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RN-T.com - Georgia School for the Deaf graduation celebrates
There were nearly as many speakers as there were graduates during Georgia School for the Deaf’s commencement ceremony Dec. 15, and all of them focused on the hard work each student put forth and the inspiration they provided by doing so.
The graduates — Brittney Daughtry, Davion Gilling, Ryan Hall, Tim Simmons and Eric Welch — have earned the nickname the Fab Five at the school while earning their diplomas, and GSD Director Lee Shiver said during the ceremony they have set a precedent for every other student who attends the school.
New expectations for participating in graduation exercises at the school meant that no student would be permitted to graduate unless the student was a special education student or had earned a regular diploma. With the promise of a December graduation ceremony if they earned their regular diplomas, the “Fab Five” continued to take classes, study, and retake the graduation tests until they were successful.
“These five young adults, our Fab Five, have accomplished what we knew was possible all along,” said Shiver.
Al Hodge, executive director of the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce, who also serves on the State School Board, was the commencement speaker, but Georgia Superintendent-Elect John Barge, Presidential Citizens medal winner Kimberly McGuiness and former Georgia Superintendent Kathy Cox (via video) also spoke during the event.
Hodge, who was visibly emotional during his speech, said the students at GSD are near and dear to his heart and he is moved by what they have done. He told them that everyone they meet is inspired by their dedication and that they are creating an important legacy.
“Each one of you graduates are building your reputations day by day,” said Hodge. “Each of you persevered.”
Barge encouraged the graduates to pursue their dreams, saying if they put in the time and effort, their work will pay off.
“You win the battle when you decide in your heart that nothing will stand in your way,” said Barge.
On a video sent to the school from Washington, D.C., Cox said the day is a historic one for GSD.
“This is a great day and everyone should be celebrating your accomplishments,” she said. “This is just the first step in a happy and productive life for you all.”
Each of the students was presented with a $1,000 scholarship, and valedictorian Gilling received an additional award from Sorenson Communications.
Gilling, a native of Jamaica, said his journey to graduate was not an easy one, but thanks to a supportive family and a great school he was able to accomplish the first of many goals. He challenged other GSD students to continue working until they do the same.
“I’ve made a lot of friends here that’ll be friends forever,” he said.
There were nearly as many speakers as there were graduates during Georgia School for the Deaf’s commencement ceremony Dec. 15, and all of them focused on the hard work each student put forth and the inspiration they provided by doing so.
The graduates — Brittney Daughtry, Davion Gilling, Ryan Hall, Tim Simmons and Eric Welch — have earned the nickname the Fab Five at the school while earning their diplomas, and GSD Director Lee Shiver said during the ceremony they have set a precedent for every other student who attends the school.
New expectations for participating in graduation exercises at the school meant that no student would be permitted to graduate unless the student was a special education student or had earned a regular diploma. With the promise of a December graduation ceremony if they earned their regular diplomas, the “Fab Five” continued to take classes, study, and retake the graduation tests until they were successful.
“These five young adults, our Fab Five, have accomplished what we knew was possible all along,” said Shiver.
Al Hodge, executive director of the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce, who also serves on the State School Board, was the commencement speaker, but Georgia Superintendent-Elect John Barge, Presidential Citizens medal winner Kimberly McGuiness and former Georgia Superintendent Kathy Cox (via video) also spoke during the event.
Hodge, who was visibly emotional during his speech, said the students at GSD are near and dear to his heart and he is moved by what they have done. He told them that everyone they meet is inspired by their dedication and that they are creating an important legacy.
“Each one of you graduates are building your reputations day by day,” said Hodge. “Each of you persevered.”
Barge encouraged the graduates to pursue their dreams, saying if they put in the time and effort, their work will pay off.
“You win the battle when you decide in your heart that nothing will stand in your way,” said Barge.
On a video sent to the school from Washington, D.C., Cox said the day is a historic one for GSD.
“This is a great day and everyone should be celebrating your accomplishments,” she said. “This is just the first step in a happy and productive life for you all.”
Each of the students was presented with a $1,000 scholarship, and valedictorian Gilling received an additional award from Sorenson Communications.
Gilling, a native of Jamaica, said his journey to graduate was not an easy one, but thanks to a supportive family and a great school he was able to accomplish the first of many goals. He challenged other GSD students to continue working until they do the same.
“I’ve made a lot of friends here that’ll be friends forever,” he said.