With proud smiles and joyful cheers, students, families and community partners gathered across several graduation and moving up ceremonies to recognize the growth and perseverance of Ivymount School students.
The events celebrated students’ achievements at Ivymount and their plans for post-secondary education, work, and volunteering. Numerous special guests attended the ceremonies, including state and county representatives, colleagues from state and local education agencies, jobsite partners, granting foundation leaders, and Ivymount board members.
During the Endeavors and Aspire Post High School ceremony, Ivymount School Director, Susan Holt, honored the graduates with words of encouragement, inviting them to engage actively in their communities and reminding everyone of the importance of self-advocacy.
Issie Resti, the Aspire Post High School Assistant Director, gave moving remarks in remembrance of a former student and presented her family with a cap and gown. Katie Quinn, Endeavors Program Director, expressed how deeply valued the students are by the staff and how honored they feel to support and witness their development.
Guests also enjoyed a commencement speech from Kavon, an Ivymount School alumni from the Class of 2020, who shared reflections on his time at Ivymount.
“I was nervous when I started at Ivymount School, but I left feeling good….At Ivymount I learned better self-advocacy strategies and I learned how to be more professional. Everything I learned at Ivymount helped me get where I am today…Today we celebrate how far each of you have come…When an opportunity presents itself, say yes and don’t be afraid to take risks.”
-Ivymount Alumni speaker
At the Aspire High School graduation ceremony, Jennie Kampf, Aspire Program Director, kicked things off by recognizing the accomplishments of the graduates.
Five students who will move from high school to the Post High School program shared about their Ivymount experience and their goals for the future. Staff described them as helpful, energetic, flexible, hardworking, inquisitive and funny.
Another six students were awarded high school diplomas and a certificate of completion. Each student made remarks about their favorite part of high school, advice for other high school students, and their plans for next year. Then it was “caps off” as they celebrated their milestones with their families.
“My Favorite Part of High School was: Making new friends and meeting new teachers and making so many fun memories and going on so many fun Ivymount adventures.
Advice for High Schoolers: My advice for High Schoolers is to live, laugh, make friends, have fun, do the work, and ask for help when you need it.”
-Ivymount School Aspire Program graduate
Check out more highlights from another fantastic school year, including a community Alumni Event and exciting new student clubs.
