Lawn Avenue graduates advised to ‘be kind’ and ‘keep an open mind’

Fifty-nine 8th grade students graduated from the Lawn Avenue School last Wednesday evening in a ceremony held in the school gymnasium that included memories, music and well-wishes from administrators.

Principal Kathy Almanzor fought back tears as she urged the students to “be kind” as they move forward through life. Some members of this particular class were among the last that Almanzor taught as first-grade students and she was presented with a thenand now class photo to mark the occasion.

Superintendent Marcia Lukon also spoke, urging the students to show compassion, wisdom and respect.

Student Council President Olivia McGowan addressed her classmates, calling the occasion a “bittersweet” day. She drew a laugh when she referred to her class as “a dysfunctional family, but a family” and thanked teachers and parents for “helping us grow.”

Also addressing the graduates was 2009 North Kingstown High School graduate Colleen Bailey, the highest-ranking Jamestown student at North Kingstown, according to Almanzor. She shared what she called “Colleen Bailey’s four-step plan for getting the most out of high school,” telling students to try something new, put in effort, keep an open mind and breathe.

Michael White, a member of the Jamestown Town Council, read a proclamation declaring last week “Jamestown’s Graduates Week” and congratulated the graduates on behalf of the Council.

After students received their diplomas, they were escorted down Narragansett Avenue to the Recreation Center for their graduation dance.