NORWALK, Conn. Alejandro Campillo thanked his mother, above everyone else, for helping him graduate from high school. Every time I wanted to quit school, she would keep making me go, he said at the summer graduation ceremony in the Norwalk Highs library Tuesday afternoon.
Campillo was one of 30 students from Norwalk High, Brien McMahon High and Briggs High who received their diplomas after retaking select courses over the summer. Some of us take a direct route and others take a circuitous one, Daniel Sullivan, director of the Summer School program and a Norwalk High guidance counselor, told a crowd of family and friends. These students have rebounded over the summer.
Not only did Campillo graduate, he also received the first Richard N. Fuller Sr. Award presented by Richard Fuller Jr., a Norwalk High School English teacher. He always wanted to see kids graduate, Fuller said of his father, an educator and community leader who died last week. He appreciated students with stick-to-it-iveness.
Campillo was given the award for helping to lead a decision-making group for his peers during his junior and senior years. He wanted others to avoid mistakes which he sometimes made, said Sullivan, organizer of the group. Hes paying it forward.
Several school and city officials honored the graduates. State Sen. Bob Duff recalled the life of Milton Hershey, a businessman who dropped out of school and had many failed ventures before becoming successful. Every time he failed, he learned from his mistakes, said Duff. No one can hold you back, no one but you. After his remarks, Duff gave each graduate a Hershey chocolate bar.
Mayor Richard Moccia told the students that setbacks shouldnt stop them. It doesn't mean you can't achieve success. In fact, sometimes setbacks can make you more driven."
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