On May 26, Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 held its Special Education Graduation Ceremony at Colonial Academy. The Intermediate Unit 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.
IU20 Director of Special Education Jacqueline Bartek opened the ceremony.
IU20 Executive Director Christopher Wolfel shared words of wisdom, including a Paul Molitor quote: “Complaining is like vomiting. You might feel better after you get it out, but you make everyone around you sick.” Wolfel told the graduates to enjoy the ride. He also spoke of his own childhood, running the halls of the Intermediate Unit office, where his mother worked as a secretary.
Lauren Emilia Dietrick, a member of the class of 2022 who lives in the Wilson Area School District and attended the IU20 Life Skills Support program at the Career Institute of Technology in Easton, was the class speaker. She reminded her classmates that “It is okay to ask for help.”
“I have done things that are hard for me (to do),” she said.”My teachers and friends have helped me a lot.”
Laruen has a job in the St. Luke’s University Health Network system. She won a gold medal in equestrian competition at the recent Special Olympics Summer Games in State College.
Following Dietrick’s speech, teachers were called to the podium, and the graduates received their certificates and diplomas. Each school district was represented by their Local Education Agent,or LEA. Dan Burkholder is the LEA for the Bethlehem Area School District.
After the students had all received their diplomas and certificates, a slide show of the graduates was presented. A small reception folloowed the ceremony.
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Nathaniel Stanley attended the Autistic Support classroom at Liberty HS. His teacher, Daniel Rowley, said, “Nathaniel loves to dance. Music appreciation is his favorite class. Nathaniel’s strengths are working hands-on such as recycling boxes and cleaning tables in the cafeteria. His future plans are to go to an adult day program.”
Cassandra Torres attended the Autistic Support classroom at Freedom HS. Her teacher, Jeffrey Kovacs, said, “Cassie is the most outgoing student that I have ever had. She will say hello to everyone that she sees in the halls whether or not she knows them or not. Cassie always tries her best and is very hard working. She cares about her friends and is always asking about them when they are absent.”
PRESS PHOTOS BY LANI GOINS Freedom graduates and their teachers: Teacher Andrea Yowziak; Sabrina Swiss; Mason Jackus; teacher Jeffrey Kovacs; and Daniel Morales. Mason Jackus attended the Autistic Support classroom at Freedom HS. His teacher, Jeffrey Kovacs, said, “Mason loves to do cooking activities in our classroom and always asks for ‘cooking' on a weekly basis. Mason Jackus is a very friendly and happy student. He is hard working and always will try his best.” Sabrina Claire Swiss attended the Autistic Support classroom at Freedom HS. His teacher, Jeffrey Kovacs, said, “Sabrina loves exploring new things. One example would be when we carved a pumpkin as a class and Sabrina loved it. Sabrina is a very happy student who loves music and singing. She always brightens everyone's day with her smile.” Daniel Morales attended the Autistic Support classroom at Freedom HS. His teacher, Jeffrey Kovacs, said, “Daniel is a great worker. One example would be that a teacher did not know how to work the freight elevator and as Danny was passing, he showed the teacher what to do. Daniel has a great memory and will often memorize anything that is taught to him.”
Nathan Robert Musselman (BASD) attended the Life Skills Support program at Colonial Academy. His teacher, Ann Janders, said, “Nathan is the type of student who loves to help in the classroom. He is academically successful and loves reciting the states every week. Speaking of love, if you know Nathan, you know he loves Disney. Nathan has a great sense of humor and enjoys making people laugh. But he is also caring and compassionate, especially if he thinks he upset you. Over the last two years, we have seen a lot of growth and maturity in Nathan. Nathan has come a long way and we are so grateful to have had this journey with him. Good luck Nathan. We will miss you.”
Janlee Rodriguez-Rivera (BASD) attended the Autistic Support program at Colonial Academy. Her teacher, Angela Liberto, said, “Janlee loved going to the farm and to Special Olympics. She would always tell us when someone was missing in the classroom and was the first person to help other students. She always reminded us of special events and dates, especially her birthday. Janlee loved art class and completed her art projects to perfection. Janlee plans on attending a community based day program and living at home with her parents.”
Thomas Shafer (BASD) attended the Life Skills Support program at Colonial Academy. His teacher, Ann Janders, said,”Thomas, or as everyone refers to him, TJ, has always been such a positive student while being in my class. Unfortunately, he has only been online, but always was willing to participate and work with his fellow students. TJ always loved to hear a good joke, and would gladly share his contagious laugh with us! I will never forget TJ's stick on tattoos and his knowledge of all the latest music and dance moves. He really loves Maroon 5 and Marshmallow. He will be missed by so many at the Academy. Congratulations TJ. Good luck in your future endeavors.”
Alex Svolos (Saucon Valley) attended the Life Skills Support program at Colonial Academy. His teacher. Ann Janders, said, “Alex has been a staple here at the Academy, and will surely be missed. Alex always knew how to lighten up a room with his crisp tie and patriotic mask. He will always be remembered for his love of the American flag, and his energetic way of citing the pledge of allegiance, even if it was first thing in the morning. I have so many fond memories of Alex. I am very proud of Alex, and all of the work that he has accomplished while at the Colonial Academy. Congratulations Alex.”
Isaiah Fernandez (BASD) attended the Autistic Support classroom at Liberty HS. His teacher, Daniel Rowley, said, “Isaiah always cares about his friends. He engages his friends every day and asks, ‘Where are they?' When one of his friends was absent, he wanted to know if they were okay. He has a strong love for animals and knows many facts about all kinds of animals. He also loves to draw cartoon characters. His future plans are to go to an adult day program to obtain a job.”
Andrew David Weintraub (Saucon Valley) attended the IU20 Life Skills Support program at the Career Institute of Technology. His teacher, Amy Hettel, said, “David loves to sing. His favorite song is ‘You've Got A Friend In Me' from Toy Story. David is always quick with a ‘thumbs up' and huge smile. David is hard working, whether in the classroom or at his vocational training position.” David has a paying job at his family's restaurant, Carl's Corner, in Nazareth.
Class speaker Lauren Emilia Dietrick reminded her classmates that “It is okay to ask for help.” Lauren lives in the Wilson Area School District and attended the IU20 Life Skills Support program at the Career Institute of Technology in Easton.
