By Ashley Grund
I can still remember the day as if it were yesterday, my mom and dad gathering us in the living room, telling my brother and I that we were moving to a small town called Chappaqua, and leaving the only place I had ever known. The last thing I was feeling was excitement or happiness about living among brand new people and going to a new school. But if the same thing were to happen today, and my parents told me that we were leaving Chappaqua, I would do anything to make them understand that there were making the absolute WRONG decision.
Throughout my eight years living here in Chappaqua, everything this town has to offer has created a positive environment for me: friends, community and school. Going through Westorchard Elementary School, Seven Bridges Middle School and now Greeley has made me reflect on my life here, and all of the lessons I’ve learned from everything and everyone around me; saying that Chappaqua changed who I am would be an understatement. Growing up here has taught me the importance of community, education, and a place where someday I would want to raise my own children.
Every year, Chappaqua’s “Community Day,” “Family Fun Day” at Westorchard and the Ragamuffin Parade would be among the most exciting weekends in town. Just walking my dog in Gedney Park allowed me to meet some nice, friendly people who were always willing to talk. Recreation sports in Chappaqua have also been enjoyable, and each year I looked forward to playing AYSO soccer with all of my friends. The community in Chappaqua is very warm and loving, which is one reason that growing up here has been such a privilege.
When looking back on my years in school, I see so many positive things, including amazing friends and an education that taught me the importance of learning. Westorchard and Seven Bridges were good, fun learning experiences, and now Greeley is an exciting and challenging roller coaster. Although school might not be a barrel of laughs every day, friends and kind teachers make it something to enjoy.
Everything about spending my childhood and teenage years in Chappaqua has made me a very grateful, optimistic person who will always remember that the one decision my parents made to move didn’t turn out to be such a bad one after all.
Ashley Grund is now a sophomore at Horace Greeley High School.
