Hill Top Academy Grads Have A Lot To Be Proud Of

Hill Top Preparatory School, the Rosemont school that serves students with complex learning differences, graduated 12 men and women on Thursday, June 14.

In an emotional ceremony, the students thanked their parents and teachers, and explained how attending the school changed their lives for the better.

(See the videos for some moments from the graduation.)

Thomas Needham, headmaster of the school, quoted Theodore Roosevelt during the event, saying, "When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hold on."

"These graduates did not just hang on... They excelled," he said.

Students at Hill Top may have Attention Deficit Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, nonverbal learning disabilities, Asperger's and high functioning Autism, for example.

Graduation day is "a big day," said teacher Marion Kassab, "because of the challenges they've faced."

Kassab said that when some students arrive it's after a long, frustrating and exhausting time trying to fit in at other schools. Once they are in Hill Top, they go through "so much change and growth," she said.

"Once they feel safe and supported they are able to emerge into these great learners," Kassab said.

The graduates echoed these sentiments into their briefs comments upon receiving their diplomas.

There is no keynote speaker at Hill Top's graduation.

"We've never had a keynote speaker," Needham said. "We feel the students are the focus so they are the ones who speak."