On Friday, June 20, friends, family and community partners gathered at Ichabod Crane High School for the Questar III Achieving Individual Milestones (AIM) Program Commencement and Service Learning Awards Ceremony.
Teacher Beth St. Clair Bedell spoke to the students and audience about the various trips and activities the class took throughout the year including one to Old Sturbridge Village.
She thanked the various organizations who’ve collaborated with Questar III including Junior Achievement, Mud Creek Environmental Learning Center, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Green Counties, and Hannaford and NAPA Auto Parts where students gained work experience.
“Today is a very special day for our class as we gather to honor our community partners for their role in our success and achievement. At the same time we are here to celebrate our accomplishments as a group and shine the spotlight on those who are moving on to find new adventures,” said St. Clair Bedell.
Kym Lybolt, Director of Student Services at Hudson City School District, presented 21-year-old Jackie Rogers with her diploma.
“I feel great about graduating, but I am going to miss my friends and teachers…because they are the best ever,” said Rogers.
Questar III Sally Lauletta presented students with Service Learning Awards and spoke to the accomplishments and internship efforts of the students.
Other speakers included: Amy Bennet, Director of Activities, Barnwell Nursing and Rehabilitation Center; Dan Farley, Vice Principal, Ichabod Crane High School; Bill Schneider, Principal, Ichabod Crane High School.
The commencement ceremony ended with a student choreographed dance routine to songs by Big Time Rush – Roger’s favorite band, and Pharrell Williams.
Questar III’s AIM program, instruction combines functional curriculum with community experiences, enabling students with multiple disabilities to learn adaptive living skills. To learn more about the program, please visit https://old.questar.org/education/special-ed/classroom-programs/aim.php.
