Community Corner
Vista Graduates Celebrate New Beginning
Fifteen students graduated in a ceremony in Westbrook.
Smiles, laughter and tears of joy were a common sight at the Westbrook High School auditorium on July 15 as 15 students from Vista Life Innovations—a nationally accredited education program for individuals with disabilities—celebrated the start of a new life chapter during a graduation ceremony.
Graduation is a significant milestone in the lives of Vista students that acknowledges the independence and success they worked hard to achieve in the Discover Program, Vista’s transitional program. More than 175 people attended this year’s ceremony, including family, friends, community members and elected officials.
“I’m extremely confident in what you’re going to accomplish going forward as you move into this new phase of life,” state Rep. Devin Carney (23rd District) told the graduates. “There’s really no end to your possibilities, so go forth into the world and do wonderful things.”
Find out what's happening in The Haddams-Killingworthfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Joining Carney at the ceremony were state Rep. Noreen Kokoruda (101st District) and state Rep. Sean Scanlon (98th District), who was there in his capacity as Director of Community Affairs for U.S. Senator Chris Murphy.
This year’s commencement speech was delivered by Keynote Speaker Joseph Comerford, executive director of the Estuary Transit District. Comerford, who began his career with the ETD in 2009, became a friend and supporter of Vista after getting to know the many students and members who utilize the 9 Town Transit buses daily.
Find out what's happening in The Haddams-Killingworthfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“I have the pleasure of working with Vista staff and members on a regular basis,” Comerford said. “They add to our community with their strong sense of giving back and are a part of what makes the shoreline a great place to live.”
In addition to a Certificate of Graduation, each student received a letter from Westbrook First Selectman Noel Bishop; certificates from Sen. Murphy and Congressman Joe Courtney; and an official citation from the Connecticut General Assembly introduced by Sen. Ted Kennedy Jr. (12th District), Sen. Art Linares (33rd District), Rep. Jesse MacLachlan (35th District), Rep. Kokoruda and Rep. Carney.
With campuses in Madison, Westbrook and Guilford, Vista has been providing services and resources to individuals with disabilities for over 26 years.
