I would like to commend Wilson Community College for its efforts in recognizing the achievements of students in the Career Academy. Events like the one held at Toisnot Park, which included certificates, hot dogs and cake, demonstrate the college’s commitment to celebrating its students. As the parent of a child on the autism spectrum, I truly appreciate the thoughtfulness behind these efforts.
However, I would like to gently suggest that a formal graduation ceremony would hold far greater significance — not just for the students, but for their families and the broader community. While casual celebrations have their place, they do not carry the same sense of accomplishment, pride and recognition as a cap-and-gown ceremony. For families like mine, such an event symbolizes more than the completion of a program; it reflects years of perseverance, determination and triumph over challenges.
A formal ceremony is about more than a milestone — it’s about inclusion. It’s a way of saying to every student, “Your hard work matters, and we honor you for it.” It also gives families a chance to celebrate publicly, take photos and share a moment that will be remembered for a lifetime. For many of us, it’s these moments that make the journey worthwhile…