COLIN COLEMAN

FOREST LAWN HIGH SCHOOL

Can I please have you raise your hand if at any point someone doubted that you would graduate? Keep your hand raised if the person that doubted you at some point was yourself. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the reality of many of these students’ lives. I want to congratulate every single one of you for completing high school and defeating all stereotypes and prejudice that others had of you. Some thought you would drop out, others thought you would be working 12 hours a day, but here we are, proving that we made it, and no one can take that away from us. I have difficulties with social interaction and communication because I suffer from autism. School is beyond challenging for me and despite all the obstacles placed in front of me, I am graduating today with my family and fellow graduates cheering me on. Congratulations, everyone.