All Families Hold Parties for Graduates
By Christian H.
Despite the sadness of saying goodbye, the family graduation parties were a time of great fun and laughter.
Each of the families celebrated the good times they shared with the graduating and transferring students.
Families One and Four held their parties together on Saturday, June 13, at Oquaga Creek State Park. Instead of the usual barbeque, the families shared twenty super sandwiches, with cake and soda to top it off. “It was awesome and we had a really good time,” said Family Four graduate, Chris B. “It was nice to relax and have fun with the people who aren’t leaving,” he continued.
“It was a good way to say goodbye. I had a great time having sober fun with the graduates,” Family One’s David K. explained.
On the same day, Family Three ventured to former Family Leader Cindy Argiros’ house for a barbeque and swimming party. “It was nice because it’s a tradition in our family that we go to Cindy’s house every June. We had fun in the pool and on the hammock,” said Family Three graduate Shari M.
Family Five enjoyed themselves at Ann and Gerald Janauer’s house on Friday, June 12. Along with kayaking and canoeing in the Janauer’s pond, the students tossed around frisbees and footballs. Later that night, the students sat around a campfire and finished the party off with s’mores and songs.
“I can’t put it in words,” said Family Five’s Jens J., “I felt like we were family and had family love, and I am really going to miss it.”
Family Six’s party was held at Joe Barbiere’s house on Sunday, June 14. The students hung out and ate chicken wings, heroes, chips, and cake. “It’s fun but sad because it’s experiences like this that changed me here,” said Family Six graduate Bobby M.
Family Seven spent the afternoon at the Austin Lincoln Park in Walton, N.Y. on Friday, June 12. “The party was amazing. It’s going to be really hard to see them leave,” said Family Seven’s Austin C.
