Strawbridge School: Latoya's Story
Since opening in 1997 as a nonpublic, special education school, BCC’s Strawbridge School has given hundreds of area students an individualized, structured education in a small and nurturing setting to meet their specific academic and behavioral needs.
Graduating student Latoya B. was the keynote speaker at Strawbridge School’s 2010 graduation ceremony. An excerpt of her speech is featured here.
Good morning honored guests, ladies and gentlemen and my graduating class of 2010. As I look back on this journey at Strawbridge School – a journey that started with hesitant and sensitive steps – I truly recognize all that we have overcome and I am proud to be standing in front of you today. On behalf of the senior class of 2010, we are very thankful for all the support from the teachers, administrative team and everyone else for helping us get to this point, and ultimately making life at Strawbridge more enjoyable.
At the beginning of my journey at Strawbridge, I was slated to receive a certificate of completion, short of a high school diploma. When I first came here, I did not know how to read, write or spell, but I did not give up. I challenged myself to go above and beyond what I once thought I was capable of.
I will never forget my first teacher, Mr. Scott. He would always say, “Latoya, you can do it!” Once I started to believe that statement, I began achieving better grades, making honor roll every quarter. Now I am proud to say that I am receiving a high school diploma and leaving here knowing that I have made a difference in myself, and I can only hope that I have inspired others to make that same change.
When I think of my experience here at Strawbridge, I don’t just think about special education. I see students who just need extra care, who come to school with ambitions and goals, ready to work, proving that nothing can crush the human spirit. I think of future doctors, lawyers or the first lady president.
To my lovely senior class, let us continue the vertical voyage, reaching for the stars and never settling for mediocrity. We are each given but one life, one opportunity to make a difference. Fellow graduates, what will you do with your opportunity? In a society running with violence and hate, we are given the opportunity to rise above the stereotypes of negative youth. We have the power to do anything, to achieve everything, and to soar beyond our expectations. We are the graduating class of 2010 – strong, intelligent and prepared to take the world by storm.
Learn more about the Strawbridge School.
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