June 6 was a historic day for the Edna Hayden Gwaltney School at
Jackson-Feild Homes. For the first time in its history, two boys were
among the graduates receiving their degrees. The school began accepting
male students in fall of 2012.
The ceremony was
held at the Golden Leaf Commons at the Southside Virginia Community
College Emporia Campus. Dr. Bill Bowling, Director of Education,
presided over the celebration. Local author, Nancy Naigle, served as the
commencement speaker. Mrs. Naigle is the author of six novels and
suspense stories. Mrs. Naigle has a special place in her heart for
Jackson-Feild and the children it serves. Her meaningful and
inspirational message of stepping out into the world and embracing a new
and exciting future resonated with those in the audience.
Some of the
residents received their high school diploma, others received their GED,
and a two other students received their Certified Nurse's Aide
Certification. The faculty and staff of Gwaltney School did a great job
preparing these graduates for this milestone and provided them with the
knowledge and skills for future success.
This is the
Gwaltney School's seventeenth graduation ceremony with 146 graduates
receiving either their high school diploma or their GED.
In honor and
recognition of the children's work, an anonymous donor provided a
bouquet of roses for each girl, a wallet for each boy, and a gift card
for each graduate.
