Congratulations to the Class of 2026!

Congratulations to the 11 graduates of The School at Springbrook, honored during our graduation ceremony on August 18th!

Surrounded by family, friends, and Springbrook staff, graduates reflected on their journeys, shared words of appreciation, and celebrated the accomplishments that brought them to this important milestone. The ceremony also featured remarks from Mark Davies, Dean of the School of Education, Human Ecology and Sports Studies at SUNY Oneonta.

We are proud of each graduate and look forward to seeing all they accomplish in the future.

Check out more photos from this wonderful day here: https://shorturl.at/YvfZa

Meet the 2026 Graduates!

Congratulations, Joel Wynter!

Joel is described as loving, joyful, and affectionate by those who know him. He enjoys spending time outdoors, playing on the swings, swimming, and soaking up the sun. Joel also enjoys helping staff with cooking in the kitchen, listening to music, and singing along to his favorite songs, including Cocomelon, Christmas music, and songs by Christian Hyams. He enjoys a variety of foods and is always ready to try something new.

Joel’s growth is evident in the increased independence he has gained with daily living skills. He has improved his social skills, community interactions, and ability to participate in new experiences. Joel enjoys community activities such as musicals, Disney on Ice, and going to the park.

Joel is looking forward to attending a Day Hab Program and continuing to develop his vocational skills. He will be deeply missed by the staff at Springbrook, who will always remember his bright smile, joyful personality, and the music he brought to Hilltop House. One favorite memory is Joel’s apple-picking adventure at Middlefield Orchard, where his excitement grew as he discovered the apple trees, collected apples, and later helped make apple pie with staff. Joel has been a true delight, and his smile will continue to light up every room he enters. Joel was voted “Most Affectionate.” Congratulations, Joel!

Congratulations, James Pena!

James is described as funny, sarcastic, and curious by those who know him. He enjoys listening to music, riding in the van, watching movies like Ice Age, and playing board games. During his time at The School, James has made great progress in his reading, leisure, vocational, and social skills.

James’ growth is evident in his increased independence with transitions throughout the school day. One fond memory shared by staff is playing “Hide the Puffer Fish,” a game that always brought smiles and laughter to everyone involved.

James is looking forward to attending a Day Hab Program closer to home. He will be deeply missed by the staff, who wish him all the best in this next chapter. James was voted “Most Likely to Make You Laugh.” Congratulations, James!

Congratulations, Christian Miranda!

Christian is described as kind, funny, and inquisitive by those who know him. He enjoys building on his skills in writing, matching, sorting, and helping to create his daily schedule. Outside of school, Christian enjoys jumping on the trampoline, going to the movies, listening to music, and watching YouTube videos. A true foodie, he especially loves chicken nuggets, mashed potatoes, and ranch dressing.

Christian’s growth is evident in the many skills he has developed during his time at Springbrook. He has learned to communicate his wants and needs using both his voice and communication device, becoming a wonderful self-advocate. He has also made significant progress in reading, writing, telling time, following a schedule, and improving his self-care and home-care skills.

Christian looks forward to continuing to build his independent living skills, trying new things, and exploring new interests after graduation. He will be deeply missed by the staff, who will always remember his big smile, contagious laugh, and the joy he brought to each day. Christian was voted “Foodie Extraordinaire.” Congratulations, Christian!

Congratulations, William Smith!

William is described as inquisitive, compassionate, and faithful by those who know him. He enjoys crafts, building music playlists, cooking, keeping his space organized, and reading. Outside of school, Will enjoys going for walks, visiting playgrounds, attending community activities, and watching fireworks. He is a fan of Christian and rap music, enjoys track and soccer, loves all kinds of food, and has a special interest in the Bible, superheroes, horror movies, and the color red.

Will’s growth is evident in the many skills he has developed during his time at The School. He has made significant progress with his communication, self-regulation, determination, and self-coping skills. He has also gained greater independence in budgeting, self-care, cooking, doing laundry, and identifying his medications.

Will is looking forward to moving home with his mom and stepdad and pursuing a job at Subway after graduation. He will be deeply missed by the staff, who will always remember celebrating his graduation at the 2026 Prom with a big group hug. Will was voted “Most Creative.” Congratulations, Will!

Congratulations, Walker Lawrence!

Walker is described as loving, helpful, and hardworking by those who know him. He enjoys helping others with cleaning, organizing, and completing hands-on tasks. Outside of school, Walker enjoys going on rides, taking walks, and trying different restaurants. He also enjoys listening to music, especially nursery rhymes and classic rock, drinking coffee, and occasionally enjoying sweet treats like cookies or cake.

Walker’s growth is evident in his ability to self-regulate his emotions, recognize social cues, and build positive interactions with his peers. He has also made tremendous progress in his vocational skills. In September 2025, Walker received the Triumphant Life Award for his accomplishments and progress at Springbrook and his great improvement since arriving at the School, a wonderful honor that reflects his dedication and growth.

Walker looks forward to attending the Graduate Program with Jeanie until he transitions into a community placement. He will be deeply missed by the staff, who are so proud of his progress and have enjoyed watching him grow into the mature and happy young man he is today. Walker was voted “Best Eyes.” Congratulations, Walker!

Congratulations, Jofre Misiewicz!

Jofre is described as enthusiastic, persistent, and personable by those who know him. He enjoys socializing, working hard during exercises, and keeping his therapists on their toes by getting their hair wet in the pool. Outside of school, Jofre enjoys spending time with his large family, attending church and youth group, and participating in community service projects such as Operation Christmas Child.

Jofre’s growth is evident in the many skills he has developed during his time at The School. He has made significant progress in using his communication device, driving his electric wheelchair, completing transfers, and increasing his independence in daily living skills. He has also strengthened his understanding of the English language and become a strong self-advocate.

Jofre is looking forward to attending a vocational program at Pathfinder after graduation. He will be deeply missed by the staff, who will always remember the pride and joy on his face when he delivered the Operation Christmas Child boxes he helped fund through his Friday milkshake sales. Jofre was voted “Most Ambitious” for his unending energy and the many projects and special tasks he has completed at Springbrook. We would also like to honor Jofre today as the recipient of Springbrook’s 2026 Student Achievement Award, commending him for excelling academically and demonstrating excellence in leadership by volunteering his time to serve our school and community.

Congratulations to Rohan Collins!

Rohan is described as funny, happy, and athletic by those who know him. He enjoys hands-on activities related to occupational therapy, including puzzles, sorting, and weaving squares. Rohan stays active through walks on the nature trail and participating in the Special Olympics track-and-field team, where he enjoys attending meets and competing in long-distance events. He enjoys pizza, breakfast for lunch, and a good batch of chili, but it is his mom’s cooking that truly takes the cake.

Rohan’s growth is evident in his improved vocational and independent living skills. He has made progress with completing daily tasks, understanding social cues, and recognizing the order of events within his routines. Through these accomplishments, Rohan has gained greater confidence and independence.

Rohan looks forward to moving into a community home and attending the Day Hab Program. He will be deeply missed by staff, who will always remember the joy and pride he showed while participating in track-and-field events, always crossing the finish line with a big smile, eager to run another mile. Rohan was voted “Best Smile.” Congratulations, Rohan!

Congratulations to Brayden Butler!

Brayden is described as energetic, outgoing, and kind by those who know him. He enjoys Art class, completing additional goal work in Math, and exploring his interest in technology by researching IT careers. Outside of school, Brayden enjoys listening to music and playing video games.

Brayden’s growth is evident in his improved academic, communication, and self-advocacy skills. He has made progress with budgeting, maintaining a ledger, writing, and expressing his thoughts and feelings. He has become a strong self-advocate and has learned to effectively communicate when he needs support or space.

Brayden looks forward to pursuing an entry-level IT position and continuing to build on his skills. He will be deeply missed by staff, who will always remember his conversations about music, sharing song recommendations, and the passion he brings to everything he does. Brayden was voted “Most Compassionate” for the support and encouragement he shows toward peers and staff each day.  We would also like to honor Brayden today as the recipient of Springbrook’s 2026 Triple C award, which applauds him for his commitment, character, and courage.  Congrats, Brayden!