Friendship School 2011 Graduates Prove They Can Succeed

Eight students will walk the stage Friday, graduating from Friendship School in Eldersburg and moving on to high school. 

These students aren't your average middle schoolers. They have completed their requirements for graduation despite having dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. 

“Friendship School was built on the premise that any child can succeed,” says Head of School Teresa Ankney. “This week we are celebrating our eight graduates, who are proof that with the right tools, all children can succeed academically and reach their potential.”

The graduates are moving on to local high schools including the McDonogh School, Mount Saint Joseph High School, George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, Indian Creek School and Jemicy School.

Through the school’s program they have received daily one-to-one reading and language-based tutoring, as well as multi-sensory teaching strategies, according to a school press release. 

“Einstein, Newton, Picasso, DaVinci and Disney – our students see these names on the building every day they come into school,” said Ankney. “But these are not the only individuals with language-based learning differences who have accomplished great things. Friendship School’s graduates prove that these differences are obstacles that can be overcome – not barriers.”

The graduation ceremony will be held at Friendship School at 9 a.m. Friday and will feature speeches by the graduating eighth graders and performances from from fellow students.