ST. JOSEPH’S SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND GRADUATES TWO FROM NEW SCHOOL FACILITY

It was a momentous occasion for Noelle Alvarez and Antoine Love, the first to graduate from St. Joseph's School for the Blind’s new facility at 761 Summit Avenue.  Students, staff and families gathered in the large auditorium for the ceremony which was marked by musical performances from both Noelle and Antoine. 

Noelle’s tender, heartfelt rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow touched everyone in the audience while Antoine presented an original composition of love and thanks to his teachers and the St. Joseph's staff.  Both students have gained accolades at the School for their musical talents and their bright personalities. 

The program culminated with touching words from Noelle’s mother, Barbara Alvarez, who expressed thanks and gratitude to the entire staff for the education and care Noelle received throughout her 15 years at St. Joseph's.  “We as parents have had the peace of mind to know that Noelle was well taken care of.  This is something that when you are the kind of parents we are, is invaluable,” she said. (Read the speech in its entirety.)

Interim Executive Director Judy Ortman, who presided at the ceremony, said,
“It is exceptionally encouraging to reflect on the accomplishments of both Noelle and Antoine over the years.  They are both caring and sensitive young people who will contribute to their world by sharing their gifts and talents with others.”

According to School Principal Joe Gugliemella, “The graduation ceremony was a wonderful affair which elicited a depth of emotion that I rarely experienced at similar events.  Both graduates performed musical selections which were warmly received by the audience.  The sense of pride of the families of both graduates was evident as well as the warm feelings of the staff.  It will be difficult to replace the many contributions Noelle and Antoine made to St. Joseph's.” Click here to view this page with our graduation pictures.

Graduation Speech by Barbara Alvarez

“About 15 years ago, Noelle walked into St. Joseph's School for the Blind.  The Director, the teachers, the staff were different, but the care, the love, the warmth that she received was immediate and has stayed consistent throughout all these years. 

Through the years, Noelle has grown both physically and mentally thanks to you.  Noelle and we, as parents, have attended innumerable meetings, parties and field trips.  Noelle also had the luck to be able to participate in many of these activities in something that she loves to do, SING, and all of you know that Noelle loves to sing!

We as parents have had the peace of mind to know that Noelle was well taken care of.  This is something that when you are the kind of parents we are, is invaluable.

Now, for Noelle, comes the time to leave St. Joseph's and it is not going to be easy…not for Noelle, not for us, but life goes on.

Before we leave, we want to give to all of you, in the direction of the school, in the classrooms, in the kitchen and all over St. Joseph's, not our thanks, because thanks is not enough of a word to express our feelings, but our most sincere promise that we’ll never forget you.  We’ll try to continue to show up at the school once in a while, but you know how life is.  Maybe one day we won’t show up anymore, but you’ll always be in our hearts; and your names will come up in our conversations and in our prayers.”

WALK-A-THON 2008