Celebrating the Journey of the Class of 2025
By, Wil Fredian, Executive Director
Adapted from 2025 Graduation Speech
The Gifford School's Graduation & Closing Ceremony is a special occasion that uniquely celebrates the progress of all students, recognizing their incredible efforts and the specific achievements they've made throughout the school year. While every student's journey and growth are deeply valued, the undeniable highlight of this day is acknowledging our 12th-grade students as they cross the stage, reaching one of the most important milestones of their young lives. This day marks a profound culmination: the result of hard work, positive risk-taking, and significant growth. It's a day when we celebrate our accomplishments as a community and as individuals. We reflect on our journey, learning from every step, and we honor those who are moving on to their next chapters.
Every high school graduate’s path is unique. However, I believe that Gifford students, in particular, have often traveled a more challenging road to reach this day. As Helen Keller wisely stated, "One’s character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired and success achieved." This profound truth resonates deeply with the experiences of Gifford students. Adversity shapes us all, and those who face it and overcome it develop an unparalleled strength. It is precisely because of what you've already navigated that you are exceptionally well-equipped for the challenges ahead.
Helen Keller, a leading advocate for people with disabilities and the first deaf and blind person to earn a college degree, was once considered "unteachable" due to her inability to communicate. While Gifford students face different challenges—social, emotional, and academic—their stories often mirror aspects of Helen’s journey.
The Power of Support and Community
One striking similarity is the unwavering determination of families. Helen Keller's family fought tirelessly to ensure she had every opportunity. Similarly, Gifford parents and caregivers are, in my professional and personal experience, among the most loving, patient, and selfless families one could encounter.
Their dedication is truly inspiring. The most impactful support Helen Keller found was in her teacher, Anne Sullivan. Anne’s methods — patience, structure, creativity, compassion, and discipline when necessary — are the same tools Gifford staff have employed for 60 years. Above all, Anne Sullivan used the most powerful tool any teacher possesses: encouragement. Like Helen’s progress with Anne, Gifford students often thrive by developing trusting relationships with our dedicated staff. This trust is fundamental: the belief that our staff genuinely care, prioritize student well-being, and are truly committed to our community. The progress many students make is a testament to these powerful connections.
Unlocking Potential
The final, and perhaps most vital, similarity between Helen Keller and Gifford students lies in the potential to fulfill one's dreams in the face of adversity. Gifford students, I know this can sometimes be hard to believe during the hard days, but never doubt that despite your challenges, you are capable of achieving great things.
We see this potential realized constantly. Gifford alumni have returned to our campus to share their college and professional successes with our students, one even made a significant donation after building a successful business. Many of you may not be aware of this, but a former Gifford student is on our staff, and has been as effective in their role, and with our students as anyone in the past few years. We see former students excelling in various fields, becoming leaders, and making their mark on the world. What unites them is their continued ambition and their commitment to growth long after leaving our campus. They used what they learned here—about themselves and their capabilities—to keep pushing forward, overcoming obstacles, and striving for independence.
Your disabilities, challenges with mental health, or your difficult histories do not have to define you. Yes, your lives have been impacted by them and may continue to be but they do not have to limit you. Instead, as Helen Keller’s words suggest, your trials and struggles can forge your character, strengthen your resolve, and ultimately lead to success—but only if you persevere. Keep taking positive risks, keep asking for help when needed, and always believe in your own potential.
The words of our graduates themselves illustrate this journey of overcoming adversity. They speak of battling anxiety, depression, feelings of isolation, and struggling in previous environments where they felt misunderstood or unsupported. Yet, these same students found a turning point at Gifford:
“Without Gifford I would not be the person I am today—someone who is confident in myself and who is ready to take the next step.”
“The Gifford School is the difference between failure and success.”
“Coming to Gifford was a breath of fresh air. I felt welcome and I felt heard. Being here gave me hope.”
“Gifford has provided me with an almost TOO generous amount of room to grow through trial and error, and has tolerated some of the worst internal battles I have experienced… this school has helped me through all of them.”
Our graduates are now moving on to impressive plans: attending colleges like Curry, Middlesex Community College, Salem State, and pursuing diverse fields from early childhood education to culinary arts.
A Community of Role Models
The Gifford School community is brimming with role models. From students who embody courage, kindness, and resilience, to dedicated staff members who have committed decades to our mission, our community is a testament to human spirit and perseverance. It's a misconception that schools like Gifford are associated with failure. For anyone who truly looks, the Gifford School Community is overflowing with inspirational success stories. Our graduates have joined this distinguished group, and I hope their efforts, journeys, and accomplishments inspire all our younger students.