JWCC College For Life Graduation Celebration
JWCC’s College for Life (CFL) is a certificate program for adult students with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
On May 6, 2022, a graduation celebration was held for John Wood’s College for Life program. This is the first graduation celebration for CFL students. The first group of students graduated in May 2020. They joined other JWCC graduates in the modified Covid commencement ceremony, but they did not get to gather as a group. CFL alumni joined the current graduates and celebrated with family and friends who have supported students’ success.
JWCC CFL student alumni Mercedez Farmer said, “College for Life got my confidence up and I made new friends.”
Conner Sparks, CFL graduating student has gained the confidence to take a credit course in the fall. Conner’s mom, Stephanie Sparks said, “He is much more social. He has friends that he talks about and enjoys. He enjoys coming, and it’s changed everything. He has grown so much over the last three years.”
For the first time, CFL graduates will also take part in the full traditional JWCC Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 13, 2022.
“The purpose of College for Life is to give students an opportunity to continue learning after high school,” Westmaas said. “Students gain skills to create their best adult life.”
Graduates:
Matthew Harland, Quincy
Skylar Heinze, Quincy
Jace Robinson, Pleasant Hill
Summer Saathoff, Quincy
Conner Sparks, LaPrairie
Alumni:
Nick Burgess, Quincy
Mercedez Farmer, Pittsfield
Cheyenne Gayton, Lewistown, MO
Jessica Jansen, Quincy
Gena Mann, Pittsfield
For more information on the CFL program contact Michele Westmaas at mwestmaas@jwcc.edu.
Front L-R: Nick Burgess, Cheyenne Gayton, Gena Mann, Mercedez Farmer
Back L-R: Conner Sparks, Matthew Harland, Skylar Heinze, Jace Robinson
