This week, my youngest daughter graduated from fifth grade. Which means I’ve graduated too — from uniform swaps and pickup-line convos, from pizza Fridays and last-minute permission slips, from our beautiful, chaotic, love-filled St. Bernard’s School era.

In 2014, my oldest daughter stepped through the doors of St. Bernard’s School in Saranac Lake — wide-eyed and wearing a plaid jumper down to her shins. Now, in 2025, my youngest walked out of those same doors taller, stronger and with the kind of quiet confidence that only comes from years of being known, challenge and loved.

My daughters spent their most formative years in classrooms full of color and comfort, led by teachers who believe that love and learning are not separate things. They’re not. Not here.

Over the years, we witnessed the rock-solid leadership of Ray and Donna Dora, and the joyful magic of Andrea Kilbourne-Hill. And there was Tom Clark — known lovingly as “Clarkie” — who showed the kind of steady presence kids feel in their bones. Amy Hagar brought the giggles. Patty Ammon and Kristin Perry brought the calm. And every teacher — every single one — brought heart.

This school doesn’t just teach kids how to read or multiply. It teaches them how to be good humans. It teaches them, as we were reminded so beautifully at graduation by Principal K-Hill, to “do the next right thing” — to pause, take a breath, and choose what’s kind, brave, thoughtful, and rooted in love. These are the kinds of lessons that never show up on a report card but shape a life forever.

As a parent, the only thing more powerful than watching your child grow is knowing they were seen and celebrated while doing it. Every morning drop-off came with peace of mind. Every afternoon pickup confirmed it. That’s a gift I’ll never take for granted.

To the teachers and staff of St. Bernard’s: Thank you for showing up every day with more compassion, creativity and commitment than most people will ever understand. You are the kind of grown-ups every kid deserves in their corner.

To my fellow fifth grade families: Thank you for being the village — for watching out for each other’s kids, cheering every milestone, covering carpools, snapping photos; sharing snacks, sweatshirts and probably a few germs. For showing up with reminders, encouragement and kindness — not just for your own children, but for all of ours. This community raised these kids together.

And to St. Bernard’s School: Thank you for giving me a front-row seat to something special.

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Kelly Brunette is a village trustee and resident of Saranac Lake, focused on sustainable development, community well-being and raising her two daughters.