"Good afternoon parents, faculty, friends and graduates. It's an honor to stand in front of those students that I have so much in common with. I want to thank The Janus School for giving me this opportunity and the opportunity to capitalize on the areas that helped me get where I am today.
I was almost in a state of shock to find out that I would get to stand in front of students that are challenged with the same obstacles, because the more I thought about it, the more I began to struggle with the words I would want to say. During my graduation in 1999, my mind was not on the speaker, the balloons in the stand, or my brothers trying to distract me with a dorky smile, but my mind was on the opportunity to walk among the adults and fill it with … with what? There I was about to graduate in a few minutes and I had more questions than answers.
Socrates said, "The only wisdom is in knowing you know nothing." This may seem like a foreign concept now, but just wait. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. My friends around me seemed to know where they were headed, and there I sat. I had no idea.
I joined the Army the summer after graduation and that was quite a culture shock. I was fortunate to understand a concept that helped me to reach the rank of sergeant in two and a half years, the experience of running a successful business fraternity, the patience to watch my father die a little every day from brain cancer, and the determination to jump the hurdles of a learning disability.
Graduates, you all understand what it feels like to jump a few extra hurdles, to spend a few extra hours on a project that may take someone else less time. Some people may look at those hurdles and be discouraged because of the hard work, dedication, and strength needed. Each hurdle makes you stronger, more dedicated, and more appreciative of the work you spent.
When I was going through middle school I used to cry, I cried because I was dealt a hand that was one card short. The Janus School helped me realize that I was not a card short, but I was playing with a full deck up my sleeve. The Janus School took my strong qualities as a student and taught me to use them for the aspects of my education that were lagging behind. Those hurdles you fight today and tomorrow only make you stronger for the next challenge.
The concept of learning new ideas, questioning reason, and making decisions that are based off self-improvement rather than self-comfort is an important goal to carry with you. The only way to grow is to broaden your scope. Here's a hint that seems obvious but works, those things you feel uncomfortable doing, for example, speaking in public, taking charge of a group project, or reading a book that may be beyond your level, is self-improvement, not self-comfort. The comfort level is where many people stop learning.
Most of the time if something is not easy, it's a weakness, and it stands in your way of growth. My drill sergeant in boot camp yelled at me once, telling me if you cheat your body your body will cheat you. This was probably the best yelling, or advice I ever received because if you cheat your mind and take short cuts through life, your mind will end up cheating you. Take time to really know yourself because that's the only way to improve yourself.
The Janus School gave you a push start and today that push needs your legs to keep that momentum. I know you can do it because I did it. I experienced cultures of the military, college, studying abroad to foreign countries, and I made it because I not only jumped the hurdles, but I learned from them. Sure I struggled, but The Janus School was my backbone to something successful. One day I will own my own business and one day you will reach your dream, as long as we look at our dream and challenge ourselves each and every step.
I want to end on a few of many names that you may recognize that have the gift of dyslexia: Robin Williams, Albert Einstein, Ansel Adams, George Washington, Charles Schwab, Walt Disney, and Thomas Edison, who said, "Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time."
Congratulations graduates. I wish you all the best of luck."
- Evan Graybill, Commencement Speech, June 2006
"I live with my mom Kim, dad Dave, and sister Annie. Our family goes to Maine every summer for vacation. I was at Janus for three years. I started school at Janus in 1999 and left in 2002. My last year at Janus I was in tenth grade. I graduated from Boiling Springs High School with distinguished honors and a member of the National Honor Society. In high school I was a member of the cross-country, swimming, and track and field teams. I also participated in the Interact Club (a community service club). I am currently a freshman at Messiah College. I am involved in the Outdoors Club, Ski Club, and each Monday night I volunteer my time in Harrisburg with inner-city children. I am a recipent of both the Dean's and Provost's scholarships.
Janus couldn't have prepared me better for my transition back to a public high school and college. Janus gave me the skills to better understand myself, to read and solve math problems at a higher level, and to advocate for myself. Without the skills I learned at Janus, I wouldn't be achieving success today. I use the skills I learned at Janus to study at college every single day. From dialoguing with my professors about the help I need, reviewing my notes each night, to pre-reading assignments before starting, each skill is tremendously important.
My advice to current students at Janus: Make the most of the opportunities to learn about yourself and the skills that work for you. Not everyone with learning differences has the opportunity to attend Janus. Make every day count, listen and learn from your teachers – they are there to help – and most importantly never settle for anything less than your dreams and don't let anybody tell you otherwise. Believe in yourself."
- Sallie Bohlen, Messiah College freshman and recipient of both the Dean's and Provost's Scholarships
"The Janus School was a great environment for learning because the teachers never stopped teaching until you understood and they really wanted you to do well. Going to Janus for one year taught me more than five years in regular school. Attending Janus was a relief for me, and it gave me confidence because I had opportunities to do things that I would not have had at an ordinary school."
"I'm very grateful for the opportunity I had to attend The Janus School. During my three years there I learned to be motivated, independent, confident, and secure in my abilities to learn and grow. "
"The Janus School has given me the platform of a great education that I have used during my career in education. One of the main reasons why I have chosen a career in elementary education is because of the teachers at The Janus School who showed me that I was able to learn. In my educational career I have never met teachers and staff that are as dedicated as they are."
"Having been a student at the Janus School, I realize that any limitations on future success would be self-imposed. I am capable of great things if I am willing to work hard for them."
"At The Janus School, I learned to be more independent. I learned that there isn't always going to be someone there to keep you organized, you have to do it on your own. Organization is one of the biggest key factors in our lives."
"The Janus School helped me deal with the frustrations that came along with dyslexia. There is no cure for having a learning disability but The Janus School helped me use the strengths I had to build an easier learning environment. These skills I learned helped me through high school, the military, and college. Thank you a hundred times."
"In 1997 I became the first graduate of The Janus School. I went on to attend HACC and Elizabethtown College and worked as a teller at Fulton Bank. Today I am the Lead Cash Management Specialist in Patient Financial Services at Lancaster General Hospital. My success in the business and financial world is a tangible outcome of the attention and education I received as a student at Janus."
"I wish that every child could experience the same educational experience as I did. Janus is a unique school where the teachers work with you as an individual and open their hearts to their students. The staff at The Janus School always brings 110 percent to their day. They know that what they are doing counts and changes the lives of students. The positive influence they have on each child goes beyond to include the family and others who are part of their lives. The Janus School not only gives each student the gift of knowledge, but gives the greatest gifts to its students: Self-respect, self-esteem, and the confidence to compete with everyone else in this fast-paced world."