Ms. Pinder referred to 2008 as being an election year in which there are a few unusual “firsts.” She was referring to the first African-American candidate to go as far as Barack Obama, to the first woman candidate to go as far as Hillary Clinton, and to the first candidate for election to president over the age of seventy, John McCain. She encouraged her classmates to strive to accomplish other “firsts” in their upcoming careers.
Ms. Jewell’s address encompassed the intrinsic contribution that family makes to success in the medical field. She included in her description of family her immediate family, her classmates, and the doctors, patients and co-workers at her job at the cardiology practice where she did her internship.
“A graduation ceremony is an event where the commencement speaker tells thousands of students dressed in identical caps and gowns that “individuality” is the key to success,” [Robert Orben, official speechwriter to former President Gerald Ford]
Individuality took many forms within the 2000 attendees at the graduation ceremony. Yes, there were the caps and gowns, the traditional uniform of graduation. The individuality was represented in full measure by the unique international flavor of the Allen School student body. The variety of awards acknowledging the accomplishments and skills of the many graduates showcased individuality, as well.
Quiet Reflection by Eddy Whitten, Jamaica’s Director of Admissions, began the ceremony. Whitten asked the graduates to reflect upon the strong connections they may have made to someone of another culture while at Allen School, or positive interactions with instructors who may have become mentors, or times at which laughter literally made their sides hurt. He expressed confidence that, throughout their lives, the graduates would experience clarifying moments at which certain fond memories would be evoked, reveries that related to time spent at Allen School and the people, knowledge and challenges shared and met there.
Current Queens Medical Assistant student, Sheneé Johnson, performed America the Beautiful in a clear, powerful voice that filled the vast recesses of the large auditorium.
Opening Remarks were made by Jamaica campus School Director, Annette Jill Luke, who, during her dedicated thirty years at Allen School, has shepherded thousands of graduates on their way to medical careers. Mrs. Luke spoke about the Allen School “network of lifelong connections” fostered by the programs, drawing a parallel between that “network” and that of the mega telecommunications company that showcases a network in its marketing.
Brooklyn’s Placement Director, Emelinda Jackson, delivered Words of Wisdom, warmly encouraging the grads to “never give up.” Ms. Jackson acknowledged this year’s graduates as the “cream of the crop,” noting that some them will, as has always been the case, “start out as Medical and Nursing Assistants and end up as doctors.” She recited the names of Career Development Award winners.
Mike Perez, Director of Admissions and Robert Jannicelli, MD, Academic Dean, both from the Brooklyn campus, did the Distribution of Diplomas, calling out the names of the hundreds of accomplished graduates who strode proudly across the stage to shake hands with Robert Teich and Jason Teich, President and Vice President respectively of the Allen School.
Dean Brian Ross of the Queens campus provided the Presentation of the Graduates to President Teich, acknowledging Mr. Teich’s profound personal commitment to the well-being of his students and lifelong dedication to putting their needs above all others.
The Professional Code for Health Career Graduates was read by Dean Gail Skeete of Brooklyn affirming that the new graduates, now full-fledged members of the global healthcare team, will be guided by their training and their individual hearts, and strive to be the best healthcare professionals possible.
Closing Remarks were made by Brooklyn campus Director Lillian Mitchell, whose devoted twenty-five year commitment to Allen School has helped to launch the careers of thousands of graduates. Mrs. Mitchell drew attention to the fact that the opportunity to obtain an education, an opportunity denied to most of the world’s people, is one to be recognized as a true privilege by the graduates. She urged them to “go forth” to make her and everyone at the Allen School proud.
The graduates streamed out of the auditorium to join families, friends and faculty members for photos. Graduation caps and gowns, balloons, teddy bears and scrolled diplomas, were bathed in brilliant sunshine as the end of the grads’ time at Allen School and the first day of their individual futures were memorialized.
LEONILLA JEWELL, STUDENT SPEAKER, QUEENS