Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 held its special education graduation ceremony May 26 at Colonial Academy, Wind Gap.

The IU serves 13 school districts and operates three of its own schools. Thirty-two students attended the graduation. Several more students completed their final year as IU20 students but did not participate in the graduation ceremony. Jacqueline Bartek, IU20 director of special education, opened the ceremony.

Christopher Wolfel, IU20 executive director, shared words of wisdom and told the graduates to “enjoy the ride.” He also spoke of his own childhood, running the halls of the IU office, where his mother worked as a secretary.

Class of 2022 graduate Lauren Emilia Dietrick, who lives in the Wilson Area School District and attended the IU20 Life Skills Support program at Career Institute of Technology in Easton, was the class speaker. She reminded her fellow graduates to never be afraid to find assistance.

“It is OK to ask for help. I have done things that are hard for me, and my teachers and friends have helped me a lot,” she said.

Dietrick has a job at St. Luke’s. She also won a gold medal in equestrian competition at the recent Special Olympics Summer Games in State College.

Following her speech, teachers were called to the podium, and their graduates received their certificates and diplomas. Each school district was represented by its local education agent (LEA).

After the students had all received their diplomas, a slideshow of the graduates was presented on a large screen. Following the graduation, a small reception was held.

Below are the graduates whose home school district is Northampton Area School District.

Jason Beltz received instruction in the home from IU20 teacher Erika Condomitti. Beltz enjoys listening to country music, having books read to him, sampling different lollipops and smelling essential oil scents. After graduating, he has plans to sit back and enjoy watching the wildlife outside his window.

Kyle Owen Bicking graduated from the Multiple Disabilities Support program at Northampton Area High School. His teacher is Sherry Newhard. Bicking enjoys watching Carrie Underwood music videos and the movie “High School Musical.”

Newhard said, “Kyle has a smile that is contagious! We are going to miss him.”

Georgianna Grace Houck Nolf attended the IU20 Life Skills Support program at Career Institute of Technology. Her teacher is Amy Hettel.

Hettel said, “Georgianna always has a story to tell, whether it’s about her weekend, cheerleading or her boyfriend. Georgianna is a very loving and caring person. She is always concerned that you are happy and wants to be sure you know how much you mean to her. Georgianna is also a very determined young lady and has no problem sticking up for herself or her friends and family.”

Houck Nolf will be attending Lehigh Carbon Community College.

Seth Lechman attended the Life Skills Support program at Pen Argyl High School. His teacher is Kathryn McCormick.

Anthony Marrone attended Colonial Academy in the Autistic Support program. His teacher is Angela Liberto.

Liberto said, “Anthony always reminded us in the classroom to wash our hands and always told us ‘Knock, knock on the door’ when someone was at the door. Anthony enjoyed throwing the ball with the staff. He loved going to the gym and shooting basketballs. Anthony has a goal of attending a day or home/community program after graduation.”

Anthony Michael Samaan attended Colonial Academy. His teacher is Ann Janders.

Janders said, “He will always be remembered as a spirited young man who possesses amazing qualities. I’m sure no one will forget his impeccable recollection of any date in history and what day of the week that it occurred on. If you don’t want him to tell people your age, definitely do not tell him the year you were born! He will never forget it. He has always been a kind, caring and genuine person. Anthony has helped younger students who are struggling with different subjects, like writing and spelling. He has even led a reading lesson.”

Thomas William Sedor Jr. attended the Autistic Support class at NAHS. His teacher is Cindy Stanton.

Stanton said, “Our favorite memory is Thomas’ laugh, smile and nose-to-nose rubs. Thomas is a handsome, affectionate young man who enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He loves eating at McDonalds and going for car rides.”

Sedor Jr. plans on attending a day program to continue improving his communication skills and performing activities to promote independence.

Stephanie Marie Trynkiewicz attended the Community Pathways (Life Skills) program at Colonial Academy. Her teacher is Christopher Felcin.

Felcin said, “Stephanie’s strengths are being caring and supportive. She helps her friends by checking on them and assisting them. Stephanie has a radiant spirit. Stephanie always makes sure others are feeling OK, and if she sees them struggling with something, she’s always willing to help. She loves building people up by giving them compliments.”