COMPASS 2018 Graduation
Graduation is a momentous occasion in any student’s life. For six COMPASS students, they have reached the moment where they can walk across the stage and accept their diploma. This diploma stands for years of dedication and hard work, not only on behalf of the students, but of their teachers and supporters as well.
Each graduating student was joined by his or her family and supporters for a lunch and graduation ceremony at COMPASS on Wednesday, June 13, 2018. At graduation, Principal Beth Labbe welcomed the attendees, “you’ve taught us strength and courage; think of all that you have overcome and celebrate your accomplishments”. Then, a staff member spoke about each of the graduating students and their progression academically, emotionally, and behaviorally over their time at COMPASS. One case worker, Justin, spoke of a student that he worked with that came to COMPASS in 2014 and did not want anything to do with school. Over the course of the last four years, Justin worked with that student to get him to a point where he is known as “an easy-going, thoughtful, competent, funny, and engaging young man”. Another case worker, Jaye, spoke about another graduate’s “personality and ability to work with others earned him a role as a mentor in the elementary program as well as a full-time job at the Jewish Memorial Center”.
Next, Chief Operating Officer Laura Lajewski presented the students with her famous “Thought for the Day”, where she provided the graduates with a “survival kit” that included many items for their lives post-high school. “Here are toothpicks, to remind you to pick out the good qualities in everyone, including yourself”, Lajewski stated, listing items and their purposes. “And finally, here is a journal to write down your best memories of COMPASS so you will never forget us – we will never forget you!”
Finally, the students were presented with their diplomas close out the ceremony. It was an emotional experience for everyone in attendance due to all of the hard work and perseverance that it took for the students to obtain their high school diploma. Students were sent off with many praises and words of wisdom, especially from Dr. Seuss: “You’re off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so…get on your way!”
For more information and to see the great work that COMPASS is doing, please continue to explore our website. If you have questions and/or would like to support COMPASS, please contact Gregg Grenier, Development and Communications Manager at Gregg.Grenier@compassboston.org.