Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, June 14, 1990 TAG: 9006140369
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: PATRICIA LOPEZ BADEN EDUCATION WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
The 15 graduates marched slowly up the aisle, some with halting steps, others leaning on the arm of an aide, one in a walker - but all sharing the same wide grin.
"This is an incredible achievement for our students," said Larry Shouse, principal of the Roanoke County Occupational School, which educates severely retarded and autistic children. "They've all had to overcome obstacles the average person can't even begin to comprehend, just to make it to this day."
For most of the class of 1990, the transition from student to working adult will be swift.
Nearly all will start in sheltered workshops Monday morning, doing small packaging and sorting jobs.
Most can't wait.
"Monday!" Lisa Pritchett said eagerly. "I work with my friends. It will be fun." Pritchett, who is mentally retarded, earned her own applause at Tuesday's ceremony when she sang "I Have Peace Like a River," in a soft, steady soprano. "I like singing," she said shyly, fiddling with her green graduate's cap.
Commencement speaker W.P. Johnson , who was principal at RCOS from 1972 to 1980, told graduates they should "always be proud to say you graduated from RCOS."
To parents, he said, "help your child understand that he or she is God's creation. Help them not to say I can't do it, but I ."
To students, he said, "Stand tall, look people in the eye and say `I like being me.' "
by CNB