Phaedrus celebrates seniors’ growth and accomplishments

Phrases including mentor, friend, unforgettable, kind, always there, joy, positive energy and welcoming were shared throughout the ceremony; students and teachers also exchanged smiles and stories, showing the strong relationships between them. 

That’s what Phaedrus, Edgemont High School’s alternative school, is all about. The academic program, which turns 50 next year, provides experiential learning opportunities within a supportive setting. Co-directors Cory Karpf and Pam Raines said that Phaedrus creates a collaborative community which helps to ensure students’ success.

The June 18 ceremony was as personal as the learning approach.

Co-director Cory welcomed the 12 graduating seniors with a story about CTV—the acronym for Camping Trip Vibes, which Phaedrus students use as shorthand for setting a fun, positive and inclusive tone. “As you begin the next chapter of your lives, there will be days when everything seems to be going according to plan and days when it doesn’t,” she said. “In those moments, we hope you’ll remember that you always have more influence than you think. We hope you’ll choose to set the tone in your own lives. And if you haven’t realized already: Camping Trip Vibes do not only have to happen on a camping trip.”

Alumni speaker Casey Thayer, Class of 2018, and a support counselor for Westchester’s Crisis Prevention and Response Team and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, spoke to Phaedrus’ impact on her life. “I entered the program as a pretty timid person and a very passive learner,” she said. “I will forever be grateful to Phaedrus for giving me the space to feel genuinely motivated to participate in my academic experience.”

“Let go of your perceived timeline,” Casey said to the seniors. “Build your identity. If you know your values, it makes any conflict or bump in the road a lot less upsetting.”

One by one, the juniors in the program stood at the podium and thanked their senior mentors. “You have a way of making everyone around you feel comfortable without even trying, and you help lead our program with integrity and a kind heart,” said junior Sofia to senior Emma Paraschac.

Emma, who was also the Senior Speaker, highlighted the unconditional support she found at Phaedrus. “It’s not the classes that make A-school so special, it's the community that we have built over these past two years,” she said. “I was able to take on leadership positions, be a mentor to others and build confidence to speak in front of others.”

Co-director Pam spoke last. After she and Cory gave each senior a book specially selected for them, and a hug, she said, “You are well equipped to take the next steps. Take them with confidence and cherish every moment. Aim to succeed in your own unique way.”