Potential Development Graduates Start ‘New Chapter’
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Preston Frost thanked his family, friends and teachers for always being there for him.
He named some Potential Development High School staff members, in particular. “Lord knows where I would be if it were not for them.”
Frost was one of 14 students who graduated from Potential Development, a school for children with autism. A graduation ceremony was held Friday at Stambaugh Auditorium.
Paul Garchar, Potential Development CEO, said Frost is the longest-tenured senior in his class at 16 years, and he will miss seeing his smiling face in the hallways at the school.
“I cannot wait to walk into a new step in life,” Frost said. “I am very excited about where it can take me. I just want to let my friends know to keep their heads up and live their lives they always dreamed of. Each day is a blessed start. Always remember – it is OK to try something new.”
And although Frost said school was not always easy, he believes it was worth it and he has great memories.
“Now it is time for me to step into a new chapter,” Frost said.
Garchar said of the 14 graduates, three have already found jobs. Another already wrote a children’s book, “Pirates of Anilandia,” which was published and is available on Amazon.
While some of the graduating students had been at Potential Development for many years, others joined for high school. “We’re excited for this group. They’re going to do great things,” Garchar said.
After 10 years of graduations, Potential Development has graduated more than 100 students. Upcoming graduating classes will have more than 20 students as the program continues to grow. Garchar attributes growth to the increased awareness of autism and parents learning that Potential Development can help students on both ends of the spectrum.
Potential Development starts as early as the preschool level. Teachers help create the first Individual Education Plan to help students along their path.
“Graduation day is always the most powerful day of the whole school year. It really is,” Garchar said. “For students who have been with us for a long time, it is a bittersweet moment to say goodbye, but we encourage them and wish them well as they move forward.”
And though they graduated, the doors at Potential Development remain open. The school is developing an alumni group to celebrate the successes of graduates, bring them back for events and be there for them if they need resources in the future.
“We really want to develop a strong alumni group so families and students are welcome back at any time,” Garchar said. “We really want to help them.”
Pictured at top: Tina Smith gives a thumbs-up after getting her diploma from Paul Garchar, left, CEO of Potential Development, and Katie Petridis, high school program coordinator.
Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
