“I will miss all my teachers, friends and therapists,” Chris Young said when it was his turn to talk. “I feel that you have all become my friends.”
Chris was one of eight who graduated from Archbishop Damiano School in Westville Grove on June 13.
Archbishop Damiano School services over 150 students with moderate to severe cognitive disabilities. Students are referred from over 50 different school districts throughout central and southern New Jersey. Educational programming is divided into three broad levels: Early Childhood Program, Elementary and Middle School, Secondary Program.
Also graduating with Chris were Eric Hayes, Abigail Arma, Chelsea DiTonno, Oswin Conde, Julia Kutz, Calab Ninan and Orain Baugh.
Each of the graduates had a message for those who had come to celebrate with them that day. Oswin Conde said his favorite memories were the school trips and talking with his friends.
“One word for ADS: Spectacular!” he said.
He added, “Gracias, Mama.”