On Thursday May 31st, in front of a packed house, 4 Bellcate Seniors joined the ranks of Bellcate Alumni at their Class of 2019 high school graduation ceremony. This year was extra special because the event was hosted at Lily’s Gym, Bellcate School’s new community center and gymnasium. “It had such a special feeling to be in our own space with all of our staff, students, families and friends,” reflected Bellcate Staff, Kerry Kenny. This year’s graduating class included Keith Ward, Matt Burnett, Victoria Baldwin and Dylan DePaul. All of our graduates were recognized for their hard work and achievements at Bellcate School with personal speeches from staff as well as an individual video highlighting special Bellcate moments put together by Mary Cosgrove. “The presentation, individual messages to each moving up student and graduate obviously meant a lot. There were many tears in the room. It was a class act,” commented CESU Special Educator, Blythe Leonard. It was a big day for our graduates but what lies ahead for our graduates is equally inspiring. Keith Ward is moving to New Hampshire with his parents Loren and Karen. He plans to take his experience as a Jericho Fire Fighter to a community college, New Hampshire Fire Academy. We learned that whatever Keith puts his mind to he will achieve. Matt Burnett wasted no time in securing employment as he is now working at Fed ex and plans to continue his music. Good Luck Matt!
Dylan Depaul secured summer employment at the Vermont Tent Co through a Bellcate School Internship and will be starting classes at CCV in the fall through The Succeed program. Way to go Dylan. And Victoria Baldwin will continue both her positions, one at Regal Gymnastics and one at a local nursery with the support of her adult team at Howard Center. We will be happy to see you right across the street Vic!
Our graduation event also recognized and celebrated our 8th graders in a “Move Up” ceremony. This part of our event acknowledged the ending of middle school and the beginning of high school. In the Bellcate School Community this is a big step up to increased opportunities and responsibility. This year’s move up class included Jarek Hudak, Isaiah Kimball, Garrett Stearns, Nate Katin and Jay Lamphere-Boufard. “I am ready to move up, to be a mentor and a role model to other students. Thank you for the opportunity,” explained Jay.
Congratulations to all of our Graduates and students moving up. We are proud of you and truly recognize all of the time, effort and hard work you all have committed to accomplishing your goals.
