WAPPINGERS FALLS, N.Y., July 8, 2026 – Abilities First rewarded the achievements, hard work and resilience of 331 students at graduations and moving-up ceremonies recently, while thanking students’ dedicated families and Abilities First educators and staff for their unflagging, essential support during students’ journeys of accomplishment.
Abilities First, a nonprofit organization with schools in Dutchess and Orange Counties, provides people who face developmental challenges and their families support to attain independence, self-determination, integration and acceptance by others through education, exploration and experience.
“It has been incredibly heartwarming to watch our graduates, and students moving up to new opportunities, as they have progressed with the love and strength of their inspiring families and our devoted faculty and staff,” said Abilities First CEO Dr. Jeffery Fox. “Heartfelt congratulations to all; you deserve praise for all the work you have done together.”
Abilities First celebrated the accomplishments of 73 preschool students – 40 graduates advancing to kindergarten and 32 moving up – at the Myers Corners Education Center in Wappingers Falls, recognizing growth, learning and achievement. Students showcased songs they worked on, highlighting their developmental progress and confidence. Families, amid graduation-themed balloons and festive decorations, watched with pride as students proudly crossed a small wooden bridge to receive diplomas.
For Michael Jeanniton, father of graduate Damian Jeanniton, the ceremony culminated a meaningful year. “The Abilities First program has been a great experience for Damian,” he said. “He’s changed so much since the beginning. His communication skills have grown a lot since the start of the school year.”
Myers Corners Education Center Principal Marissa St. John praised students’ determination and progress. “We’re very excited to see how they continue to grow,” she said.
The Abilities First School ceremony on Firemen’s Way in LaGrange celebrated two graduates, Jeffrey Mansfield and Sean Dylewski, with diplomas and certificates of appreciation. The ceremony was coordinated by 30-year Abilities First special education teacher Nancy Besio, who noted how graduation is a robust, memorable “moment of pride” for students and families as well as the Abilities First team.
Principal Jeff Noto emphasized Abilities First’s focus on happiness, safety and belonging for all students. He praised Jeffrey Mansfield’s sensitivity, kindness and ability to be witty, as well as Sean Dylewski’s humor and compassion.
“Jeffrey and Sean have conquered many obstacles in their lives and I expect them to do so moving forward,” Noto said. “The world is a better place with them in it. You have made many people smile. You represent greatness and the ability to go wherever you want to… I hope you realize how impactful your lives have been upon ours.”
Abilities First was a vital partner and advocate for Jeffrey Mansfield during the nine years he attended Abilities First School, said mom Kristine Mansfield. “They care about him, they nurture him, they saw his potential for him to be the best he can be,” she said, conveying her deep pride in all that Jeffrey has accomplished. “He is outgoing, funny and appreciated. It’s really hard to leave. He’s proud of himself, confident and a friend of everybody.”
An uplifting video chronicled the past school year; pre-event music was provided by the Arlington High School String Quintet. The ceremony closed with an inspirational version of Pharrell Williams’ “Happy.” This selection, directed by music therapist Julia Hughes, included participants Jeffrey Mansfield, Phoebe Baird, Lily Neser, Madison Aviles and Ziva Tillman, supported by Tiffany Spranzman, Elizabeth Pachay and Taylor Holsopple.
Abilities First was proud to host these graduations and moving-up ceremonies:
- Myers Corners Education Center, Wappingers Falls: 40 graduates, 33 students moving up.
- Middletown Education Center: 32 graduates and 52 students moving up.
- Hyde Park Education Center: 87 graduates and nine students moving up.
- Educational Learning Experience, New Windsor: 30 graduates and 22 students moving up.
- Kindergarten Preschool at Executive Drive, New Windsor: 24 students moving up.
- Abilities First School, Firemen’s Way, LaGrange: Two graduates.
About Abilities First and the Foundation for Abilities First N.Y.
Founded in 1962, Abilities First is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization serving the needs of over 1,100 children and adults with developmental disabilities from birth through adulthood throughout the Hudson Valley. More than 600 dedicated employees are committed to providing a culture of compassion, empowerment and respect through educational, vocational, residential, habilitation and family support programs and services. Founded in 2018, the Foundation for Abilities First NY is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Its mission is to garner the financial resources necessary to meet the programmatic interests and to assure the sustainability of the mission of Abilities First, Inc. Learn more at AbilitiesFirstNY.org.
