The Willie Ross School for the Deaf provides a comprehensive educational program stressing academic excellence.
Calvin Trueheart Jenkins-Holley (at right with white shirt) stands with his family at his graduation from the Willie Ross School for the Deaf in Longmeadow on Friday.LONGMEADOW-Five students graduated Friday night when the Willie Ross School for the Deaf held its 24th commencement at the Foster & Constance Gleason Furcolo Student Center on the school’s campus.
"We are pleased with the accomplishments of our graduating senior class who come from all over Western Massachusetts," said Louis Abbate, president and CEO of the school. “Willie Ross School for the Deaf strives to provide an environment of academic excellence, and these five graduates are well-prepared to be contributing members of our community.”
The graduates include Raisa Alvarado of Springfield, who completed the school-to-career program; Trevor Bynum of Springfield, who has been accepted to both the National Technical Institute for the Deaf and Gallaudet University; Jose Gonzalez, of Springfield, who plans to continue employment at Evelyn’s Learning Center in Springfield; Amanda Donovan of Springfield, who has been accepted to the National Technical Institute for the Deaf in the fall and is also considering other colleges, and Calvin Jenkins-Holley, of Springfield, who plans to attend the National Technical Institute for the Deaf in the fall.
“It’s been a great experience going to school here. I’ve been here since I was 3 years old,” said Jenkins-Holly. “I’m looking forward to new challenges and going to college. I plan on studying engineering.”
The Willie Ross School for the Deaf provides a comprehensive educational program stressing academic excellence that focuses on the development of students’ intellectual, social and emotional growth from the early childhood level through high school.
"It was a great group of kids and they will go on to live productive lives," Abbate said.