Carroll Center for the Blind graduation filled with laughs, tears & triumph!!

The sound was loud, rowdy & full of passion. A huge cheer as a group of Carroll Center for the Blind students saluted the 4 CCB graduates. They first raised their canes in the air and then slammed them into the ground banging them & cheering loudly. I was moved beyond words......
I attend most Carroll Center graduations. There is no greater joy for me than seeing the smiles on the graduates faces and listening to their triumphant stories. It is at these moments that I realize why I fight so hard for CCB.

Sheila and her husband of over 50 years are adorable! A loving pair that have been through so much together. Sheila spoke of getting ready to share her great experience at CCB with anyone who would listen!! CCB is lucky to have such a great advocate!

Ann is a sweetheart. She poses here with her Mother before the graduation. Ann had a great career before her accident. With the skills that she acquired at CCB, her amazing drive and her friendly nature, I have no doubt she has many great days ahead! Ann has some difficulty with her speech, but watching her fellow students encourage her during her talk and her ability to get across her thoughts was a fantastic sight.

Tamala was not an easy student. How do I know this? Tamala said so herself! She was honest about how she was determined not to be coddled as a blind person. Entering CCB, she had an idea of how she should learn & how she was going to do it. She spoke at the graduation of how the CCB teachers "won her over" with their compassion, teaching skills and their professionalism. Looking back, Tamala felt bad about how she treated her teacher Ellie & Tamala presented Ellie with a ribbon! A great moment!

Bob is always smiling. Always there with a quick joke or a quick comeback to one of his fellow students. The graduation group was laughing along with Bob as he treated us to his great wit! His fellow students playfully gave him a hard time from the audience and their love for each other was plain to see!

The graduation was short. About 20 minutes or so. But boy, what a great experience!! The teachers & students went back to work in their classrooms. The graduates went off with renewed hope & joy about the future. More memories and great learning started taking place immediately on the CCB campus.
I beg you to help me support such a wonderful place. 2 weeks until Christmas & I am determined to reach my goal. Please click the link below & donate to a fantastic cause!!!

2nd annual Geno's World fundraiser for The Carroll Center for the Blind