University Of Alabama RISE Center Graduates 17 Children

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The University of Alabama RISE Center held its annual graduation ceremony on Thursday and saw 17 children recognized.

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The RISE Program, a nationally recognized early childhood education program, predominately serves young children with varying abilities, but also includes traditional learners and serves as a model to blend early childhood education, child development, early childhood special education, and integrated therapy.

The RISE Center says the purpose of the program is to optimally prepare children for their next educational environment and to provide support to families.

"Our graduation ceremony is one of our most cherished traditions at RISE," RISE Center Assistant Director Riane Sullivan said. "It's our time for our families and our children to celebrate their progress that they've made over the years that they've been here. We celebrate all of the milestones that they've made throughout those years, and tonight is just a representation of how far they've come."

Sullivan also said the graduation ceremony is an emotional moment for families, staff, teachers and therapists.

"It's one of those things that is just, it gets emotional for us, just like the families, because we will definitely miss them," Sullivan said. "They are a part of the RISE family always, and we're excited for them to move on to their next step. They have worked very hard over the last few months getting ready for this graduation ceremony. They're very excited to show their families their routines that they've learned, the songs that they've learned, and it's just a time for them to be proud of themselves, celebrate each other, and have a great time with their friends."

Stephen Findley's daughter Ryan, a traditional learner and younger sister of a RISE graduate, was one of the graduates and her proud father also spoke to the emotions felt on graduation day.

"To see the milestones that Ryan has reached because of the time investment that RISE has made in her, I think makes it extra special," he said. "For her to graduate, it feels like a team win. Like, we as the parents, and then the people at RISE come along beside us and just help support us."

Findley also said his family counts themselves fortunate that their children are loved and so supported.

"The people here at RISE, they ask about all of our children," he said. "They ask, 'How was this event? or 'How was that event?' They just feel very vested in our success and where we are in life and sort of our journey through this. I don't think there's many places that do stuff like that."

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