Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Woodward Children Center in Freeport celebrated its Class of 2026 with families and community members. The graduating class was comprised of 17 students that highlight the capabilities of special needs children.
The graduation on June 25 was the first of its kind to be held outdoors behind the school, which provided attendees with great weather along with the immense pride and joy parents and teachers alike had for the students.
Woodward is a not-for-profit corporation and non-public school which provides intentional special education care for students dealing with autism, emotional disabilities or other health impairments. With about 80 full-time students split evenly between ten classrooms from ages 5 to 21, the school aims to maximize the academic and social potential of each student while aligning with New York State education standards.
Among the many supporters present were community leaders and politicians, including Freeport Mayor Robert Kennedy, Town of Hempstead Supervisor John Ferretti, Nassau County Legislator Debra Mulé and Freeport Chamber of Commerce President Ben Jackson. All four addressed the graduates and encouraged them to continue striving for excellence. Mayor Kennedy gave the graduates to particular pieces of advice.
“Please don’t forget, you never put off for tomorrow what you can do today,” Kennedy said during the graduation. “And second, always take two steps forward and one step back; you’re not always right. Remember those two mottos and you will move forward.”
Another special guest appearance came virtually in the form of a pre-recorded video. Actor and professional wrestler Laurence Tureaud, better known as Mr. T, sent a personal message to the school, which Greg Ingino, Woodward’s executive director played during the graduation.
“That’s amazing to reach this great milestone,” Mr. T said in the video. “Keep up the good work. Don’t quit. Winners never quit and quitters never win.”
In his own remarks Ingino added, “Progress does not always look typical. It may come in small steps. …But those small steps are not small at all. They are foundations. They are breakthroughs. And you are champions, and we can’t thank you enough for being part of the Woodward family.”
The commencement speech was given by New York educator Glori Engel. She praised the school and tis students for fostering such a positive and uplifting environment where students develop and mature in multiple ways.
“Woodward is very unique,” Engel said. “It’s unique because it’s defined by its people. People who care deeply, people who support one another and people who refuse to stop growing. And today we celebrate all of that growth.”
