Graduation speaker commends students, families

Top left: Dan and his mom, Della, held hands throughout the graduation ceremony. Top right: Carol Olson, executive director of the ND Department of Human Services, delivered the commencement address. Bottom right: Connie Murach shared a moment with her son, Derek, as he presented her with a flower during the ceremony.

Graduation in May marked the end of one journey and the beginning of another for ACCC students Dane Rath and Derek Murach.

A room full of family and friends celebrated and reminisced as Carol Olson, executive director of the N.D. Department of Human Services in her commencement address, thanked them for showing others that success is measured in small steps.

“Thank you, Derek and Dane, for showing us your courage and strength as you move forward to new experiences and exciting goals in your lives,” she said.

Olson, whose state agency manages the system that supports people with developmental disabilities, acknowledged the courage the graduates’ families displayed when they decided to have them move to the Center.

“They made this decision because they knew in order for you to reach your full potential, it would take a partnership of dedicated therapists, medical residential staff, educators, friends and family to help you accomplish your goals,” she said.

She encouraged the graduates and their guests to take advantage of new opportunities, continue to discover new hobbies and regularly set new goals.

She also commended the Center for its role in helping Dane and Derek and their families. “North Dakota families are fortunate to have the Anne Carlsen Center for Children,” she said. “There is so much expertise here in this facility, all focused on serving the unique needs of the children. It truly is a remarkable resource.”

She continued, “While it is true you have been strengthened by the opportunities you have enjoyed at the Anne Carlsen Center for Children, you have also given a great deal to the staff. You have persevered through some great and small challenges to be graduating today.”

Others also shared stories about the 2006 graduates.

Wayne Aldinger, a life skills trainer, has known Dane since he first moved to the Center as a young boy. “I was here the first day Dane came with blaze orange bibs on and a face the color to match,” he said with a smile. “We’ve always had a special relationship… We’re all very proud of the young man he’s become,” he said.

“Thank you for sharing Derek with us,” Special Education Teacher Tom Kenna told Derek’s family, who sent weekly letters to their son during the years he attended school. “I always wanted to open them first…they were always great,” he said, commending family involvement.