Annual Graduation at the Day School

Day School ‘Class of 2009’ ceremony held June 25

MILFORD - Before an audience of about 120 parents, staff and friends, and spurred on by an inspirational speech from graduate Christopher “Dima” Lober, six students donned cap and gown and were formally graduated from the Charles F. Hayden Day School at Boys & Girls Village on June 25. 

School Principal Catherine Murphy-Brooks welcomed the gathering, noting that students and staff had worked hard during the 2008-09 school year, and that all were here today in culmination of that work.  Interim CEO Chet Brodnicki offered words of encouragement to graduates, noting, “I offer my congratulations to all our graduates today ... You have worked hard … I hope you realize that you have unlimited opportunity ahead.” 

Special Guest speaker, the Rev. Carleton Giles, told the gathering, “I am going to read from one of my favorite books. And even though I’m older, the message in this book applies to me, too … and who am I talking about?” he asked, waving the book in the air. “Dr. Suess, of course!” 

The Rev. Giles then read the Dr. Suess classic, “Oh the Places You Will Go,” including such verses as:  "Wherever you fly, you'll be best of the best. Wherever you go, you will top all the rest."  And concludes with,  "Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So, get on your way! "

After the presentation of awards, graduate Dima Lober took to the podium and delivered his remarks.  “Hello my fellow students, faculty, family members and members of the board.  “I have made a lot of friends here at Boys & Girls Village, and I am sad to say that I am leaving.

“But before I go, I would like to give you some advice,” he said, looking over to students.  “First, always listen to your staff and don’t talk unless your staff gives you permission. Use the skills of ‘Making a Request,’ and ‘Getting Teacher’s Attention” to get what you want. 

“And if the teacher says, ‘No,’ then just accept it. 

“Second, if you get a negative, just accept it and don’t argue. Keep quiet and if you choose to disagree, do so appropriately: 1. Look at the person, 2. Use a pleasant voice, 3. Say, ‘I understand how you feel,’ 4. Tell me why you feel differently, 5. Give a reason, and, 6. Listen to the other person. 

“I have been here for three years; hopefully you will achieve your goals.  If you take my advice, you will learn, and you will meet your goals. You will have a better future, a good career, a better life and you will be able to fix any problem you face, knowing that the staff at Boys & Girls Village was there to help you.” 

The ceremony ended with the singing of “We are the World” by the entire student body and staff, and afterward all were treated to a post-graduation outdoor picnic hosted by support services staff.  Best of luck to the Day School graduates  of the ‘Class of 2009.’

Day School graduation June 24, 2008; student thanks teachers and staff

Under the leadership of Principal Catherine Murphy-Brooks, the Boys & Girls Village Day School of Milford held its annual “Celebration of Miracles” graduation ceremony in the Dan & Yolanda Memorial Student Center on June 24, 2008.

The assemblage was welcomed by Principal Murphy- Brooks, who noted, “Today marks the end of another school year. You may think that the completion of the school year is the miracle we are celebrating, but it is not. The miracles we are celebrating are the boys and girls who attend our school.

“Every day we challenge our students to take risks,” she continued. “Sometimes it is the risk to learn new academic skills. But most often the risk is that of learning to work with others, communicating feelings, or making good choices.

“How do they do? Our students meet our challenges with a courage and resilience that is remarkable. So, today I welcome you all for being here today, and urge you to join us as we celebrate their growth and accomplishments!”

Murphy-Brooks was followed by Boys & Girls Village's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Steven Kant, who told students that they were the "stars" of their graduation. However, he reminded them that learning just doesn't occur within the four walls of a classroom. Rather, learning was all about not being afraid to be curious, to make mistakes and wanting to figure out "how come?"

Dr. Kant added that everyone learns in different ways. Some do better from books, while others learn by doing. But the common denominator is the willingness and desire to learn.

Dr. Kant then had all the students stand up to be applauded by family, staff and teachers in attendance.

The keynote student graduate speaker, whose name cannot be publicized due to privacy laws,thanked all her teachers and the staff for giving her the educational and social skills tools for her to move on in her educational career.

The graduation ceremony was followed by a picnic lunch.