Congratulations to The School at Springbrook’s graduating class of 2023! We are so proud of this class of amazing graduates and all of their many accomplishments. Graduates have worked hard to achieve their goals and are more than prepared to embark on their next adventures! We wish you all the best of luck as you make more memories, share more laughs, and light up the world with your personalities! Stay tuned to learn more about each graduate!
Click the arrows in the photo below to view photos from Graduation Day!
Stella Bowen is a shining star who is deeply passionate about music and possesses immense talent as a singer. She never misses a chance to pour her heart out while singing tunes from Wicked, The Wizard of Oz, or any Disney film. When she’s not singing, Stella enjoys reading, coloring, and working on math. She is also an enthusiastic Special Olympics athlete who competes on both the soccer and basketball teams here at Springbrook.
Stella has a knack for numbers and has learned to add and subtract; she also tells the time on analog and digital clocks! Lately, she has been practicing her money-counting skills at her job site and hopes to utilize them as a volunteer at the ASPCA. Her singing voice will be missed throughout the halls of the school.
Stella has been voted the Most Musical amongst her peers. Congratulations, Stella!
Clare Deignan has been praised by her teacher James for her proficiency in a multitude of skills, as well as her independence and cleverness. She has improved on many levels, such as communication and job-related abilities, and takes pleasure in carrying out tasks on her own. During her free time, Clare enjoys several activities, including horseback riding, watching cooking shows, going for walks, and dining out.
Clare is a proud member of the Special Olympics Track team and is passionate about swimming. The Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown is her favorite spot for swimming, where she enjoys completing laps and performing dives from the diving board. After graduation, Clare may move into a Springbrook community home where she can use her learned skills and enjoy her favorite activities.
Clare has been awarded the Connoisseur Award of 2023. She is also a Recipient of the New York State Comptroller’s Achievement Award. This award recognizes a student who has shown academic excellence and leadership potential through activities that improve their school or community. Congratulations, Clare!
Hakeem Dundee is best known around school for his great sense of humor, contagious laugh, and exuberance. One of Hakeem’s favorite activities is listening to R&B and pop music on his iPad, especially while rocking on a chair outside. Hakeem uses multiple modalities to express himself, including a speech-generating device. On the day that Hakeem first used his device in class, he was asked what he wanted to eat for his upcoming birthday celebration. Hakeem used his device to request lasagna and brought it to every staff member to let them know. On his birthday, the teacher made homemade lasagna for his classroom and sent all the leftovers back home with Hakeem. Hakeem was beaming with satisfaction at getting exactly what he requested for his birthday.
After graduation, Hakeem hopes to spend more time visiting parks and restaurants, and relaxing and listening to music. Hakeem’s energy, love for music, and joyful laughter will be missed.
Hakeem was voted Most Mischievous. Congratulations, Hakeem!
Emily Finn is highly ambitious, much like the protagonist of her favorite song, “Baby Girl” by Sugarland. A song that describes a woman whose hard work leads to stardom! Emily’s teaching assistant, Loren, praises her for achieving nearly all her goals at school with mastery. Emily has mastered skills like assembling a doctor’s bag and first aid kit, filing papers by shape and color, and improving her communication.
It may not surprise you that Emily has a passion for listening to music. In one of her final music classes, Emily jammed to tunes by Sugarland on the tambourine. After graduation, Emily will join The Springbrook graduate program, where she will continue to master her skills until moving on.
Emily was voted Most Ambitious Student. Congratulation, Emily!
Marya Forgit is a sociable person who enjoys interacting with her peers and staff in the school hallways. She takes pride in her appearance by always being fashionable and having her hair, makeup, and nails done. Marya is passionate about school and has impressive communication skills, which she uses to immerse herself in those around her.
Teaching assistant Loren, who has worked with Marya, shared a cherished memory of Marya from a time when they used to frequent a community garden. According to Loren, Marya was enthusiastic about exploring the garden and would often ask the staff for the names of plants and flowers. She would even lend a hand with the weeding, all while sporting her stylish shades. Marya’s enthusiasm will be missed!
Marya has been awarded the Fashionista Award of 2023. Congratulations, Marya!
Will Hein can be described as a vibrant, outdoorsy, gentle spirit who also happens to be a coffee lover. He is delighted by nature, yoga, and going to get coffee out in the community. Will is fearless in trying new things, which has led him to discover many interests. Throughout his time at Springbrook, Will worked on finding his “loud voice” and expressing his wants and needs. He practiced using his voice through restaurant-style activities like taking his peers’ snack orders and serving them.
Being outside is energizing for Will, and whether walking, running, or hiking, Will finds joy at all speeds in nature. After graduation, Will is moving to Long Island, where he will be closer to his family. Since Will is not afraid to try new things and seek new experiences, we know the move will bring many good things for him!
Will has been voted as having the Best Smile amongst his peers. Congratulations, Will!
Melanny Marcano is a determined and spirited young woman with a kind heart. She has made strides in improving her independence, personal care, and communication skills. She loves to spend time outdoors, bouncing on the trampoline, and listening to music alone. She is fond of pop, hip-hop, and R&B music; Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj, and Arianna Grande are among her favorites. In addition, Melanny has a passion for animals and fashion. Fashion-wise, she has a keen eye and tends to favor anything blue, pink, or purple, especially if it sparkles!
Melanny and her parents hope she will find her dream job working with animals or in a clothing store. With determination and independence, Melanny is poised to carve out her place in the world.
Melanny was awarded the Glitz and Glam Award. She is also a Recipient of the New York State Comptroller’s Achievement Award. This award recognizes a student who has shown academic excellence and leadership potential through activities that improve their school or community. Congratulations, Melanny!
Vilma Misiewicz shares the same love for Disney as many of her peers. She is fond of the live-action Aladdin movie and enjoys listening to its soundtrack. In addition, Vilma is described by those around her as a charismatic and friendly person who enjoys playing games with peers and participating in adaptive physical education. Apart from that, she loves shopping and spending quality time with her family.
Vilma has excelled in communication and regularly uses her communication device to let those around her know and understand her wants and needs. After graduating, Vilma plans to stay at home and attend a day program. She has expressed interest in working in a doctor’s office or a preschool.
Vilma was voted Miss Congeniality amongst her peers. She is also a Recipient of the 2023 New York State Office of the Attorney General Triple C Award. This award is given to a student in recognition of their courage, which will assist them in meeting the challenges ahead; their remarkable commitment to bettering themselves, their school, and their community, which makes them a role model to others. Congratulations, Vilma!
Chaance Scott is well-known for his love of basketball and exceptional athleticism. He finds joy in playing at open gym and practicing his shots on the basket. It goes without saying that he has a great shot. Chaance encourages his friends to join in by passing the ball to them. He’s even impressed his teachers by getting students who may not have participated otherwise to join.
Chaance takes every opportunity to help out throughout the day with tasks in the cafeteria, including cleaning and making coffee. His ability to quickly learn new tasks has earned him a reputation as a reliable worker within the school. During his free time, Chaance enjoys listening to R&B, rap, or upbeat music. Chaance’s athleticism and enthusiasm will be missed.
Chaance was voted the Best Dressed Male amongst his peers. Congratulations, Chaance!
Sebastian van der Riet is a vibrant young man with a sense of humor and an undeniable energy. Shannon, Sebastian’s teacher, recounted a humorous anecdote from their first encounter. Shannon shared: “As a fun activity to do with Sebastian and his new classmates, we decided to do a Tye-dye project. Sebastian was delighted and excited to do this project. But, when he picked up his bottle of dye, he squeezed it so hard that it exploded. Sebastian dyed his shirt, himself, his desk, my desk, and the ceiling! Everyone thought it was funny—it was a great day.”
Sebastian’s drive has helped him achieve his goals, and he has put great effort into developing the skills he needs to lead an independent life. Family is an essential part of Sebastian’s life, so it’s understandable that he wants to find a home close to his loved ones.
Sebastian was voted the Most Athletic amongst his peers. Congratulations, Sebastian!
