Nine students from throughout Mercer County graduated from the Bridge Academy in Lawrenceville in June.
An independent school for students with language-based learning difficulties, The Bridge Academy’s goal is to help students “bridge the gap between potential and performance.”
Receiving their New Jersey state accredited high school diploma was a reward for a journey that began when students were very young. Many of the students were told as early learners that they would never read or write. Yet, each wrote and read their graduation speeches to a standing room crowd of parents, teachers, classmates, family and friends.
Student speeches illustrated the obstacles they overcame and the success they achieved at The Bridge Academy.
After changing schools each year between fourth and seventh grade, Ja’mier Bailey of Trenton found his way to The Bridge Academy.
In his speech, Bailey, who now reads at an advanced level, said the “school changed my life academically.” He is set to attending Wesley College on track and field and academic scholarships.
Graduate Jon Chrzan of Skillman told the audience that he had major gains in all of his studies while at The Bridge Academy.
“When I first came to Bridge, reading and writing were my worst subjects,” Chrzan said in his speech, “now, thanks to Bridge, they are my strongest subjects.”
Ewing resident Mackenzie Forintos thanked her mom and her teachers for their support in helping her reach her goal of attending college. She plans on becoming a teacher for students with learning disabilities and is set to attend Cabrini College with an academic scholarship.
Graduates also include Kurt Bolz (Allentown); Devin Pultorak (Hamilton); Sean Delaney (Monroe); Clara Capaldo (Princeton); Justin Misura (Raritan); and Stephen Weingart (Skillman).
The Bridge Academy is an independent school for students age eight to 18 with language-based learning disabilities such as dyslexia, auditory processing, ADHD, and dysgraphia. It is the only accredited Orton-Gillingham program in New Jersey. More information is online at banj.org.
Bridge Academy graduates pose with principal Susan Morris. Back: Kurt Bolz (Allentown), Sean Delaney (Monroe), principal Susan Morris, Jon Chrzan (Skillman), Ja’mier Bailey(Trenton), Devin Pultorak (Hamilton). Front: Clara Capaldo (Princeton), Stephen Weingart (Skillman), Justin Misura (Raritan), and Mackenzie Forintos (Ewing).,
