June 18, 2009
Crittenton Honors Its Graduates
Above: Ohio County Schools Assistant Superintendent Dr. Dianna Vargo (left) and Wheeling Park High School Principal Ronald DiLorenzo (right) congratulate two Crittenton Services residents who graduated with a high school degrees.
Crittenton Services staged a special celebration in the Bridge Street Middle School gymnasium Wednesday, June 17 as five girls in the agency’s residential treatment program were honored for academic achievement. Two of the young women graduated with high school diplomas, and three others were promoted from middle school to high school. Crittenton operates a full-time classroom on the site of its residential program in Elm Grove.
“This is significant,” said Crittenton Vice President of Residential Services Tracee Chambers, “because these girls come from some of the most challenging backgrounds. Their achievements are worthy of celebration, and it is thanks to the support of the Ohio County Schools, our dedicated staff and teachers and, of course, the students’ own hard work and diligence. We are immensely proud of them.”
The Crittenton Residential program helps females aged 12 through 18 with behavioral health services as well as a variety of life-skills to promote self-sufficiency. Among the most critical components of the program is education, and in partnership with Ohio County Schools, Crittenton offers a full time on-site school with certified teachers.
Ohio County Schools Assistant Superintendent Dr. Dianna Vargo paid tribute to the teachers at Crittenton. “This would not have been possible without all of their hard work and dedication to the students. Wheeling Park High School Principal Ronald DiLorenzo encouraged the graduates to use their newly-discovered positive attitudes to assure their future success. “When you think about this achievement, remember that no one can take that away from you.”
Crittenton President and C.E.O. Kathy Szafran said, “We really could not be more proud of these young ladies. Their achievements will be an inspiration not just to other girls in our program, but to us all.”
The agency staged the graduation/promotion party with a reception, a dinner catered by Janette Dolan and desserts by Ye Olde Alpha.
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Contact: Butch Maxwell
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