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Six Graduate from Willie Ross School for the Deaf

Longmeadow—Six students graduated from Willie Ross School for the Deaf (WRSD) at this year’s commencement, which was held on June 10 at the school’s Longmeadow campus, 32 Norway Street. WRSD leadership, graduates and their families were present for the ceremony.

 

The six graduates are Solomon Shtrom, Natavia Cobb, Darlin Betemi and Ashley Marrero, all of Springfield; Corbin Marcil from Easthampton; and Cameron Veprauskas from Southwick.

 

Corbin Marcil, of Easthampton, has been a student at Willie Ross since 2006. His favorite class in school was Life Skills and his hobbies include watching fantasy movies and playing games. Marcil has plans to attend tech school in the fall.

 

Ashley Marrero, of Springfield, has been a WRSD student since 2006. Her favorite class in school was English, and her hobbies include drawing and gaming. Marrero’s plans for next year include working and supporting her family.

 

Darlin Betemi, of Springfield, has been a WRSD student since October 2021. His favorite classes in school were history, science, and art. His hobbies include hanging out with friends, going to the pool and beach with friends, and taking trips. Betemi plans to attend National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) at the Rochester Institute of Technology in the fall, as well as working and traveling.

 

Natavia Cobb, of Springfield, has been a WRSD student since November 2003. Her favorite classes in school were English, P.E., and American Sign Language (ASL), and her hobbies include swimming, walking, listening to music, hanging out with friends and family, and shopping. Cobb plans to begin working after graduation.

 

Solomon Shtrom, of Springfield, has been a student at WRSD since 2008. Shtrom’s post-graduation plans include continuing his volunteer work at Baystate and looking for full-time employment.

 

Cameron Veprauskas, of Southwick, has been a WRSD student since February 2007. His favorite classes in school were all science classes, and his hobbies include gaming.

 

The Willie Ross School for the Deaf provides a comprehensive educational program stressing academic excellence that focuses on the development of students’ intellectual, social, and emotional growth from the early childhood level through high school. Willie Ross serves students at its main campus in Longmeadow and at its partnership campus located in the East Longmeadow Public Schools. Mainstreaming opportunities are provided at the partnership campus.