LaSalle School July E-Newsletter

Celebrating the Class of 2026!

There was a tremendous sense of pride, excitement, and celebration as we honored six remarkable graduates during LaSalle School's 2026 Graduation Ceremony on June 25.

Each graduate reached this milestone through determination, resilience, and an incredible amount of hard work. Their journeys were unique, but they all shared a commitment to overcoming challenges, achieving their goals, and embracing new opportunities. Graduation is much more than receiving a diploma, it's a celebration of perseverance, personal growth, and the futures that lie ahead.

The ceremony was filled with smiles, applause, heartfelt moments and even some dancing! Family members, staff, and friends came together to recognize these outstanding young men. Watching our graduates cross the stage was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with dedication, encouragement, and the support of a caring community.

Congratulations to the LaSalle School Class of 2026!

Get Ready for UNO 2027!

The laughs, friendly competition, and good times were too much fun to stop, so we're shuffling the deck and doing it again all for a great cause!

Save the date for Wednesday, March 10 and get ready for another exciting night of UNO, laughter, and community support. Start practicing your best moves, perfect your strategy, and gather your friends for a night you won’t want to miss!

If you missed the fun last year check out pictures by visiting

TU SEEN - LaSalle School's UNO Fundraiser

More details, including sponsorship opportunities and tickets, will be available this fall.

Let the countdown begin!

LaSalle's Ulster County Program Recognized with Statewide Honor

We are proud to announce that LaSalle's Ulster County Program was selected as a

2026 "What's Great in Our State" Award Honoree!

Presented by NYS children's behavioral health community, this recognition celebrates innovative programs and partnerships that strengthen systems of care for children, youth families. Award recipients are recognized for bringing organizations together to provide coordinated, community-based support across areas such as mental health, education, family services, and child welfare.

This honor reflects the dedication, collaboration, and compassion of our Ulster County team, who work every day to ensure children and families receive the support they need to thrive. By building strong partnerships with schools, community organizations, and service providers, the program helps create meaningful connections and positive outcomes for the youth and families we serve.

Read full Press Release Here.

A Lasting Tribute to Ken Hackett

Ken's wife, Jen and daughter, Abby

Ken Hackett

1974-2025

The Hackett family joining the LaSalle community in celebrating Ken’s

life and legacy

In June, the LaSalle community came together to celebrate the life and legacy of Ken Hackett, who dedicated nearly 20 years of service to our students and staff as Recreation Coordinator before his unexpected passing in July 2025.

Ken brought so much joy, energy, and enthusiasm to LaSalle. His dedication, sense of humor, and unwavering support for our students created countless memories and left an impact that will continue for years to come. Whether he was keeping score, cheering students on, or providing his signature commentary during kickball and softball games, Ken had a unique ability to bring people together and make every activity more memorable.

To honor Ken’s contributions, his family, along with LaSalle students and staff, gathered at the softball field for the unveiling of a memorial bench, a special tribute in a place where Ken spent so much time creating moments of connection and fun with our students.

During the dedication, staff members and students shared heartfelt reflections about Ken’s kindness, commitment, and the meaningful relationships he built throughout his time at LaSalle. Their stories served as a reminder of just how many lives Ken touched and the special place he holds within our community.

As part of the celebration, LaSalle proudly presented Ken’s wife, Jen, with this year’s LaSalle yearbook, which was dedicated in Ken’s memory and signed by staff members as a tribute to his lasting influence.

Ken’s legacy will forever remain a part of LaSalle School. His compassion, laughter, and dedication to our students will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Coming This September

LaSalle School's Youth Safe Space

Maddy Brown, Program Manager

Youth Safe Space

This September doors will open to LaSalle's Youth Safe Space (YSS), a welcoming, community-based program designed to support young people ages 12–24.

YSS is a voluntary, youth-centered program that provides a safe place for young people to connect, build relationships, and access support without the barriers often associated with traditional services. No referrals, diagnoses, or appointments are required during designated drop-in hours, making it easy for youth to participate in programming when they need it most. Youth will be able to take advantage of drop-in hours, peer-led groups, workshops, recreational activities, and other programming designed to foster connection, resilience, and personal growth.

Leading this exciting new initiative is Program Manager Maddy Brown, who joined LaSalle in June. Maddy brings experience in youth development and community programming, having most recently served as Executive Director of the Troy YMCA. She also previously worked as the Recreation and Special Events Coordinator for the City of Pittsfield, where she developed and led a variety of youth and community programs.

"We're creating a space where young people feel welcomed, heard, and supported," said Brown. "Whether someone stops in to connect with peers, participate in a workshop, or simply have a safe place to spend time, we want every young person who walks through our doors to know they belong."

Following a soft opening on September 1, LaSalle will officially celebrate the launch of the Youth Safe Space with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on

Wednesday, September 23, at 10:00 a.m.

Founders Week

Celebrating Our LaSalle Community!

Onyia McGill

2026 LaSallian Educator of the Year

In May we held our annual Founders Week, a week of celebration, connection, and Lasallian spirit! Founders Week was packed with moments that reminded us what makes LaSalle such a special place, our incredible students, dedicated staff, and the strong sense of community we share.

We kicked off the week with a proud moment as we celebrated Najari, who was honored at the Rotary Youth Recognition Luncheon after being selected by LaSalle staff for his commitment, perseverance, and dedication to success. Najari’s hard work and determination truly shine, and we couldn’t be prouder of this well-deserved recognition!

The celebrations continued with activities designed to bring our community together. Staff and students rolled up their sleeves to help beautify campus, took time for reflection during a peaceful Labyrinth walk, and enjoyed a creative and therapeutic Lasallian Paint & Sip activity. Each event offered a chance to connect, have fun, and celebrate the relationships that make LaSalle feel like home.

We wrapped up the week with one of our favorite traditions, the annual Staff and Student Recognition Awards Celebration! Including honoring those that have served at Lasalle for over 25 years, the new LaSallian Legacy Club.

A huge congratulations goes to Onyia McGill, our 2026 Educator of the Year! Onyia was recognized for her compassion, commitment, and unwavering dedication to supporting our students and living out the mission of LaSalle every day. We are so grateful for all that she does and is also a member of the LaSallian Legacy Club!

From celebrating student achievements to honoring the incredible people who make LaSalle shine, Founders Week 2026 was one to remember.