Cedar Knolls Academy - Hawthorne Cedar Knolls UFSD 226 Linda Avenue, Hawthorne, NY 10532

"When I was there, in the 1980 1982, I was helped by this place. Even the cooks were helping me teaching me things in kitchen. There was no rampant stuff of horrors, times n elements change. Situations of society change. This school gave me purpose and put me on a different path of life which could've been detrimental to others and myself. Thank God for Rita Rabinowitz, Josh Gillison, Bert Mann, Don Shockley,, Gertrude Phillips, Winston and enroll from kitchen. The two Frank's in recreation, John,Lynn, Roger Mary and Mr. Moore Cottage 2 Counseors. The teachers this school was great, but the times changed so I guess it wasn't prepared for the Crack Era. But one thing for sure my family and I thank HCKS and all they did. Cottage 7 Kevin and Big Vinny counselors. I remember a lot caused they cared and helped alot. Anyone remember me look me up on FB Steven Diaz I was called Stretch. Kenny Goldstein was my partner, Billy Sullivan, Greg Lorenzi, Rick Randall, Lenny Patterson, Ozzy, were some of my Cottage buddies. I will never speak I'll of my Era there. Things happen there was a different element after I left. Thank you."

"I was there mid 1960’s when FRANK FERINELLA was running the campus, My cottage parents #23 was Mr & Mrs. Dumfry - Then cottages #7 - Howie Wells . It actually helped me out of the ghetto I came from."

"I was at the school in the 80s this place saved my life. I was a serious juvenile delinquent in and out of juvenile hall. Before I came to the school, I was award of the Court and was turned over to the Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services. I spent three years here at Hawthorne school from 1980 to 1983. After Hawthorne School I joined the United States Marines for 8 years. During my time in the Marines I went to school in California. Became a mechanical engineer at UCLA paid for by Uncle Sam. I worked 20 years as an engineer before I retired, I thank the school for not giving up on me. It is because of the school that I became a very successful adult. I have no regrets, people like the guidance counselor George Carlson. Bill tarplin, Norm friedmann, rich friedmann, and Rupert Neal, and Kevin Brooks. Are credited with saving my life with their care and concern. Excellent role models I have nothing but love for the school."

"I was there in the mid 70's. It was little more than a juvenile delinquent home. The staff really tried but us kids ran a muck. We couldn't wait for day trips to smuggle in marijuana. Everybody sold a joint for a dollar. I'm 58 now and can still remember my counselor Maryann. She left and I cried. I wish I had some nicer things to say but, being one of the only white girls, all I really learned back then was how to fight even better. What a shame."

"I know all but one in that picture of 1960, forgot their names except Levine (the partial cut out) , wish there was a place I could research their "sinces". One I went to school White Plains High after his graduation; one I met his old girlfriend in Brooklyn and took a wild punch at him in cafeteria; one I went to Brooklyn with when we were both inmates there in Hawthorne. Loved that place."