Due to the mandated school closures and the COVID-19 pandemic response efforts, the Bucks IU moved its June 2020 graduation ceremonies to a virtual platform. The prerecorded video included commencement speeches by Dr. Mark Hoffman, Bucks IU Executive Director and Mr. John D’Angelo, President of the Bucks IU Board of Directors. Representing the class of 2020, John (Vinh) Tran of Quakertown School District delivered a heartfelt and inspirational message to his fellow graduates. In his speech, Vinh proudly shared his achievements during his educational journey at the Bucks IU including serving the local community by stocking the local pantry (Pennridge FISH Organization, Inc., Perkasie, PA) and delivering meals to community members through the Meals on Wheels program. Vinh’s experiences with job training, volunteer work and building relationships within the community prepared him to move in a supportive living home in Quakertown, PA. In his closing remarks, Vinh thanked his Bucks IU team members for all their support and for coaching him to be a dependable, hard worker. Vinh enthusiastically addressed his fellow graduates with, “You did it!”
The 2020 Graduates were announced and recognized by Dr. Jennifer Hertwig, Bucks IU Program Director of School Aged Services. For the closing remarks of the ceremony, Dr. Janean Ciancia, Acting Principal, Bucks IU at Samuel Everitt reminded the Class of 2020 that they are capable of making a difference in the lives of those around them and in the community. The virtual graduation concluded with genuine messages from Bucks IU team members congratulating the graduates on their achievements and wishing them all the best in their future endeavors. Their heartfelt wishes to these wonderful students were bolstered with fun signs and even a few tears!