Preschool and School of HIRE Education Graduation Ceremonies are June 7

SUNRISE, FL – (May 24, 2017) – The excitement continues to build as 24 Arc Broward Preschoolers and seven School of HIRE Education students will graduate on Wednesday, June 7.

Both ceremonies will be held at the Sunrise Civic Center Theatre with the Preschool commencement beginning at 5 p.m., and the School of HIRE Education at 6:30 p.m. A reception for the graduates and supporters will follow each ceremony.

Celebrating its 60th Anniversary, Arc Broward, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing services to children and adults with disabilities and other life challenges, has supported students as they’ve work to reach their fullest potential.

“We are very proud in the success of our students. Watching them learn and grow is a rewarding experience for our staff, their families and friends who have supported them along the journey. Graduation is always an inspiring event,” Arc Broward President/CEO Dennis Haas said.

One of this year’s graduates is Ewan. Since birth, Ewan has remained trapped in his own world. He has Freeman-Sheldon syndrome, a rare congenital condition that makes communicating with others almost impossible. Requiring a tracheostomy tube to breathe, Ewan has limited movement and is unable to speak, point, gesture, write, type or use sign language.

“Our experience at Arc Broward has been amazing. Ewan’s teachers the past four years have been so dedicated and loving. And the therapy team always go above and beyond,” his mother Yasmin Vaeli said.

In December 2014, thanks to the efforts of Arc Broward and a generous gift from Make-A-Wish of South Florida, Ewan and his family were introduced to a life-changing eye-gaze system allowing him the ability to communicate. As for the future, Ewan will be attending kindergarten at Bright Horizons in Deerfield Beach.

Since its inception in 2013, Arc Broward’s School of HIRE Education is an opportunity for students, ages 18-22, with developmental disabilities to obtain and sustain a career/workforce education, community-based instruction and independent living skills. A unique option for post-secondary students, the school provides them with the abilities to prepare them for a career after high school. The students are presented with four vocational track choices, including: culinary arts; warehouse/retail material handling; child and/or elder care; and office/clerical work.

Two of the graduates – Dianne and Dylan – have thoroughly enjoyed their experience in the School of HIRE Education.  Dianne started after graduating from Coral Springs High School. “My favorite part of (School of HIRE Education) was learning how to find a job,” she said. Dylan began coming to the School of HIRE Education in 2014. He has enjoyed the field trips to job sites and summer internships. Both were grateful for the supportive teachers and meeting new friends.

The Sunrise Civic Center Theatre is located at 10610 West Oakland Park Blvd., Sunrise FL 33351.

About Arc Broward

Since 1956, Arc Broward has worked hand-in-hand with the community to provide the encouragement and opportunities that create life-changing outcomes so that people with disabilities and other life challenges can live, learn, work and play in their communities.

The not-for-profit organization operates three “mission-based” enterprises that provide training and employment opportunities for individuals served while generating revenue to help fund services. These include Arc CulinaryArc Educates and Arc Tech and provides services through 21 programs in 10 locations across Broward County. To learn more or to donate visit (www.ArcBroward.com) or call (954) 746-9400. Follow us on FacebookTwitter and LinkedIn.

Arc Broward Preschool graduate Ewan is now able to use his eye-gaze system to communicate.

Dylan and Dianne – two of the seven School of HIRE Education students graduating on June 7.