“Never forget where you came from. Never forget your roots. Always remember, you have friends, family and connections at Ivymount who are always cheering you on and are more than willing to support you on your journey through college and beyond.”
That inspiring message from Ben VanHook, autism advocate and commencement speaker for the 2024 Aspire High School Graduation Ceremony, was one of many highlights of this year’s graduation celebrations. Jennie Kampf, Aspire Program Director, kicked off the ceremony full of proud family members, guests, staff and students by recognizing the accomplishments of the Ivymount School graduates.
Eight students were awarded high school diplomas and four students were awarded certificates of completion. Each student made remarks about their favorite part of high school, advice for other high school students, and their plans for next year. Then it was “caps off” as they celebrated their milestones with their families.
At the Endeavors and Aspire Post High School ceremony, also held in early June, Susan Holt, Ivymount School Director, congratulated the graduates, welcomed them to participate in their communities, and encouraged all to keep advocating for their needs.
The events celebrated students’ achievements at Ivymount and their plans for post-secondary education, work, and volunteering. Numerous special guests attended the ceremony and delivered congratulations and words of wisdom, including Ivymount School Board president Dan Hall, Maryland Senator Craig Zucker, Maryland Delegate Linda Foley, Montgomery County Council Councilmembers Dawn Leudtke and Laurie-Anne Sayles, and representatives from the Montgomery County Police Department.
Guests also enjoyed a commencement speech from Matthew Stewart, Ivymount School alumni from the Class of 2021, who shared reflections on his time at Ivymount.
“One of the most important things I learned at Ivymount was job skills like problem-solving and advocating for myself by texting or calling my job coach when I needed help…Ivymount taught me independence.”
Inspiring messages from Matthew and Ben to all of our Ivymount School graduates as they embark on the next phase of their journeys.
