grounded as a person,” Jones said. “If you really listen to the words of that song, it will resonate with you when you’re in a moment when it’s tough, because you can always find kindness. Everybody deserves it.”

“And when somebody else is being unkind, always think, they’re probably going through something you don’t understand. And stay humble because you’re a smart group of students.”

“We can’t wait to see what you are going to do when you go out in the world,” she added.

Ralph Mayo, principal at GHS, told the graduates that “dreams do come true.”

“If people tell you that your dreams will not come true, don’t believe them,” he said. “Dreams come true. I’ve been working in this school district for 47 years. My dream was to become a teacher at Greenwich High School. I achieved that dream. My dream was to become a coach at GHS, I achieved that dream as well. And then I started thinking about becoming the principal of GHS. It took a long time for me to become the principal of GHS. I achieved that goal through hard work and perseverance.”

“That’s why you’re here right now, receiving the same diploma that I received back in 1971.”

Mayo urged students to be patient, “do the work,” and make dreams come true.

Alyson Shields, the 2024 Service Award Recipient, talked about the how the faculty at Windrose were understanding and supportive, and described growing academically, socially and personally.

“I’ve come out of my shell in ways I never thought possible,” she said, adding that through the tireless efforts of faculty and staff, students were pushed to excel even in moments of self doubt.

“Your impact on our lives has been immeasurable and we are forever grateful for your mentorship and support,” she added.

“And to those who may be struggling with many different issues, whether it be educational, physical, mental health and security, or any other teenage struggles, I want you to know that anyone can start their journey at any time and overcome strife,” she said. “Just believe in yourself. You can overcome whatever challenges you may face. Keep pushing forward.”

Cindy Moss, career counselor for the Right Start Program at Family Centers, explained that their partnership with Windrose featured internships funded by The Resource Foundation.

Family Centers provides career readiness programming, resume writing and interview skills, as well as coordinating work experience placements for students.

“By participating in  job shadowing and work experiences, students can further their professional and personal development learning skills, gain a sense of purpose, and, of course, earn a stipend!” she explained.

Before presenting each student an envelope, Ms Moss said this semester several Windrose students had work experiences, working tirelessly and learning valuable skills and making significant impact on the students and staff they worked with.