By Bobby Ellis
bobby.ellis@education.ky.gov
It’s graduation time in Kentucky. Students across the state are putting on their robes and smiling for selfies with their friends, family and favorite teachers.
At the Kentucky School for the Blind and the Kentucky School for the Deaf, a total of 19 students received their diplomas this year.
At KSB, a rose ceremony brought students, parents and teachers alike to tears as the graduates gave out roses to the people who meant the most to them during the high school journey.
At KSD, a senior video brought out tears and laughter as students watched younger, diaper-clad versions of their friends flash across the screen.
Congratulations, graduates. Go make your dreams come true.
Kinna Waller gets her hat adjusted before the start of the graduation ceremony at the Kentucky School for the Blind.
Photo by Bobby Ellis, May 25, 2016
Brandy Hively, left, laughs with her daughter, Savannah Hively, before the start of the graduation ceremony at the Kentucky School for the Blind in Louisville.
Photo by Bobby Ellis, May 25, 2016
The Kentucky School for the Blind graduating class listens to a commencement address by Indiana Teacher of the Year Kathy Nimmer.
Photo by Bobby Ellis, May 25, 2016
Austin Stephens wipes away tears following the rose ceremony during graduation at the Kentucky School for the Blind. The seniors of the class each gave out three roses to people who helped to inspire them in school.
Photo by Bobby Ellis, May 25, 2016
Selena Tirey hugs Pam Cox, a teacher at the Kentucky School for the Blind, during the graduation ceremony.
Photo by Bobby Ellis, May 25, 2016
Matthew Caudill, right, helps Kenneth Breeden turn his tassel during the graduation ceremony at the Kentucky School for the Blind.
Photo by Bobby Ellis, May 25, 2016
Austin Stephens and Savannah Hively hug after the graduation ceremony at the Kentucky School for the Blind.
Photo by Bobby Ellis, May 25, 2016
Jeffery Carter peaks out of the boy’s locker room before the start of the graduation ceremony at the Kentucky School for the Deaf in Danville.
Photo by Bobby Ellis, May 27, 2016
Dallas Deach smiles as he watches a senior video during the Kentucky School for the Deaf graduation ceremony.
Photo by Bobby Ellis, May 27, 2016
Cassandra Arnold wipes away a tear as she watches the senior video during the graduation ceremony at the Kentucky School for the Deaf.
Photo by Bobby Ellis, May 27, 2016
Members of the Kentucky School for the Deaf Class of 2016 sign to each other during the showing of a senior video.
Photo by Bobby Ellis, May 27, 2016
Members of the Kentucky School for the Deaf Class of 2016 throw their caps after graduating.
Photo by Bobby Ellis, May 27, 2016
Bethany Yance, right, speaks to a teacher after the graduation ceremony at the Kentucky School for the Deaf.
Photo by Bobby Ellis, May 27, 2016
Bruce Gemmer packs up his graduation robes after the graduation ceremony.
Photo by Bobby Ellis, May 27, 2016
I loved seeing the KSD students at their graduation. We’ve come a long way since my parents graduated from KSD in 1929 and 1935! This is a special place.