5/27 - 5/29 Week in Review

Congratulations to the 2024–2025 Place Corps Cohort! Pictured: Place Corps staff, fellows, and Johanna Contreras

Hello Friends,

Word of the week: Celebration

This week, we centered ourselves around the word “celebration” as we wrapped up our final week of programming. It was a bittersweet time full of excitement, reflection, and a lot of graduation presentation run-throughs. The highlight of the week was our final full-day excursion to New York City.

Though the day brought some unexpected challenges (van trouble and sold-out Amtrak tickets), our crew did what we always do, adapt and pivot. We rerouted to Poughkeepsie and caught the Metro-North into the city. Our original itinerary included a full day at The Met, a fancy lunch, and time in Central Park. While we had to revise our plans, the magic remained: we explored Central Park by bike carriage and enjoyed a celebratory lunch at the elegant Tavern on the Green. It was such a treat to be surrounded by beauty, joy, and each other.

After lunch, the fellows practiced their independent travel skills and navigated back to Grand Central, where we were in awe of its iconic marble architecture.

On Wednesday, we spent our final day in homeroom preparing for graduation practicing speeches, making decorations, and soaking in our last moments together. We shared a pizza lunch from Picnic Pizza, then headed to the Hudson River Maritime Museum to decorate the space for our big day.

Graduation Day arrived on Thursday, and it was truly a celebration to remember. Emotions were high as fellows delivered heartfelt speeches, reflecting on their growth and the year we’ve shared. We proudly launched our boat, Hestia, baby blue with a cream interior and a bold red sail. The boat is now entered into a fall raffle, so stay tuned for your chance to win a piece of Place Corps history!

Our graduation ceremony was held at the Hudson River Maritime Museum, where fellows, families, and friends ended the day with a boat ride on Solaris. We opened the ceremony with welcoming remarks from our Executive Director, Dawn Breeze, followed by inspiring words from Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger and Johanna Contreras District Director Officer of Pat Ryan.  Each fellow shared their personal Place Corps journey stories of challenge, triumph, and transformation.

After the ceremony, we headed to Kingston Point Beach for the ceremonial launch of Hestia. With cheers, laughter, and glasses of sparkling cider, our fellows christened the boat, marking a powerful milestone and symbolizing their transition into the next phase of life.

This incredible celebration wouldn’t have been possible without the love and support of our families, friends, and dedicated community partners.

We send our deepest congratulations and well wishes to our graduating fellows as they head off to new adventures whether at SUNY Ulster, working with MyKingstonKids, CPW and Hudsy TV.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year unforgettable. We are so proud of our fellows and filled with gratitude for the community that surrounds us.

Wishing you a joyful and restful summer and stay tuned for updates from our incoming 2026 cohort!

Save the Date:
We’re thrilled to invite our newest alumni to the First Annual Alumni Field Day! Join us for yard games, food, and laughter on Wednesday, August 27th, from 12:00–3:00 PM at Forsyth Park. More details to follow!

Have a good weekend,

Place Corps Team 

:)

Boat launch at Kingston Point Beach

The final product: Hestia with the red sail