The Viscardi Center

at The Viscardi Center

Providing a lifespan of programs and services that educate, employ and empower children and adults with disabilities.
An employer membership organization and comprehensive resource for disability employment best practices.

DONATE

Header Links

  • Login
  • Media Room
  • Contact Us

Share

  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • You Tube
  • Instagram
  • Home
  • Our Services
    • Abilities, Inc.
    • E-Learning
    • Henry Viscardi School
    • The Disability Entrepreneurship Institute
    • Nathaniel H. Kornreich Technology Center
    • Services by Type
    • Services by Age/Audience
    • Services for Businesses
    • How to Obtain Services
  • Our Stories
    • Adults
    • Businesses
    • Children
    • Donors
  • Get Involved
    • Ways to Give
    • Together We Soar Campaign
    • Advocacy
    • Volunteer
    • Share Your Story
    • Viscardi Alumni
  • News & Events
    • News
    • Blog
    • Events
    • Media Room
    • Viscardi Voice Newsletter
  • Digital Accessibility
    • Document Accessibility
    • Web Accessibility
    • Captioning & CART Services
    • Audio Description
    • ADA Bundle
    • Viscardi Multimedia Learning Center
  • About
    • History
    • Staff Leadership and Boards of Directors
    • Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards
    • Sunny
    • FAQs
    • Careers
    • Financials
    • Contact Us
www.viscardicenter.org > News & Events > News > Sen. Martins Speaks at HVS Commencement Ceremony

Sen. Martins Speaks at HVS Commencement Ceremony

July 11, 2016 by imc_admin

  • A A A
July 11, 2016
Senator Martins and 2016 HVS Graduates

In a speech delivered during the Henry Viscardi School at The Viscardi Center commencement on June 23, 2016, Senator Jack M. Martins of New York’s Seventh District congratulated the Class of 2016 and urged graduates to continue advocating for their alma mater in the future. His address capped off the 49th graduation ceremony for HVS, a pre-K–age 21 school that meets the academic, medical, and assistive technology needs of students with severe physical disabilities.

“Let me start by saying I love this place,” Martins said. “What a special time I have had these past six years representing this school in my senate district. The opportunity to meet students, dedicated staff, and administrators — it’s truly a miracle.”

John D. Kemp, president and CEO of The Viscardi Center, described the senator as a steadfast backer of the school. “Senator Martins has taken a sincere interest in our students and has rallied overwhelming support from the state legislature when we needed it most,” he said.

Martins, who is campaigning to represent the New York’s third congressional district in the United States House of Representatives, has worked closely with students and staff to ensure that the school receives adequate funding each year. During his speech, Martins reminded graduates that HVS still needs their support.
“The Henry Viscardi School is a truly remarkable and special place,” he said. “Wherever you go, no matter how far away, it will always be a part of who you are. Remember it, and more importantly, stay involved so it stays that way for those who follow you.”

Many of this year’s graduates have enrolled in higher education institutions, including Adelphi University, Hunter College, Marist University, and local community colleges. Others are exploring employment opportunities and vocational programs their communities.

Valedictorian Christopher Alvarez will major in communications with a concentration in broadcasting at Adelphi University this fall. During his speech, Alvarez described how the Viscardi community pushed him to rise above his physical limitations.

“What I love most about the Henry Viscardi School is that its doors are open not just for me, but for my peers who face the challenges of physical disabilities in their daily lives,” said Alvarez, whose academic journey began in the HVS pre-K program. “This school has been a respite of hope and strength. It emanates the light within us that cannot be extinguished.”

Like Alvarez, salutatorian Mariah Sepulveda has served as a student ambassador for the school in Albany — having met with Senator Martins many times over the years — and at fundraising events, and now has her heart set on a degree in communications.

“Being a student at Viscardi since Kindergarten has opened tons of doors for me throughout the years,” she said. “I’ve been involved in many extracurricular activities where I got to show my strengths as a leader, team player, and advocate for my fellow classmates and friends.”

Sepulveda plans to spend her first semester at Hunter College, but has recently accepted an offer to attend Marist College in the spring of 2017. There, she hopes to realize her dream of becoming a motivational speaker and writer.

As graduates prepare to move on, Kemp encouraged all to remain motivated and vocal about the merits of their school and the strength of their peers. “Continue to take pride in your disability and shape the world for all of us with — and without — disabilities.”

Check out photos from the ceremony and watch the award-winning video produced by the Class of 2016.

About The Viscardi Center
Founded by Dr. Henry Viscardi, Jr., who served as disability advisor to eight U.S. presidents and became one of the world’s leading advocates, The Viscardi Center educates, employs and empowers children and adults with disabilities. It provides Pre-K through High School education, school-to-work transition services, vocational training, career counseling and placement, assistive technology, adapted driver education and workforce diversification assistance to children, adolescents and adults with disabilities, and businesses.

About the Henry Viscardi School
The Henry Viscardi School at The Viscardi Center is a New York State supported 4201 school that offers parents of children with severe physical disabilities and who often require life-sustaining medical treatment throughout the day, a traditional educational setting option that provides rigorous academics and opportunities for personal growth and leadership development. Its specialized, accessible educational setting provides a fully-enriched academic program, a variety of therapies, assistive technology and medical supports to students who may otherwise need to receive instruction in their homes or a hospital.

Topics

[php snippet=3]

Media Contact

Kim Brussell
Vice President,
Public Affairs & Marketing
516-465-1608
kbrussell@viscardicenter.org

Filed Under: News

News & Events

  • News

    >

  • Blog

    >

  • Events

    >

  • Media Room

    >

  • Viscardi Voice Newsletter

    >

Explore News

Events

Hands over a keyboard

Webinar on Digital Accessibility Fundamentals

[php snippet=2]

NY Islanders defensemen Scott Mayfield and Ryan Pulock and actor Kevin James standing behind Viscardi CEO Dr. Chris Rosa and two Henry Viscardi School male students

Celebrity Sports Night

[php snippet=2]

View All Events

Recent News

View All >
  • Get Your Wheels on Fire Socks Today!

    March 21, 2023 The Viscardi Center is partnering with John’s Crazy Socks’ to bring you our latest Wheels on Fire Socks. Purchase your pair today! Read More...
  • The Passing of Judy Heumann, Disability Rights Advocate

    March 4, 2023 Dr. Chris Rosa, President & CEO of The Viscardi Center, releases a statement on the passing of disability rights advocate Judy Heumann. Read More...
  • 2022 Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards Bestowed

    December 2, 2022 The Viscardi Center, a renowned non-profit organization that educates, employs, and empowers people with disabilities, announced six distinguished recipients of the 2022 Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards. Read More...
  • Reach for a Star 40th Anniversary Receives Rave Reviews!

    November 29, 2022 The Reach for a Star 40th Anniversary Luncheon which featured a performance by Chilina Kennedy, the longest-running "Carole" in the history of Broadway’s Beautiful - The Carole King Musical, was a smashing success. Read More...
  • Viscardi Announces John J. Gutleber Aquatic Center

    September 2, 2022 The newly renovated facility will provide an accessible range of aquatic exercise and therapies for students with disabilities. Read More...
  • Announcing Roy Danis as Board Chair

    July 19, 2022 Roy Danis, President & CEO of Conecuh Brands, assumed the role of Chair of The Viscardi Center Board of Directors on July 1, 2022 Read More...

Contact Us

The Viscardi Center
National Business & Disability Council at The Viscardi Center
201 I.U. Willets Road
Albertson, NY 11507
516.465.1400
info@viscardicenter.org
Careers at the Viscardi Center | Staff Log in
Accessibility | Privacy | Site Map

Sign up For Enews

The Viscardi Center is a 501(c)(3)
non-profit recognized by the IRS.

Connect With Us

  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • You Tube
  • Instagram

© 2023 The Viscardi Center. All rights reserved. | Designed & Developed by Infinite Media Corp.