Alumni

Alumni

We welcome Gengras Center graduates to become actively involved in their own communities both before and after graduation. Our graduation ceremony, a heart felt ceremony and celebration of their accomplishments, sends our students into the future in grand fashion.

As a graduate of the Gengras Center you are part of an alumnae/i community that was created by and for strong, inquisitive individuals who will shape their own futures with the guidance and support of their families and service providers. The relationships our alumni formed at the Gengras Center last a lifetime. Years after graduation, alumnae/i maintain connections with former staff and students. Current students have the opportunity to see our grads at work and at play through Special Olympics as well as placements through adult agencies and in the community at work.

In May 2016 the Gengras Center held it’s first ever Reunion for Alumni. The event was well attended by 100 former students, parents, and staff. It was a time to reconnect with both classmates, teachers and see our growing school, especially the new CARE building.

Pictured below are students from the classes of 1995 and 1996.

Front Row, L to R: Gabe Segool, Jennifer Staunton, Melissa Ricard, Anne Cloonan and Scott Colacrai. Back Row, L to R: Brendan Burns, Marc Monroe, Steven Jinks, Brian Dever and Justin McDowell.

AJ Hawrylik is a 2005 graduate of the Gengras Center. After graduation, he transitioned to HARC as part of the Supported Employment program. At that time, AJ began work for the law offices of Reid and Reige in downtown Hartford. He continues to work at R&R and begins his day around 9:00 and has three co-workers. Some of AJ’s job responsibilities include getting the packages ready for Fed Ex, delivering them to the proper offices and picking up shredding for his co-worker. He also checks the files and puts them back neatly. AJ is also responsible for maintaining the paper supplies at the copiers. On Fridays his work team goes out to lunch or to the cafeteria. It is reported that AJ is a pleasure to have in the office.

AJ enjoys many activities after work hours including participating in activities at HARC and dances at the Elmwood Community Center. AJ also plays the Spoons at the Griswold Inn with their band.

Check back to this page often to see spotlights on other Gengras Grads. If you, or your son or daughter, would like to be featured on this page and you are a graduate of the Gengras Center, please contact Caroline Wilson at [email protected].