(LOUISVILLE, KY ) – The Kentucky School for the Blind (KSB) celebrated five graduates during its commencement ceremony on May 21.
“We have an excellent group of young adults, and I just want to say to the parents and families, thank you so much for the gift of your child and for letting us educate them and spend time with them and learning to love them,” said KSB Principal Peggy Sinclair-Morris. “It’s been an honor and a pleasure.”
The keynote speaker was Paula Penrod, a former longtime employee of KSB and the former program coordinator of the Kentucky Instructional Materials Resource Center at the school.
“The graduates have received a first-class education and are foundationally prepared for world class competition,” Penrod said.
Sinclair-Morris and Interim Commissioner of Education Robin Fields Kinney conferred degrees to the graduates.
“My advice is to work hard, study hard, push yourself when you encounter roadblocks, dream big and always believe in yourself,” said Kinney. “You – each member of KSB’s Class of 2024 – is special and unique.”
The five students who graduated are:
- Brock Fanin;
- Brandon James Marini;
- Jayden Robinson;
- Mahogany Taylor; and
- Sophia Thompson.
All photos were taken by Joe Ragusa, information officer supervisor with the Kentucky Department of Education.
KSB graduating seniors Brock Fanin, Brandon James Marini and Jayden Robinson stand ready for the beginning of the graduation ceremony.
KSB Principal Peggy Sinclair-Morris speaks during the graduation ceremony.
Interim Commissioner of Education Robin Fields Kinney speaks during the graduation ceremony. She challenged each student to use the knowledge and skills they have learned at KSB to become what they want to become and overcome any obstacles that enter their path.
Families watch the KSB graduation ceremony in the Ritchie Auditorium. This was the first graduation ceremony held in the auditorium since 2019.
KSB graduating senior Jayden Robinson plays Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata, 1st Movement” on a piano during the senior presentations.
KSB graduating seniors Mahogany Taylor, Sophia Thompson and Brandon James Marini play a version of “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by the band Simple Minds.
Paula Penrod, former program coordinator of the Kentucky Instructional Materials Resource Center, gives the commencement address, sharing stories of the great things past KSB graduates have done.
KSB graduating senior Brock Fanin hugs his father Greg during the school’s rose ceremony, where students give roses to people who are important in their lives.
KSB graduating senior Brandon James Marini greets his mother Rebecca during the rose ceremony. He said without her and his stepdad, he wouldn’t have gotten through high school.
Jayden Robinson presents a rose to his mother, Traci Smith, during the rose ceremony. He thanked her for pushing him to do things in life.
KSB graduating senior Mahogany Taylor hugs her sisters, Kimoria Taylor and Tahiry Adams, during the rose ceremony. “Sisters are destined to annoy you and get on your nerves, but you learn to love them for it, because if they’re not annoying you, are they really even your sisters?” she said.
KSB graduating senior Sophia Thompson hugs her teacher, Becky Spies, during the rose ceremony. She said she can always go to Spies when she needs someone to talk to and is the reason she’s as independent as she is.
KSB Principal Peggy Sinclair-Morris and Interim Commissioner of Education Robin Fields Kinney hand diplomas to the 2024 KSB graduating class.
The five graduating seniors at KSB stand on the stage following the graduation ceremony.
KSB graduating senior Brock Fanin gives thumbs up to the crowd after the graduation ceremony.
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