Kennedy School celebrates Class of 2026 graduates

With proud smiles, cheers from loved ones, and dreams for the future ahead, eight high school students and three eighth grade students from the Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. School for Exceptional Children celebrated graduation on May 20, 2026.

The joyful ceremony recognized the accomplishments, resilience, and personal growth of the Kennedy School Class of 2026, while honoring the families, educators, and supporters who helped students reach this important milestone.

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Throughout the event, graduates reflected on their journeys and shared gratitude for the people who encouraged them along the way.

“I learned so much,” one student told her teachers. “Thank you.”

“I am proud to be graduating from Kennedy School,” said another.

“We did it,” said a third.

Principal Dawn Angelini praised students for their determination and thanked families and staff members for their unwavering support.

“Graduation is a celebration of perseverance, courage, and growth,” Angelini said. “We are so proud of everything our students have accomplished and grateful to the families and staff who walked beside them throughout this journey. While we will miss our graduates, we are excited to see all they will achieve in the future.”

The celebration brought together Kennedy School educators, administrators, families, and distinguished guests from St. Coletta’s of Illinois to honor the graduates’ achievements and recognize the strong sense of community that defines the school.

Kennedy School is a therapeutic day school at St. Coletta’s of Illinois serving students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The school partners with districts throughout the south and southwest suburbs to provide individualized instruction, therapeutic support, and transition programming designed to help students reach their fullest potential.

“Our students have worked incredibly hard to get to this moment,” Angelini added. “Today is a celebration not only of academic achievement, but of personal growth, friendship, and the bright futures that lie ahead.”

Following the ceremony, graduates gathered with family members, friends, and staff for photos, refreshments, and heartfelt congratulations as they marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter.