nothin Dwight School Graduates—Itself | New Haven Independent

Dwight School Graduates — Itself

Dwight School held its 145th – and last — graduation exercises Monday. The school system sent along this write-up and photos.

Timothy Dwight School had an emotional graduation ceremony today for its final fourth grade graduating class as the school also closes a chapter on its 145 years.

The school is closing to be consolidated with the enrollment of Troup Magnet Academy of Science.

Principal Kathy Jones presided today and noted that the school was first built in 1863 at 116 Edgewood Avenue. It was named after Timothy Dwight, a president of Yale University who founded the Yale School of Medicine, and who also served as a Chaplain in the Revolutionary Army. He was also a historian, theologian, author and a minister.

The current building was built in 1964 and gained a gym in 2001.

Dwight%20Celebration%20past%20Prin.jpgPrincipal Kathy Jones invited former principals back to be acknowledged. Pictured: Betsy Moakley, Kathy Jones (current principal), Bernadette Strode, Peggy Moore and Willie Freeman.

Ms. Strode gave an inspirational talk to the students and parents and encouraged the graduating fourth graders to have a roadmap as they move into middle school.

This is truly a sad and happy occasion,” she said. I graduated from Dwight. I left here and went on to Troup and then attended and graduated from Hillhouse High School.” Ms. Strode noted that after attending college, I wanted to come back to New Haven and give something back to the community of folks who gave to me. I am looking out here now because I know Dwight is closing, but the legacy of Dwight lives on. One of you
will somebody become a principal in New Haven too, and I look forward to coming back to celebrate that.”

Dwight%20JrLeague2.jpgToday’s ceremony included musical performances by the Class of 2008, a special thank-you to the Junior League of Greater New Haven for their good works at the school, and special presentations to retiring teachers. Fourth graders received special classroom awards and their certificates of promotion before a packed crowd of parents and staff. (Pictured: The Junior League of Greater New Haven received a plaque for volunteering at the school.)

Dwight4gradCaringRetiree.jpgPatricia Hopkins, a volunteer at Dwight School for many years, received a special thank you. Samantha Colon, fourth grader, gives her a special hug.

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