Graduation Honors

By Cheryle Rodriguez

“Blessed be this day upon which our eyes once again opened; for each new day is a gateway to what will be,” said the Rev. Tom David Siebert, chaplain, Department of Pastoral Care at the VCU Medical Center, as he opened the Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Clinic’s 2013 graduation celebration.

Siebert and more than 140 people gathered in the Hermes A. Kontos Medical Sciences Building auditorium to celebrate the largest graduating class in the 16-year history of the program.

The ceremony honored 21 new high school graduates who have received treatment for various forms of cancer and blood disorders from the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU’s Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Clinic. The graduates represented nine public schools and three private schools, and the group also included two students who were home schooled.

“We’ve seen your strength, your courage and determination,” said Alma Morgan, educational consultant and the program’s organizer.  “Even though you’re graduating and moving on, we will be going with you.”

This year’s graduates achieved exceptional levels of excellence, such as one student who was accepted into 12 colleges. Many others graduated near the top of their class, such as Allison Rippy, who graduated 19^th in a class of more than 500 from Cosby High School in Chesterfield County.  

“My parents taught me a great work ethic,” Rippy said. “I also had great teachers who were willing to work with me.”

In June 2010, at the end of her first year in high school, Rippy was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer that starts in cells called lymphocytes.  A few months after receiving a stem cell transplant in June of 2011, her mom developed cancer and died in the fall of her senior year in high school.

“All of you have had experiences that have molded you and made you,” said keynote speaker Mike Rhodes, VCU’s associate head men’s basketball coach.  “All the days, good and bad have made you who you are.”

Rhodes and cancer survivor Charlie Mingroni shared the stage as keynote speakers.  

“We have learned through our diagnosis, that we have nothing to lose,” Mingroni said.  “Do what pleases you.  Go create your reason for being here.”

The celebration included a luncheon.  ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation and the Sickle Cell Association of Richmond awarded scholarships to the graduates.


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