Eden teachers and staff came together on Wednesday to celebrate the Eden School Class of 2020 at a drive-by graduation. While it may not have been the traditional ceremony we envisioned at the start of the year, the afternoon was filled with wide smiles, joyful tears, and an immense feeling of pride.
Seven students graduated from the Eden School this year — Jordan, Michael, Patrick, Rakin, Shane, Timmy, and Brian. Every student had a unique journey, working with teachers and their families to overcome challenges and learn daily living skills, and in some cases, secure employment opportunities.
Cars slowly made their way through the parking lot of the Eden school for over an half hour, as teachers and loved ones cheered on the graduates from a safe distance. Just when you thought the cars would stop, more would slowly roll into the parking lot, filled with teachers who came to wish the graduates well as they moved onto their next adventure.
Cars were decorated in streamers, banners, paint and signs to make the day extra special for our graduates and their families.
Patrick, Timmy, Jordan, Michael and Shane will now move on to Eden’s adult day program, where they will work with staff to continue practicing daily living skills as well as work or volunteer throughout the community.
“Some of you we’ve been able to watch grow up from a very young age, some of you we’ve only seen grow in the last couple years, but either way we’re very proud of all the accomplishments and achievements you made during your time here at the Eden School,” said Chief Program Officer Rachel Tait. “We wish you nothing but the best as you move onto the next journey, and we know you’re going to be successful.”
