Olympic Gold Medalist Inspires Grads At West Hartford School's Graduation

WEST HARTFORD, CT — The American School for the Deaf celebrated 19 graduates during its 209th commencement ceremony on June 12 at the school's West Hartford campus.

And helping with the celebration was a notable American Olympian who recently excelled on the brightest stage in her sport.

Olympic gold medalist and bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor delivered the commencement address.

After three silvers and two bronze medals at prior Olympics, she won gold in February's 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy at age 41 in the monobob event, in which a rider goes solo down the bobsled track.

Meyers Taylor, whose two sons are deaf, shared lessons from her athletic career and encouraged graduates to persevere through challenges.

“Failing is not a bad thing. Not trying is,” Meyers Taylor told graduates.

She also urged students to believe in their abilities.

“You are more capable than you realize, and the next time you have any doubts, remember there's an Olympic champion that believes in you,” she said.

The Class of 2026 graduates are pursuing a variety of next steps, including college, employment, vocational training and continued development of independent living skills.

ASD Executive Director Dr. Jeffrey S. Bravin praised the graduates' accomplishments and resilience.

“The Class of 2026 represents the very best of what ASD stands for,” Bravin said. “They have embraced opportunities, discovered their strengths, supported one another, and demonstrated every day what it truly means to be ALL Ways Able.”

Bravin highlighted achievements across academics, athletics, STEM programs, leadership, community engagement and career readiness. He noted that the class included ASD’s first graduate from the Autism Expansion Program and students who represented the school at state and national levels.

Student speakers reflected on the role ASD played in their personal and academic growth.

Graduate Anneylis described the school as a source of support and a sense of belonging.

“ASD was more than just a school. ASD was a community,” she said, encouraging her classmates to believe in themselves and pursue their goals.

Graduate Cristal spoke about her journey from the Dominican Republic to ASD and said experiences such as participating in Yale University’s Future Deaf Scientists Program helped inspire her ambition to become a doctor.

The ceremony marked the culmination of years of academic achievement and personal growth for the graduates as they prepare to begin the next stage of their lives.