Everyone is different and unique, just like flowers. That was the message blooming throughout the fourth annual Latham Ridge Gala. Throughout the school year, students across all grade levels explored the themes of individuality and inclusion, inspired by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s book Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You. In the book, Justice Sotomayor shares her experience with diabetes to help readers understand that we all face different challenges and that those differences make us who we are. Her message encourages us to look around, ask questions, and embrace curiosity as a pathway to deeper understanding.
As Thursday marks the last day of school, we wanted to highlight this important message one more time: our differences are what make us strong. At Latham Ridge, that message took root, metaphorically and literally. Under the leadership of art teacher Martha Hacklin, students created a stunning Affirmation Garden. Each child designed a flower that reflected their individuality, and classmates added affirmations on leaves that celebrated one another’s strengths and unique qualities.
The halls came to life with more than 2,000 pieces of student artwork, and families were invited to join in, creating their own flowers and adding affirming messages to honor the rich diversity of the Latham Ridge community.
With art covering every hallway, the Latham Ridge Gala became a true celebration of identity, kindness, and connection. It wasn’t just about creativity, it was about seeing one another fully, and recognizing that every student, like every flower, needs something different to grow.