Alexa Williams, Henry Viscardi School at The Viscardi Center Class of 2016 Salutatorian, will appear on the annual national education media event, American Graduate Day 2017, airing live on public media stations from coast-to-coast on Saturday, October 14. (In New York, the event will air on WNET.) A freshman at St. John’s University, Alexa will share her experiences at Henry Viscardi School, as well as her plans for the future.
Now in its sixth year, American Graduate Day 2017 will once again provide compelling and inspirational personal tales of commitment, obstacles, optimism, and triumph. Continuing public media’s long-term commitment to helping communities address the complicated and critical subject of educating all Americans, the four-hour live broadcast (2pm-6pm ET) is a valuable voice as the nation continues to drive the high school graduation rate to new record levels.
This year American Graduate Day 2017 will spotlight the importance and power of mentoring across the entire schooling timeline. Mentoring is crucial to students providing effective face-to-face guidance, inspiration, education, and on-going support for lasting benefits. The consistently positive results of mentoring ripple across the entire spectrum, from improved educational benefits, to reduced criminal detention, to deeper citizenship, and better careers. The goal of American Graduate Day program is to amplify the conversation on education, inspire involvement, and motivate new mentors across the country to participate in this critical process.
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 educates, employs and empowers people with disabilities. It provides Kindergarten through High School education (up to age 21), school-to-work youth transition services, vocational training, career counseling and employment placement, assistive technology, and adapted driver education to children, adolescents and adults with a wide variety of disabilities. The Center also assists businesses in diversifying their workforces, as well as developing and advancing disability inclusive cultures in their workplaces.