Local school holds first high school graduation in 55 years

AUGUSTA, Ga (WJBF) – Immaculate Conception Academy was began in 1913 to offer a personal, parochial schooling for inside metropolis college students.

All through the years, it confronted challenges which compelled the varsity to finish its highschool grades.

However, quickly the varsity will maintain its first highschool commencement since 1967.

Faculty leaders say it’s mission has not modified, as a substitute, it has expanded.

Strolling aspect by aspect of their caps and robes Zachery Garrard and Michael Lambert are doing one thing that hasn’t been finished in 55 years at Immaculate Conception.

They’re attending their highschool Baccalaureate service.

One step earlier than graduating.

Very like the varsity they’re breaking limitations.

Theresa Lambert is Michael’s mom and says, “we simply by no means may fairly pinpoint the precise studying incapacity and it wasn’t till the start of Sophomore 12 months that we bought a prognosis of dyslexia and dyscalculia the mathematics type of dyslexia.”

After analysis and a collaboration with Michael’s highschool, in addition to the diocese of Savannah, Theresa Lambert was in a position to enroll her son in Immaculate Conception Catholic Faculty of Particular Schooling.

It’s the one college within the diocese that’s solely targeted on particular wants college students.

One in every of few non-public faculties of its type within the state.

“They don’t transfer on till the coed has mastered the curriculum. So, they don’t seem to be rushed. They don’t really feel like they should hurry and get it. It’s at their tempo.”

Bishop Stephen Parkes says together with offering a religion primarily based schooling the small class measurement is a giant a part of the varsity’s equation for fulfillment.

“Nothing beats extra of that good ratio of trainer to pupil and I’ve little question that it actually helps them but in addition within the lecture rooms for the scholars to kind good relationships. That’s so vital on the earth that we stay in,” says Bishop Parkes.

Regina Garrard is Zachery’s mom and says, “they love Zach despite his points. They work with him in each means attainable. It’s simply modified issues for our household all collectively.”

Garrard says her son Zach was in public faculties for a few years earlier than they discovered about ICCS from an area Autism group.

She says the varsity employees’s deal with Zach’s skill, as a substitute of incapacity, has put him on a optimistic path ahead.

“I used to be getting a name a day having to go get my youngster and choose him up from college and that form of factor. As soon as we bought right here, I very hardly ever bought a name and if I did get a name it wasn’t essentially unfavourable.”

By offering a highschool schooling, mother and father say their kids are gaining greater than the possibility to put on a cap and robe.

They’re gaining hope.

“It has opened doorways for him that we by no means thought have been attainable and he has choices and it’s simply great, says Theresa Lambert.

Michael Lambert isn’t solely one of many first to graduate.. he’s additionally the primary to finish twin enrollment with Aquinas Excessive Faculty and I.C.C.S.

Commencement for each Michael and Zach is scheduled for June.