ANNUAL SENIOR AWARDS CEREMONY ACKNOWLEDGES ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Albertson, NY, June 17, 2015… During its traditional senior awards ceremony, held on June 11, 2015, the Henry Viscardi School at The Viscardi Center recognized students’ academic, social and extracurricular achievements earned throughout the school year. Superintendent and Principal of Henry Viscardi School (HVS), Diana DeVivio kicked off the awards ceremony in front of an excited crowd of classmates, family, friends, and staff.
“These awards celebrate some of our seniors fantastic accomplishments over the year, however these to not signify an end, but a beginning. The beginning of a long successful journey for all of our incredible students,” said DeVivio. Before each award was presented to the recipient, an HVS faculty or staff member spoke about the individual student’s successes over the school year.
The following 12th grade senior awards were bestowed and a brief excerpt from the remarks made about the student is also noted:
- Math: Max Hermann
“Hardworking, well prepared, and diligent.” - Science: Max Hermann
“Sparked change by pushing for a more environmentally-friendly lunch container to be used in the cafeteria.” - English: Jason Levy
“Always prepared with thought-provoking questions about the text.” - Social Studies: Max Hermann
“Constantly one step ahead.” - Media Technology: Jason Levy
“Proficient in Photoshop, animation, and video.” - Business: Max Hermann
“An active participant in class, Max will be majoring in Business at Hofstra University this fall.” - Art: Ashley Wagner & Aaron Hampton
“Both of these students are great independent workers and it was a pleasure to know them.” - Music: Jason Levy & Harout Turbendian
“Constantly composing new music and have an incredible knowledge of Rap and Hip Hop.” - Independent Living: Victoria Wagner
“This student showed true understanding of new skills through great improvement.” - Physical Education: Marcos Taveras
“Co-captain of the Wheelchair Basketball Team and a great player.” - Sportsmanship: Tazz Ahmed
“Always cheering and showing support to everyone on the court.” - Move to Improve: Victoria Wagner
“Came to the physical therapy department always ready to take on the day.” - Unlocking My Potential: Tazz Ahmed and Max Hermann
“These students mastered adapting new technology to their needs.” - Communication: Yocelin Euceda
“Came to class excited and ready to teach everyone about new language she learned.” - Self-Advocacy: Yocelin Euceda
“Learned in-depth knowledge of Medicaid system to better serve herself during college.” - Dignity for All Students Award (DASA): Jessica Sanchez
“A compassionate, respectful, and outgoing student.” - Determination: Jasmine Travers
“Always first to raise her hand and would ask to be taught over the phone when stuck home.” - Self-Awareness & Independence: Tazz Ahmed
“Confident in independent care skills and a natural self-advocate.” - SEPTA: Malkeet Singh Gill
“A great Wheelchair Basketball player who will be moving on to Edinboro University in Pennsylvania on a Wheelchair Basketball Scholarship.” - Faculty: Yocelin Euceda
“The faculty all came together and voted on which student should receive this award.” - Carol A. Spinelli Award: Tazz Ahmed
“An incredible man who truly exemplifies this incredible woman’s values.” - Richard Switzer Memorial: Jason Levy
“Like the first HVS Headmaster, this student is an extrovert always looking to work with others. - Cody Taddonio Award: Yocelin Euceda
“With an infectious laugh and warm personality, there isn’t anything she wouldn’t do for a friend.” - Susie Quinn Strength of Character: Malkeet Singh Gill
“Courage is looking challenge in the eye and saying get out of my way I have things to do.” - Distefano Scholarship: Aaron Hampton
- NYSED Academic Excellence Scholarship: Aaron Hampton and Max Hermann
- HVS Superintendent’s Scholarship: Marcos Tavares
The Henry Viscardi School at The Viscardi Center is a New York State supported 4201 school that offers parents of children with severe physical disabilities and who often require life-sustaining medical treatment throughout the day, a traditional educational setting option that provides rigorous academics and opportunities for personal growth and leadership development. Its specialized, accessible educational setting provides a fully-enriched academic program, a variety of therapies, assistive technology and medical supports to students who may otherwise need to receive instruction in their homes or a hospital.
Founded by Dr. Henry Viscardi, Jr., who served as disability advisor to eight U.S. presidents and became one of the world’s leading advocates, The Viscardi Center provides Pre-K through High School education, school-to-work transition services, vocational training, career counseling and placement and workforce diversification assistance to children, adolescents, and adults with disabilities and businesses. A global leader, it employs more than 300 professionals, including experts in education, human resources and technology.