Adam Walker Photos.
Keyren Teresa Adames delivers her graduation speech in Spanish.
Keyren Teresa Adames adjusted the Dominican Republic stole resting neatly on her shoulders and stepped up to the podium. With the auditorium quiet, she took a deep breath and began her speech — not in English, but entirely in Spanish, the language of her family, her childhood, and her story.
Her voice steady and proud, Adames spoke about family, community, and perseverance — offering not just reflections on middle school, but a celebration of the culture that shaped her.
A top academic student, Adames was one of 86 eighth graders to graduate from Fair Haven School during a Tuesday morning ceremony held in the Grand Avenue school’s auditorium.
The event honored student achievement, but just as powerfully, it highlighted cultural identity. Many students wore stoles representing their heritage and decorated their caps with glitter, thank-you messages, and flags from countries including Mexico, Ecuador, and Peru, as well as from Puerto Rico.
Another top student, Rahyn Brown, also took to the stage to reflect on her journey. She spoke about immigrating to the United States, learning English, and finding her voice in a new environment. Her remarks, like Adames’s, spoke to the experiences of many classmates who’ve navigated multiple worlds during their time at Fair Haven, a school and a neighborhood with a fast-growing, Spanish-speaking Hispanic population.
“It wasn’t always easy,” she said, “but I kept pushing forward.”
Cynthia Linke, the school’s assistant principal, opened the ceremony by praising the class’s creativity, compassion, and determination. Linke reminded students that the lessons learned in middle school – resilience, collaboration, and integrity – would serve them well as they enter high school.
The assistant principal reflected on years of laughter, challenges, and growth. “Your strength and resilience will serve you well,” she told the class, noting how students had supported one another through hard moments and celebrated their successes together.
Several graduates received the Connecticut Seal of Biliteracy, recognizing their fluency in multiple languages.
As the ceremony came to a close, the crowd of families, friends, and faculty rose in applause while students crossed the stage. For the Class of 2025, the morning marked both an end and a beginning — full of promise, memory, and pride.
“So, it is with immense pride and joy that I stand here today,” Principal Monica Morales told them, “as you prepare to begin the next exciting chapter of your lives. We believe in you, we are proud of you, and we are excited to see all that you will accomplish.”
Top students Keyren Teresa Adames and Rahyn Brown sit on stage alongside school administrators.
Students rise together as the ceremony comes to a close.
Graduates line up to receive their diplomas.