Congratulations and best wishes to Latham graduate Evan
September 17, 2019
The graduation ceremony of Latham School student Evan, who has been at Latham since 2013, evoked many emotions for our Latham community. Happiness and pride filled the room as Evan wore his cap and gown and was honored by staff and students on September 5th. Brittni Kliment, Director of Program Marketing and Admissions (former Latham teacher and principal), shared her thoughts.
“The day has finally come, you did it! Today is your graduation, one that should be recognized for its immense significance. This is a major step in your journey, and you did it with such ease, and of course that big smile on your face!
When Evan first arrived at Latham, I was a teacher in the Marconi classroom and remember him being right next door in the Brewster Falls classroom. I remember him specifically for his big smile, charismatic personality, and of course his love for Star Wars! Although I never got to actually teach him in the classroom, over the years I was able to watch him grow on so many levels. Evan has overcome obstacles, he has gained confidence, and most importantly, he has achieved success here at Latham. Evan has grown into a caring, mature, courageous young man that is an incredible friend to everyone that he meets.
Evan, you have learned so much here at Latham, and I know you will take those skills and make as big of an impact on your future staff and peers as you have on the staff and peers here. You, my friend, will inspire everyone around you to be a better person every day because you are an incredible guy.
As Obi-Wan Kenobi would say, “Remember…the Force will be with you, always.” Congratulations Evan, we are going to miss you SO much!”
Residential Supervisor Ben Durette also had some poignant parting words for Evan:
“There isn’t a student in this room that I have known as long as Evan. He has been at Latham for six years. I met Evan the first day he arrived, while working in my very first role at Latham as a Residential Aide, in the Upper Deck suite. (We don’t even have that position anymore!) So needless to say, Evan and I have some history.
I have had the opportunity to see Evan grow and develop; learn and push himself. But there are some aspects of Evan that have never changed. For Evan, and all of us who know him, that is a wonderful thing. One of these inherent qualities of Evan is his deep-rooted kindness for all of those around him. He cares deeply for his friends, and is genuinely happy for the successes and triumphs of others. I say ‘genuinely’ with great intent, because that is another one of his incredible qualities that is sometimes lacking in the world around us. Evan is genuine with every compliment he gives, statement he makes, and action he shows. This is one of the things that has always made Evan a wonderful friend to all of his peers here at Latham.
Another amazing quality of this young man is his incredible passion… his passion for sports, his passion for science, his passion for his friends, and of course, his passion for Star Wars, Star Trek, and all “Sci-Fi”! In fact, I considered myself fairly knowledgable in this subject – right up until (for about the 10th time in a week) Evan’s knowledge blew mine out of the water!
At the end of the day, Evan, I can speak for our whole community in saying that we are all saddened to see you leave, but happy for you moving on to your next stage in life. And now I must take this opportunity to send you off in the best way I can possibly think of: ‘LIVE LONG AND PROSPER’, and ‘MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU!’”
Evan was presented with a gift from Latham’s extended family – a beautiful handmade quilt, made by the Quilt Ladies (from the Quilt Bank Outreach of Bayberry Quilters of Cape Cod). A quilt is given to graduating students as a reminder of Latham and the relationships they have made here. For years, the quilt ladies have hand made blankets for our students; it’s a tradition they look forward to. This special gift not only helps keep them warm, but also allows them to have a piece of Latham wherever they may go. Congratulations and best wishes to Evan from all of us at Latham Centers!