I would like to recognize Ms. Vivian Graham. I was a student in her 5th and 6th grade classes. These two years within her classroom were very influential on my life, then and today. I was a young man who struggled in subjects such as math and science, and I will never forget the additional time that Ms. Graham would spend with me during and after school hours. She would assist me in not only learning the content of these subjects in order to perform well within the classroom, but also in helping me to gain the confidence and tools necessary in order to overcome any task set before me. This confidence has grown from the ability to overcome school related tasks, into the ability to be dedicated and conquer the tasks that are presented to me as an adult. She was very firm on the importance of education, and every student's responsibility to be focused and try their best to succeed. Ms. Graham was not only a caring teacher but also a mentor who wanted to provide her students with the tools necessary to excel and succeed in life.
What is truly remarkable about Ms. Graham is that she is currently still teaching at P.S.83. She is now providing the same high level of education and instruction to a new generation of students. Students of Mrs. Graham are not only striving to succeed within the classroom but they are also dealing with the many challenges associated with growing up in an inner city neighborhood. I am certain that most of her students leave her classroom with the feeling that regardless of everything else, she is there for them and will always care. I visited Ms. Graham recently and we reflected back on our experiences together, and how the interactions with her provided me with so many tools necessary to succeed. It was particulary rewarding for me to have the oppurtunity to see her current students, and her approach with them within the classroom. It was impressive to see her ability to connect with these students, and view the admiration that they have for her already. Although times have changed, her methods have not. She continues to provide a high level of education, and care to ensure that all of her students have the tools necessary to succeed. A group of students from my graduation year are still in contact with one another, and frequently visit Ms. Graham's classroom to see not only our former teacher, but our friend and mentor. The common thing we all say to one another is, where would we all be if not for Ms. Graham. I would like to acknowledge a great educator and person, MS. GRAHAM.
-Miguel Prado
PS 83M, Class of 1993