Ben Bronz Academy, a private school in West Hartford serving students in need of specialized learning, held their Graduation and Awards Ceremony on Thursday, June 18, at Northwest Catholic High School. 

Ben Bronz Academy Graduation and Awards Ceremony. Photo credit: Roz Green

By Roz Green  

Nine Ben Bronz Academy students walked across the graduation stage this past Thursday, all holding their heads up high with pride. The audience was filled with fellow schoolmates, faculty, family, and friends, all there to show their support.

Additionally, many students who attend the academy were rewarded for their hard work and dedication. 

Dr. Gail Lanza gives her remarks. Photo credit: Roz Green

Starting off the ceremony were Board Chair Richard Rubenstein, as well as Executive Director Gail Lanza. They told the graduates that they, and everyone in the room, were filled with pride at how much these students have grown over their time spent at the academy. They also congratulated all the students in the crowd who had achieved so much throughout the year.

“For some of you, although reading was a struggle, it has now become something that you enjoy,” said Lanza. “We have seen you grow from being shy or hesitant communicators to young adults who can advocate for themselves, express their views, and make lasting friendships.” 

Lanza also gave thanks to the families in the crowd, and shared her gratitude for their love and support. “Thank you for believing in your kids when others may have doubted it, for advocating for them strongly, for giving all your love and support, and for trusting us with educating them,” she said. To finish her address Lanza expressed her excitement to see what the future holds for the nine graduates and for all the students in the room. “We can’t wait to see the amazing things you all do,” said Lanza. 

Presentation of awards. Photo credit: Roz Green

Following their opening remarks, Education Directors Christina Lamphere and Cynthia Fries presented the awards. Numerous awards were given out to students most improved in reading, mathematics, lower school, middle school, upper school, and more. Memorial awards were handed out as well, such as the Bobby Garten Memorial Award for Most Improved in Middle School, handed to the recipient Sebastian Rubio Vasquez. Bobby Garten was a graduate of Ben Bronz Academy who became a Hartford Police Officer and was tragically killed in the line of duty in September 2023. That award was handed out by Bobby Garten’s brother, Will, who presented the award in his brother’s honor. 

Presentation of awards. Photo credit: Roz Green

After all the awards were presented, it was time to honor the Class of 2026, which included Dae Coates, Derel Crudden, Evan Vallieres, Isabella Cohen, Jayleen Almodovar, Jonathan Formica, Malik Abdul-Salaam, Mia Rivera, and Nathaniel Lawarence. 

Malik Abdul-Salaam gives his remarks. Photo credit: Roz Green

Each graduate was given a chance to say a few words, expressing their gratitude and feelings of accomplishment. “I came to Ben Bronz over 10 years ago, and I cannot believe this day is here,” said graduate Malik Abdul-Salaam, who said he gained a newfound confidence throughout the time he spent at the academy. 

Isabella Cohen gives her remarks. Photo credit: Roz Green

“I am most proud of my reading growth,” said graduate Isabella Cohen. “When I came to Ben Bronz Academy, reading was a struggle. Now, it’s something that I actually need, like a hobby now.” Cohen shared how much she has grown throughout her years, and she also gave thanks to all of the teachers that helped her along the way. “They’ve helped me grow in my confidence and my academics.” Cohen expressed her excitement for the future, and is grateful that she knows how to pick herself up and handle any problem that comes her way. 

All of the commencement speakers were met with a huge round of applause, cheers, and a sense of joy that filled the room. Board of Directors Chair Richard Rubenstein and Executive Director Gail Lanza returned to the podium and said their final congratulations to the Class of 2026 and all of the incredible award recipients sitting in the audience. 

Presentation of awards. Photo credit: Roz Green

After the ceremony ended, families and friends gathered for photos, hugs, and one final congratulations. The award recipients left the ceremony with hearts full of pride, and the Class of 2026 left ready to take the next step into the future. 

Ben Bronz Academy Graduation and Awards Ceremony. Photo credit: Roz Green

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