Celebrating Resilience and Success: Alumni Night Shines a Light on the Journeys of East Williston Graduates
By Ngoc Cong
The East Williston School District Special Education Parent Council recently hosted a moving and insightful event: an Alumni Night panel featuring former students who returned to share their stories of growth, resilience, and success. The evening welcomed parents, educators, community members—and even a few current students—eager to understand what life looks like beyond the classroom walls.
As a parent of two young children, I often find myself wrestling with the rising anxiety around education and the looming pressure of college admissions. I remember those years vividly—the vulnerability, the pressure to conform, and the narrow definition of success that left little room for alternative paths like trade school or less traditional journeys. Back then, “normal” meant whatever aligned with college-readiness in the most conventional sense.
My kids are still young. Sometimes, it feels like we have all the time in the world—but I know I’ll blink and find myself wondering where it all went.
Alumni Night offered a glimpse into that future. It was raw, emotional, and deeply affirming—not just for me, but for many others in the room. At the heart of the evening were the stories.
The panelists spoke with honesty and courage about their school years: the pressures of standardized tests, college essays, and deadlines; the role of teachers, friends, and families in helping them through. Their experiences were diverse, but all shared a common thread—perseverance.
We heard about the struggles: feeling isolated when taking a non-traditional route, missing access to key resources, or facing expectations that didn’t fit.
But we also heard about turning points: finding the right supports, gaining confidence, and discovering purpose. Whether transitioning to college, advocating for themselves in new environments, or entering the workforce and building fulfilling careers, each alum reminded us that success isn’t one-size-fits-all.
They also reminded us of something even more powerful: that failure isn’t final—it’s often where the real learning begins. With the right support and belief, every student can thrive.
Alumni Night left the audience with a challenge—to keep building a school district that embraces every learner, to advocate for better resources, to listen more deeply, and to celebrate progress in all its forms.
To the alumni: thank you. Your stories were a gift—and a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we lead with empathy, flexibility, and belief in every student’s potential.
