Congratulations Perkins Class of 2008!
Graduation Day on Friday, June 13, was an inspiring event for not only the graduates but also for their teachers, family, friends, and the entire Perkins community. Of course, the graduates themselves were the most inspiring part of the commencement ceremony. These bright and ambitious students made their mark at Perkins and we look forward to seeing the contributions they will make in their communities and in the world.
On June 11, 2008, Lower School students took the stage. Click here to see photos from Lower School Graduation. 
“Pomp and Circumstance” played and the crowd cheered as each of 13 graduates processed toward the Dwight Hall stage.
Janet LaBreck speaks to the Class of 2008.
Perkins president Steven Rothstein introduced Archdiocese of Boston Seminarian Shawn Carey. Carey, who is deaf, signed the invocation while Fr. Jeremy St. Martin voiced his words.
Massachusetts commissioner for the Blind – and Perkins alum – Janet LaBreck spoke to the class about change, hope, innovation, and opportunity. Success, she said, is “giving 100%...and not giving up.”
Emily Steinson sang the nostalgic “Come Ready and See Me.” A Senior Class Speaker spoke of all the class had gained at Perkins.
In closing, Rothstein reminded the group to come back and visit often but to move forward.
“Think of a turtle. A turtle can only move forward by sticking its neck out," Rothstein told the graduates. "So stick your neck out, take risks, and keep moving forward!”
On June 11, 2008, Lower School students took the stage. Click here to see photos from Lower School Graduation.
We Proudly Introduce Perkins' Class of 2008!
Dustin Atkins
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Hometown: Winooski, VT Age: 19
Dustin will be attending the Statler Center for Careers in Hospitality starting in September 2008. Dustin loves to cook. He is a very independent traveler, going from Perkins to Vermont independently using buses, trains, cabs, and planes. He was an active member of the student council and senior class.
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Jordan Carson
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Hometown: Nashua, NH Age: 21
Jordan will be transitioning home to Nashua, New Hampshire where he will live and work with the Plus Company. He will live near his family and enjoy activities in the community such as music, recycling and swimming! |
Katie Condo
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Hometown: Hull, MA Age: 19
Katie will attend Bridgewater State College. Katie is an excellent writer and is interested in journalism and legal advocacy. She was very active in student government and was President of Perkins Student Council. She performed with Perkins Secondary Chorus and actively participated in the sports teams at Perkins such as goalball and track. |
Chastity Daniels
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Hometown: Springfield, MA Age: 21
Chastity will work in Springfield near her family and possibly sing in a community chorus. Chastity performed as part of the Perkins chorus and she assumed lead roles in various Perkins theater Arts productions. She was also an active member of the Perkins cheerleading squad. Chastity enjoyed her pre-vocational work experiences, particularly in the horticulture setting. She was a motivated student and always performed at her best. |
Jon Mezzetti
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Hometown: Weymouth, MA Age: 19
Jon will attend Quincy Community College. Jon has excellent writing and computer skills. Jon was an active member of the senior class and participated on several sports teams. |
Krista Pennell
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Hometown: Winchendon, MA Age: 20
Krista will attend Fitchburg State College. Krista is truly computer wiz who completed a very successful internship in technology at the Carroll Center for the Blind. Krista enjoyed playing on the Perkins Secondary goalball team. |
Allison "Ali" Richissin
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Hometown: Reading, MA Age: 21
Ali will live with family and participate in a day program near her home. Ali is a vivacious and popular young lady. She participated in a number of sports including goalball, cheerleading, track and rowing. She also participated in music makers and was Treasurer of the Student Council. She loves reading, listening to music, and spending time with her many friends. Ali has excellent independent living skills and was the recipient of Perkins' 2008 Orientation and Mobility Award! |
Christopher Roth
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Hometown: Boston, MA Age: 20
Chris hopes to participate in a work program at Children’s Hospital. Chris came to Perkins after attending school in Wayland, Mass. Chris loves music and plays bass guitar in a band with other Perkins students. He was part of a food service class that sold delicious lunches to Perkins students and staff this past year. Chris participated in several Perkins sports teams including track and field, wrestling and swimming. |
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Bobbie Lee Smith
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Hometown: Duxbury, MA Age: 21
Bobbie Lee has been a student in the Deafblind Program for the past eight years. During her time at Perkins, Bobbie Lee developed her communication skills as well her vocational skills. Bobbie Lee loves social activities, being in the community, and photography. She has enjoyed her volunteer work at the Museum of Science as well as Belmont Nursing Home.
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Nicole Spencer
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Hometown: Washington, D.C. Age: 24
Nicole has been a student in the Deafblind Program for the past three years. During her time at Perkins Nicole developed her communication skills as well as her vocational and independent living skills. Nicole enjoys social activities, shopping, and making jewelry. She has enjoyed her volunteer work at the Museum of Science, working in the Horticulture Center, and clerical work. |
Emily Steinson
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Hometown: Berlin, CT Age: 19
Emily will be attending Tunxis Community College. Emily has a wonderful voice and has been an active member of the Perkins choral groups for two years. She has worked very hard over the past few years developing her independent living skills. She has taken courses at Bunker Hill Community College while at Perkins. Emily would like to work with children after she graduates from Tunxis CC. |
Will Sutton
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Hometown: Cherry Valley, NY Age: 20
Will plans to seek out opportunities near Oneonta and Cherry Valley in upstate New York. Will performed in the 2008 spring play and was a member of Perkins choral groups during his years here, earning the Samuel P. Hayes Memorial Prize for Music. He was a vocal member of the student council and part of the Towerhawks track team, too. |
