Teachers, administrators and friends from the special education program gathered happily on September 19 to celebrate the graduation of Leninne Batista, a longtime student of the program.

The E102 classroom was alive with excitement as Batista sat gladly at a table filled with gifts and treats, such as a cake and a cookie pie.

“This is awesome! This is weird!” Batista said as his peers congratulated him.

Among those in attendance were principal Tom Mead and assistant principals Mel Laughton, Michele Tontodonato, and Paul DiDomenico.

Throughout the party, Batista willingly took dozens of photos with his friends and teachers.

“No crying, remember!” Batista said to his mother as he posed for a photo with her and his brother.

Friendly faces popped in and out of the room to say quick congratulations and give Batista plenty of hugs.

“I’m going to miss him so much. He’s cool,” said Clara Anderson, a fellow student.

Batista was full of smiles as he opened his gifts, including a framed photo of him and his classmates and a Red Sox baseball hat.

Batista’s sweet demeanor will be missed by everyone who spent time with him.

“[Leninne Batista] has a really positive attitude all the time. He always has a big smile on his face. [He’s] really a friend to everybody,” said speech pathologist Hillary Fais.

During his time at ARHS, Batista regularly volunteered at the local YMCA.

“They all love him there,” special education teacher Monique Cloutier said of the YMCA staff.

Batista hopes his experiences at the YMCA will lead to an employment opportunity.