LAWRENCE — Six years ago, an all-girl middle school in the city was just a dream for many. That dream not only became a reality, but it was solidified yesterday when Esperanza Academy graduated its first class at Grace Episcopal Church.

"When you came here you were little girls. Some of you were afraid, some were not," school trustee the Rev. Daniel Velez-Rivera told the 16 graduates. "But you blossomed on Garden Street."

Michelle Albert, a teacher at Mother Caroline Academy in Dorchester was the commencement speaker.

"You are the reason for the English translation of this school's name, Hope," Albert said.

"We hope the best for your future because you have shown that hope pays off in the present."

When it came time to hand out the diplomas, Esperanza's head of school, Laurie Bottiger, called each girl's name. But each name was drowned by applause before she could finish them and what high schools they are going to attend. Trustees Tom Maher and Rosalyn Wood awarded the diplomas.

There was one she asked the audience to hold its applause for until the end.

Hours before the commencement, they learned that Dianerys Rodriguez had been accepted to Kimball Union Academy, a private co-ed boarding school in Plainfield, N.H.

"I feel excited to be among the first graduates," Dianerys said. "I'm looking forward to high school and college."

Her tuition will be paid for from a $100,000 scholarship established at Kimball by Nancy and Tom Maher of Andover.

Each graduate wore a white dress with a yellow bow accented with a silver chain and a small, round medallion etched with the words "Esperanza Academy 2009."

As dozens of cameras flashed, family members, teachers, staff members and trustees gave them a standing ovation, clapped, hooted and hollered.

Benita Kalala's father whistled.

"I'm happy because Esperanza helped me and my family," said Ange Kalala.

His family moved to America from the Congo and he said the school helped his daughter adjust to a new country, new culture and to learn a new language.

Benita was all smiles during the ceremony and the reception.

"I feel good and proud of myself and all the hard work I'd done," she said.

Benita, who will attend Notre Dame High School next year, said she learned the value of friendship and hard work at Esperanza, an Episcopalian school established for Lawrence girls from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

"I will always remember the people and the support they gave me and having to work hard to achieve the things I want."

Margaret Sopheara Sam is one of seven girls going to Notre Dame.

"I'm excited because I did my best and I graduated," said Margaret, who was the only Cambodian student at the school.

Students Dranny Garcia and Katherine Javier presented a quilt on behalf of their classmates as a gift to the school.

Also, Bottiger announced the establishment of the Malcolm E. Coates Award to volunteers.

Coates, 83, of Boxford, has been involved with Esperanza since its inception and is chairman of the trustees.

"I'm constantly impressed with Esperanza because we're doing something good for girls who need it," Coates said.

Barbara Ann Cahill, who retired from Brooks School, has continued her relationship with Esperanza despite moving from the area.

"It always seemed so much an impossible dream because we had to raise the first $1 million," Cahill said. "To have come to this day is one of the triumphs of my life."

Last Sunday, Bishop Thomas Shaw of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts celebrated the baccalaureate Mass, along with Velez-Rivera, Grace pastor Ennis Duffis and the Rev. Jeffrey Shilling Gill, pastor of Christ Church in Andover.

Where Esperanza Academy graduates are heading

Austin Prep, Reading

Michelle Duran and Ashley Gonzalez

Cathedral High, Boston

Francheska Cordero

Central Catholic High, Lawrence

Penelope Sanchez and Ashley Urbaez

Lawrence High School

Maria Isabel Urena

Notre Dame High, Lawrence

Eliza Anziani, Dranny Garcia, Rosalia Garcia, Benita Kalala, Analie Mendez, Margaret Sopheara Sam and Adriana Silvestre

Presentation of Mary Academy, Methuen

Zobeida Duarte and Katherine Javier

Kimball Union Academy, Plainfield, N.H.

Dianerys Rodriguez