Students, families, staff, and community partners gathered across Ivymount School’s graduation and moving up ceremonies to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2026.
Alumnus Drew Brodie, Endeavors Program Class of 2024, delivered the commencement address for the Endeavors-Post High School ceremony. Reflecting on his own journey after graduation, Drew encouraged students as they begin the next chapter of their lives.
“Ivymount told me I am capable. I learned how to talk with coworkers and supervisors. I made so many friends. I loved my teachers. Now that I graduated, I am always busy! I take classes at Montgomery College. I do Special Olympics. I work at PetSmart. I work at Bowie Library. I spend time with friends and family. I have a happy life! I am a happy man. My friends, teachers and parents told me I was capable. Graduates, YOU are capable too! Keep talking to your old friends and teachers. Keep trying new things and being brave. I hope you are happy after Ivymount just like me. I am proud of you. Remember: you are capable!”
-Drew Brodie, Ivymount School Class of 2024
At the Aspire High School graduation ceremony, Aspire Program Director Jennie Kampf recognized each graduate’s accomplishments and celebrated the perseverance they demonstrated throughout high school. Katie Mulholland, Aspire High School Class of 2023, delivered a commencement address sharing her accomplishments after high school and inspiring graduates to pursue their own dreams with confidence and determination.
Graduates receiving diplomas and certificates of completion then shared memories from their time at Ivymount and what they are looking forward to next. They reflected on favorite experiences, offered advice for younger students who attended ceremonies either in-person or via livestream, and shared their goals before celebrating with family, friends, and staff.
“Before I came to Ivymount, I didn’t have any friends. I didn’t know how to interact with people. I had a lot of educational problems, mainly math problems. Then I came to Ivymount and it all changed. For the past eight years I have been here at this school. I’ve learned to interact with people, to advocate for myself. what my learning strategies are and what my disability is. I also made lots of friends along the way and algebra is my favorite subject.“
-Aspire High School Graduate“Next year, I hope to go to college and get a job. I’m excited to experience and learn new things in the workforce and in college. I hope to learn more about working in the medical field. On my journey to graduation I made some new friends, learned to become independent, and become a successful young adult.”
-Aspire High School Graduate“In high school, I learned a new language which was Spanish. I also learned to be confident to follow my heart. I am proud of finishing my volunteer work to graduate. My favorite memory from high school is going to prom. After Ivymount, I’m going to do Project Search. I am excited to start living my life as a young adult. I am also excited to have a family of my own one day.“
-Aspire High School Graduate
State and county representatives, colleagues from state and local education agencies, community jobsite partners, and members of the Ivymount Board of Directors joined families in recognizing this milestone and celebrating each student’s achievements. As graduates turned their tassels, they marked more than the end of a school year. They celebrated the beginning of new experiences ahead.
