By Amanda Moses
On June 25th Gateway Intermediate School (IS) 364’s eighth graders went down in history as the last graduating class from the near 50-year-old educational facility.
The playground behind what was once known in 1975 as the “Garage School,” contained two gazebos, a small stage, and dozens of gold and blue balloons—all signs that it was time for the IS 364 Falcons to soar.
It was a bittersweet moment for faculty, family, and friends, as they proudly watched their middle schoolers take the next step in their education—high school. Principal Nicole Edmund-Fraser, an educator for over 20 years, looked on at her students with somber pride for it would be the last time she would be known as the principal of IS 364.
Holding back tears, Fraser lamented the legacy being left behind as the students, not just through academics, but the kindness the teens bestowed upon others, the memories they shared, and everlasting relationships that were built. She urged her students to work towards a future that creates an impact on the world.
“As I close out of 24 years at Gateway 364, I would like to say that I left a mark. I would like to say that I would be remembered for the love and the kindness that I’ve shown and for the strength and determination as I pushed my students each day,” Fraser said. “Our legacy does not end here. It is what we do next that truly defines us.”
Coach Parnel Legros, a retired physical education instructor from IS 364, former Olympian and Coach of the Starrett Judo Club, also wanted to solidify the last graduating class’s legacy by presenting the Second Annual Tyrick Smith-Carter award—something that was cultivated in honor of Smith-Carter’s efforts toward uplifting young athletes and is given to an exemplary student and athlete at IS 364.
This year’s recipients were twin judo champions Kelsey and Jackson (JJ) Billups—both hard working athletes with bright futures ahead of them. JJ Billups was pronounced Validectorian for the graduating class, while Kelsey Billups just earned a Bronze award at the Junior Olympics, ranking her fourth place in the USA.
“Congratulations class of 2024, your job is now to go out and leave your mark on the world. Never forget that you can officially say ‘I survived the ‘Garage School,’ ya’ll,” Fraser said smiling. “While our doors may be closing, remember you stay focused, you took accountability, you showed leadership, you were a part of this community, you showed ownership, you never gave up and through it all you showed strength.”
Photos by Amanda Moses
