Fourteen high-school seniors who were once at risk of dropping out are moving on to the next chapter of their lives. Operation Graduation is a program unique to the East Greenbush Central School District, enabling students facing major obstacles to overcome them and continue with their future education and career training.

Senator Kathleen Marchione, as well as Assemblymen John McDonald and Steven McLaughlin were in attendance to learn more about the Operation Graduation program, and offer well wishes to the students. Programs such as Operation Graduation prove to be even more critical as student populations become more diverse. Since its inception several years ago, Operation Graduation has served as a model program for at-risk young people within those populations. These fifteen students, with the help of their teachers, have demonstrated great dedication to ensure they would move on from East Greenbush with a diploma in hand.

"The OG program is excellent," said graduate Don'Nayja Traynham. "I would suggest this to other schools. It really helped me to get on the right track and plan my future. I didn't think I would graduate because I was so far behind in work, but the teachers really helped me. I never gave up, even though there were times I wanted to."

"I'm incredibly proud of these OG students," said teacher Melissa Gleason. "They have overcome many obstacles in order to be successful this year. More importantly, they've proved to themselves that they are capable of achieving goals when they work hard."

Students enroll in the Operation Graduation program during their junior and senior years. They attend classes in a smaller learning environment away from the general school population. Students also use computer programs to aid their studies. They receive counseling, meet positive role models in the community, and are paired with jobs that work well with the school schedule. Operation Graduation builds confidence in these young people and gives them the tools to manage the social or emotional challenges which too often stand in the way of academic success.

"Operation Graduation is a wonderful and important program that helps students stay in school, remain motivated and reach their ultimate goal: graduating. It provides access to positive mentors from the community, and matches students with jobs that work with their school schedules. By integrating some of the best educational technology, customized learning plans, mentoring, and individualized attention, Operation Graduation is on the cutting edge. While I was happy that we were able to include $1.1 billion in additional State Education Aid as part of the 2014-15 State Budget, I am even happier in seeing how Operation Graduation is making a positive difference in the community. I commend East Greenbush Central School District Superintendent Dr. Angela Nagle, Columbia High School Principal John Sawchuk, and the teachers at Columbia High School whose hard work and dedication make Operation Graduation such a success," said New York State Senator Kathleen A. Marchione (R,C-Halfmoon).

"It gives me great pleasure to congratulate the high school seniors individually and collectively as graduates of Operation Graduation. These students have overcome various challenges and have proven that when you work hard, you can achieve success. Through dedication and a commitment to high standards for students, Operation Graduation increases student achievement regardless of the students' individual obstacles. It is also important to acknowledge the teachers and administrators who have guided and assisted these students in achieving their goals," said Assemblymember John T. McDonald III (D-Cohoes).