Susan Silverstein has seen more than her fair share of Bishop Maginn High School graduations. In fact, this year marked graduation number 24.

“I think this world needs a lot of really good people, and I fully believe this class will do it,” Silverstein said. “They are going to go out and change the world.”

But this one stands out more than most, because it’s also the school's last.

After opening in 1977, the Catholic school is closing its doors.

For Silverstein, it means packing up her classroom one last time.

“I’m very, very sad to see Bishop Maginn going down for good. There’s so many memories, so many kids. I always say, 'I have a thousand kids or more,'” Silverstein said.

She has worked double duty at the school teaching religion and art. She’s invested countless hours and resources into the school, which she calls a safe haven.

“Especially a lot of these kids, you know, inner-city kids that have seen some pretty horrible things in their neighborhoods and their communities,” Silverstein said. “They’ve gone through some pretty bad stuff. Art is truly an outlet for them.”

Wandering the halls lined with packing boxes and memorabilia is nostalgic for the teacher. She was originally supposed to just be a substitute teacher for six weeks.

“I went for six weeks and six weeks turned into the rest of the year. And the rest of the year turned into 24 years,” Silverstein said. “I just couldn’t leave.”

A graduate of the inaugural class of 1978 at Bishop Maginn, there’s a lot of lessons Silverstein has shared with her students, but none quite as important as one.

“Do that thing you can, go out there and make a difference, making the community a better place for the next generation. Let them learn from you so that it continues,” Silverstein said.

As the final graduates cross the stage, she said the legacy this school leaves behind will be missed.

“I do think that Maginn will be missed, in this community and by this community,” Silverstein said. “And by the kids in Albany who made it their home.”