NOTTINGHAM, MD—The Maryland School for the Blind held its 169th commencement on June 6, 2022. The ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of 19 students from the Class of 2022, who are now proud MSB alumni.

The ceremony consisted of the conferring of diplomas, certificates, and awards, with remarks from Dr. Joshua Irzyk, MSB Director of Education, and commencement speaker, Paul Schroeder, Vice President Government and Community Affairs, American Printing House for the Blind.

Class President, LaShai Richardson, addressed the class of 2022 with the message “Be courageous, be bold, and be your best because you can do whatever you set your mind to.”

Special awards were presented to several students, who exhibited leadership qualities, academic excellence or noteworthy improvement throughout their years at MSB. Senior Krystian Williams of Washington, DC was awarded the B. Franklin Newcomer Award, which recognizes a student who demonstrates, through leadership and citizenship, a positive influence in both school and residential life.

Seniors, Lyric Wharton of Baltimore and David Jacobs II of Gwynn Oak received the Staff Commendation Awards. Underclassman Marie Ijambo of Nottingham was presented with the MSB Alumni Award. Marie, a native of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is donating her monetary award to a school for the blind in her home country.

“We are very proud of our students for setting high standards and achieving their goals. MSB has prepared them with the education and skills needed to be as independent as possible and we look forward to a promising future for each of our graduates,” said Irzyk.

Founded in 1853, The Maryland School for the Blind is a private, statewide resource center providing outreach, educational and residential programs to youth from infancy to age 21 who are blind or low-vision, including those with multiple disabilities. Annually the school serves 1,300 students from all 24 Maryland jurisdictions and the surrounding area through its on-campus and outreach programs.