Goodbye, NOVA: You Will Be Missed

On Monday, June 2nd, 2025 our school community had the pleasure of witnessing a beautiful and emotional moment alongside the members of this year's graduating class. The Nova farewell event, organized by the upcoming seniors, was not only a visual delight but also a heartfelt experience. The stars that littered the auditorium walls shone brighter with the arrival of the Nova students followed by an emotional, witty and sincere speech made by Nova homeroom teacher, Davian Soto. Mr. Soto left his students and himself in tears as he recalled personal anecdotes and mentioned loving comments of the class as a whole and each of his students.

After drying their tears and some shared hugs between the students and Mr.Soto, the juniors dedicated a heartfelt speech to their senior class. We heard them encourage Nova in this new chapter they’re about to unlock, reminisce on collective memories, share some light-hearted advice and admit their fears for the next year without Nova’s guidance. Following some shared smiles and thank you’s from the Nova students, one of our juniors introduced the mothers of the graduating class, passing on the mic to them. Two of the moms stepped up to the podium and delivered a moving speech on behalf of the parents of Nova students. Tears were shed. Hugs shared. Laughter lit up the auditorium and bittersweet smiles left everyone overwhelmed with emotion. 

Next, Mariel Guerra, Nova class president, dedicated some raw words to the rest of her class.  Alongside her, we got a glimpse of the turmoil of feelings in the hearts of Nova students, the excitement, the fear, the stress and the gratefulness that has made up their senior year. Juniors received some priceless advice, preparing them for the journey they are about to embark on and advising them to enjoy the moments they get to share with their classmates. She closed her statement with some words of melancholic appreciation towards her friends, who she considers her family. 

Next up, 4 of the students in the junior class gave out a certificate to each of the Nova members, describing their character and what people see more prominent in their personality. The Nova students also received a cupcake and a powerbank as gifts and farewell souvenirs. Following the gifts, Ms. Marial, a beloved teacher in the community, read a piece of “The Little Prince” to her students and everyone in attendance. With this beautiful act, she brought out the inner child in the Nova students, and reminded them to keep nurturing and fostering their relationships with each other and everyone they consider loved. 

After that moving display of love and care a video was displayed by the projector, showing all of Nova’s teachers, past and present. Throughout the video we saw and heard emotion exhibited by many of the students and teachers. We heard wise and personal advice and the best of wishes for the future. Through it they also recalled various memories and relived memorable moments. It was a heartwarming video and something the Nova students seemed to cherish. 

Even though the previous video was touching, we were all overwhelmed by the beautifully edited compilation of clips and messages created by Alexandra Castillo Encarnación, one of our juniors, in honor of their time spent together and memories created among the students of the graduating class. When witnessing this amazing collection of adventures the entire auditorium laughed, cried, smiled and was genuinely amazed. And at the end of the video we heard messages dedicated to the Nova students by their former classmates. 

To finish the emotive and stirring experience, the junior class president, Maria Lucía Batista gave a speech to close the event, wishing them the best of luck. During this dedication she said something very impacting and important to remember. “Winnie the Pooh once said, “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” And that's exactly what this is: bittersweet. Because the connections you’ve built in this chapter of your lives mean too much to be wrapped up in a simple goodbye.” With these words, Ms. Batista captured the essence of the entire event: bittersweet.

To Nova, your light, kindness and maturity will be deeply missed. Know that your community is cheering you on, wishing you success and happiness. We are thankful for the heartwarming memories we got to share with you and appreciate your undying excitement throughout the years. Your constant cheer and joy kept us all going, even through the gloomiest days. Even though you’re stepping into a new chapter, you’ll always have a home to return to, one that welcomes you with open arms. This farewell may hurt, but that only proves how special this journey has been. Goodbye Nova: you will truly be missed.