Ebby DuPont recipient of The Community Award
– On June 15, twelve students graduated from The Benedictine School in a moving ceremony that included a beloved story, two special student awards and student superlatives, a beautiful slide show, and recognition for outstanding Community partnership.
The twelve students, mostly from Maryland, were honored with special recognitions. Joshua C. (Josh) received The Benedictine School Award and Catherine (Cat) P-O received the Student of the Year Award, both for outstanding achievement. The following students were recognized with a special superlative: Katie P.- Most Hospitable; Richard M. – Most Social; Alex R. – Most Helpful; Josh C. – Best Smile; Brandon C. – Most Organized; Kahlil M. – Most Affectionate; Dalton D. – Most Industrious; Billy A.– Most Determined; Cat- Most Hard Working; Zach L. – Most Friendly; Erin H. – Spirit Award; and Vincent S. – Most Athletic.
The Benedictine School is a day and residential school offering programming for students with intellectual disabilities, multiple disabilities, and autism. The graduates have overcome adversity and challenges to get them to this point. With the support of their families and the dedicated staff at Benedictine, they have put forth their best efforts in their school and work settings.
Mr. Ebby DuPont was this year’s recipient of The Community Award. This award is presented to a community partner who supports and contributes to the Benedictine Mission. For many years, DuPont and his fellow members of the Antique and Classic Boat Society have provided the students with experiences such as participating in the Antique and Classic Boat Show and riding on a boat in the annual Christmas Parade. In 2012, DuPont and the Antique and Classic Boat Society began raising money to buy gifts for students who are here at school on Christmas day.
Education Director, Julie Hickey said, “Ebby has enriched the lives of so many of our students throughout the years – he is so special to The Benedictine School in so many ways and we are so grateful to him for his support.”
Another community partner, Mr. Tolbert Rowe of the Carolina County Board of Education, was the graduation speaker. He presented the graduates with a copy of the beloved Dr. Seuss book, Oh The Places You’ll Go!, and read it to the students.
Upon graduation, most of the students will live and work in Eastern Shore or other Maryland communities in group homes or with family members.
For more than 55 years, the mission of Benedictine has been to help people with developmental disabilities achieve their greatest potential. Today, Benedictine provides more than 200 children and adults with special education, vocational training, supported employment and home-like residential living options on campus and in the community. The Benedictine Foundation’s mission is to secure the financial resources needed to assure the future of the Benedictine School for Exceptional Children and its programs and services. For more information about Benedictine, find us on the web at www.benschool.org and on Facebook.
