The Patriot Ledger
May 15, 2008
Local
Flying High Now
Laughter and tears as 5 young people with disabilities wrap up their years at the Cardinal Cushing Center
Photo by Gary Higgins
Article by MICHAELA STANELUN
The Patriot Ledger
Posted May 15, 2008 @ 03:00 AM
http://www.patriotledger.com/news/x1192321462/Cardinal-Cushing-graduates-told-to-cherish-the-memories
As proud family members watched, five graduates of the Cardinal Cushing Center in Braintree received certificates Wednesday. Wearing blue gowns, the graduates walked down a makeshift aisle in the gym to their front-row seats.
“These five graduates are dealing with various disabilities but have all gained varying levels of independence and self-sufficiency,” Ronald Shepherd, coordinator of educational services, said.
The Braintree school is part of St. Coletta and Cardinal Cushing Schools of Massachusetts. The day school offers academic, vocational and recreational programs “for students with moderate to severe developmental disabilities and emotional, behavioral and physical challenges,” according to the school’s Web site.
“It has been a journey here, and what a wonderful journey it has been,” Shepherd said to the audience.
A slide presentation showed each graduate through the years, which made family members laugh through their tears.
“Some of these graduates have been here for 10 to 12 years,” Paul J. Hudson, president and CEO of St. Coletta and Cardinal Cushing Schools of Massachusetts, said in his commencement address. .
They all like to laugh, have fun and receive awards, and “today they receive the ultimate award,” he said.
Hudson talked about Kerra Leston’s self-esteem, Christopher Spinello’s infatuation with Elvis, Matthew Conroy’s sense of humor, Anthony Gentile’s love of swimming and Joshua Gately’s contagious laughter.
“Thank you for sharing your beautiful, gorgeous, smiling children with us,” Hudson said to the graduates’ families.
Anthony Gentile’s father, Tony Gentile of Dorchester, said his son was diagnosed with autism when he was 3½ and was enrolled in the school at 7, right after being diagnosed with diabetes.
“For the 15 years my son has been here, I have never had to worry while he’s been at this school,” Gentile said.
With tears in his eyes, Gentile said the commencement ceremony showed that his son really is taking the next step in life.
“It’s time for my little boy to move on,” he said.
Michaela Stanelun may be reached at mstanelun@ledger.com.
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