The above video from the graduation ceremony is courtesy of the Baldwinsville Central School District.

BALDWINSVILLE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — C.W. Baker High School’s class of 2024 was able to experience a special moment at their graduation ceremony this past weekend.

Graceanne D’Alberto and her service dog, Junco — both in their own cap and gown — crossed the stage in unison, something very rare and equally as beautiful.

As she was taken across the stage in her wheelchair the room roared with applause. Junco was handed a bone wrapped with a red bow by the high school’s principal, Kris Denton, and Graceanne, her diploma.

You can hear everyone go wild for Graceanne, and then once again for Junco.

Graceanne’s parents say it wasn’t just about the cute dog. Her class recognized her.

Denton expressed, “I am a dog owner and as a school principal in a district that promotes and encourages the use of service and support dogs, I have been able to witness firsthand the tremendously positive impact that service and support dogs can make in the lives of students.”

In the video, you see the principal dig into his pocket to give Junco a treat. She didn’t have to be at attention and was allowed to enjoy the experience for herself.

“When I saw Gracie and Junie coming together to cross the stage, I was overjoyed and honored to be able to share that moment, where Junie and Gracie’s successful partnership was celebrated in front of the entire school community during the diploma ceremony,” Denton continued.

When Graceanne was born, her parents were told she may have only a few days to live. Which then turned into weeks, months, and eventually years. Last weekend, she hit another huge milestone: high school graduation.

“She outlived every prediction. Six months ago she started walking on her own. There is no medical explanation. It’s just Gracie,” said her mother, Bethany D’Alberto.

Junco has been Graceanne’s partner in crime since 2020.

Her family says they never thought about a service dog until a teacher introduced them to her son’s service dog.

“She had received him through an agency called 4 Paws for Ability, it was the only service agency that would place a dog with a child and an adult handler. We were skeptical, but researched it and agreed it was something that could possibly help Gracie,” explained Bethany.

Having a service animal at your side and tending to your needs can be amazing. The D’Alberto’s call it life-changing.

Junco can alert to seizures, pull a wheelchair, push handicap buttons to open doors, push the call button for the elevator, retrieve things when Graceanne drops them, can open doors, drawers, and car doors, — Bethany says if you don’t mind scratches on your paint, but they do — she can distract to avoid negative behavior, can calm and soothe to help put Gracie to sleep, and so much more.

As Graceanne got older and began to grow in life, the mother explained that there were things she and her husband, Mark, dreamed about for their daughter. Their goal was to get her into a school program where she could interact with students who would accept her and let her enjoy a high school experience.

“But we never expected the friends Gracie made and the things she was able to do at Baker High,” said Bethany.

Graceanne was being pushed, and Junco was being handled by Taylor Tylenda, a graduating senior and Gracie’s best friend.

“Taylor volunteered in the classroom with Baker buddies, helping out, and quickly became attached to Gracie. She helped her dance at the Ball, brought her a shirt from the school she would be going to in the fall so they would match on decision day, and begged to be allowed to be the one who helped Gracie across the stage to get her diploma. Gracie became one of Taylor’s friends, and that just speaks volumes about the huge heart Taylor has,” she continued.

So, what’s in store for Graceanne?

She will use Baldwinsville’s “age out” option at the school. She will stay at C.W. Baker High School for a couple of months but then will need to find a new program suitable for her.

For now, Bethany says she is enjoying sleeping late, reading magazines, and going to the movies. Oh, and Costco, she loves Costco. 

As for Junco, graduation was her last big public event. It was discovered that the service dog has medical issues, which will force her to retire early. However, 4 Paws for Ability is training her replacement, and Junco will stay home while another dog takes over her job this fall.

“They have accomplished so much together and have been an outstanding example of how students and support animals can make such a positive difference in each others’ lives and even in the lives of an entire school community,” said Denton.

Denton and Graceanne’s parents share a common feeling towards this experience: pride.

Congratulations to C.W. Baker High School’s class of 2024!