Surrounded by friends and family, postgraduate Brooke Harrison graduated from the Community Access Program (CAP) on May 28, leaving behind an impact with her positive attitude and quick wit.
Through her experiences at CAP, Harrison has created bonds and memories while also gaining opportunities for her future. Harrison not only loves the people around her, but her family and classmates love her too.
Harrison has been able to pursue many experiences outside of Algonquin, including an internship at Framingham State University. Following her graduation, she wants to continue hands-on learning in the community and at job sites.
“She wants to be out there in the world and she’s willing to get herself out there,” Special education teacher Caitlin Hynes said.
Hynes has noticed Harrison’s growth in the CAP program, particularly in her confidence and willingness to express her own opinions.
“As time has gone on she’s really self-advocated and said ‘this is what I want, this is what I want to do, this is what I want to try,’” Hynes said.
Harrison’s father Ken Harrison has seen his daughter grow through the CAP program and become her own unique person, while also having key goals for her future.
“[I want her to] be happy, of course, and hopefully someday she is self-sufficient,” Ken Harrison said.
Harrison’s mother, Sue Harrison, also attended the graduation ceremony. She is very proud of her daughter’s accomplishments, and has enjoyed seeing her come into her own socially, make friends and form connections through the Best Buddies program.
“The opportunity with Best Buddies has been such a wonderful positive thing and I hope we can continue that,” Sue Harrison said.
Best Buddies club president Elisabeth Caffrey spends a lot of time with Harrison, whether it is at club events or other events around the school, and will cherish the memories they have made together
“I love talking about Taylor Swift with her and talking about how one day we would go to the concerts, I’m going to miss that,” Caffrey said.
Her kind and funny personality spreads to everyone she’s around, and will be missed dearly by those she interacted with.
“She is funny, witty, she has a gigantic heart, she loves people and she’s beautiful,” Ken Harrison said. “She’s a pure, innocent and loving soul. She just loves people.”
Whatever is next for Harrison, whether it be a bakery, a place with animals, or simply the community, one thing is clear: wherever she goes, a trail of enthusiasm and an adventurous, optimistic attitude will follow closely behind.
