This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Cheshire Resident Keynote Speaker at Boys & Girls Village Event

Cheshire resident and businessman Michael Duane recent guest keynote speaker at Boys & Girls Village 2014 Graduation Celebration and and Awards Ceremony

Milford, Conn. – July 14, 2014 – Boys & Girls Village (BGV) recently honored the achievements of its graduating students at a ceremony held on June 20 at its Milford Campus. The celebration recognized students who will be advancing to new programs and higher grade levels, as well as students whose progress has led to them continuing their studies at schools in their communities.

There were 57 students participating in this year’s graduation along with family members and friends. Jon Oddo, BGV’s Vice President of Educational & Vocational Services, welcomed all in attendance with an opening address. Following his welcome, Willie, a student from West Haven, led the audience in the pledge of allegiance, and students from Ms. Steele’s music class performed for the audience.

Find out what's happening in Cheshirewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“We are proud of the academic growth that our students have achieved this year,” said BGV President and CEO Dr. Steven M. Kant. “They have made great progress in strengthening their social skills, working together and becoming contributing members of our community.”

“All of the staff and faculty at Boys & Girls Village couldn’t be more proud, and we wish each of our students the very best for the future,” added Kant.

Find out what's happening in Cheshirewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Cheshire resident and businessman Michael E. Duane, Jr., a former resident of Boys & Girls Village, served as keynote speaker at the graduation. Michael is now a principal/partner of a Wallingford architectural firm and is completing his architectural license requirements. Michael recalled the friendships and memories made while he was at the Milford Campus, and talked about the tools that Boys & Girls Village gave him to succeed. 

“Work hard and don’t ever give up,” said Duane. “You will fail. I have and that’s okay. But, don’t ever give up.”

To bring the ceremony to a close, 60 awards and special recognitions were presented to students who excelled in subject areas. Following the conclusion of the graduation ceremony, members of the staff, faculty and Board of Directors hosted and served an outdoor barbeque for students and their families.

About Boys & Girls Village:

Helping children and their families gain a full life has been the goal at Boys & Girls Village for 72 years. Boys & Girls Village gives some of Connecticut’s most vulnerable children and families the opportunity to heal, learn and grow.

With operations in Milford and Bridgeport, Boys & Girls Village provides comprehensive care through its array of behavioral health, educational and family programs for children and adolescents at-risk. Their programs provide youth with evidence-based clinical treatment programs, a K to 10th grade school, family based in-home and outpatient treatment services, therapeutic foster care, a residential program for youth with problem sexual behavior, a live-in alternative to a hospital unit and community outreach support. 

Clients come from 50 different communities in Connecticut, with the majority residing in Fairfield and New Haven counties. The children and adolescents who become part of the Boys & Girls Village family range in age from 3-18 years old and are cared for by a staff of highly trained professionals including child psychiatrists, psychologists, nursing staff and a highly trained and dedicated group of paraprofessionals. Learn more at www.bgvillage.org.




We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?