Sense of accomplishment, excitement of graduation

The 15 graduates of Paul B. Stephens Jr. Student Center receive their diplomas and a lot of praise.

[Times photo: Carlton Ward Jr.]

Holly Christina Berle embraces principal Virginia Wirt before receiving her diploma during the commencement ceremony for Paul B. Stephens Jr. Exceptional Student Center on Tuesday night.

© St. Petersburg Times,
published June 6, 2001

Cassandra Samson spent part of Tuesday's school day helping classmates and teachers decorate the gym for graduation at the Paul B. Stephens Jr. Exceptional Student Center.

Her only complaint about the work was battling butterflies in her stomach as she pondered the commencement speech she would deliver to family, friends and 14 fellow graduates later in the day.

"I've been here for three years, and I've really liked it," Samson said as she wiggled into her green gown minutes before the ceremony. "I met lots of new friends, and I helped out other students."

About 20 minutes into the ceremony, her time came. And she delivered. In a short but focused message, Samson told the audience how exciting graduation is for those in the class.

Stephens is a school for mentally handicapped students, including autistic students between the ages of 3 and 23, and students with an IQ of less than 50. All those who graduated Tuesday were 22, except for Samson who is 21.

Principal Virginia Wirt is proud of what the graduates have accomplished, but worries about the uncertainty of the future some now face. Several still do not know what they'll do next, while others plan to attend daytime activity programs or try their hands in the work force.

Ernest Youmans, who also spoke at the ceremony, has been at Stephens for 10 years. The fear of what lies ahead is something that probably won't sink in until a few days after graduation, he said.

But Youmans feels fortunate to have a job collecting shopping carts at Wal-Mart, where he has worked for two years.

Pam Wright, a teacher and senior class adviser, said this class has formed a bond that was a joy to watch. "They're a very loving group and very considerate of each other," she said. "Each of them really takes care of one another."

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