Seven in the Moore-Mickens exceptional education program receive their diplomas.
By MICHELE MILLER
Published May 21, 2003
DADE CITY - Joshua Downey was just a little nervous as he took to the podium. But his teacher, Gayle Lovelace, had prepared him well - rehearsing with him, reminding to speak loudly and clearly and encouraging him to make eye contact as he read the poem What Tomorrow Might Bring.
His delivery was outstanding, leaving nary a dry eye in the house.
A few moments later, after principal Steve Cox said, "Hey guys, it's time," Joshua would blink back his own tears as he accepted his diploma and shook hands with all the teachers and paraprofessionals that had worked with him in the Trainable Mentally Handicapped Program at Moore-Mickens Education Center.
Thursday was graduation day for 22-year-old Downey and six of his classmates: Kitty Brink, Matthew Clark, Michael Fultz, Dane Resulta, Michael Sawyer and Amy Walter. It was the 15th TMH graduation to be held at Moore-Mickens.
The commencement included Joshua's recitation, a performance by the school chorus and video tributes to the graduating class and to Linda Hatley, a paraprofessional who had worked in the TMH program for 15 years and was moving on to another position.
"Believe in yourself because you are each very special," said keynote speaker Elizabeth Cooper, supervisor of exceptional student education for Pasco County. "Believe in your dreams. Keep trying to do the things you want to do."
Then, with a flip of of their blue tassels, Cox declared the seven students to be graduates.
"I did it, Dad!" said Michael Sawyer, 22.
"It's great," said his dad, Chuck Sawyer, his eyes welling up while Michael posed for pictures with his classmates. "They're God's little angels."
"I think it's beautiful," said teacher Suphia Pickett as she dished up slices of vanilla iced cake. "They worked so hard."
"This is such a complete joy," Hatley said. "They've taught me a lot about life - how to appreciate everything."
"I'm so happy for him," said Dinah Resulta, 19, clutching a white rose and stuffed dog - graduation gifts from her brother Dane. "What, is everybody crying?"
"This has been so great," said Downey, who is now looking forward to working in the custodial department at a local hospital.
"All the kids are great. I made great friends. The staff was wonderful. We couldn't have picked a better school."
