21 Years Celebrating ASK Graduates

Congratulations to the Class of 2018!

On Friday, June 1st, ASK hosted its 20th Annual Graduation Celebration to recognize graduating high school patients and survivors who have achieved academic success while persevering through treatments for cancer and blood disorders.

We were very excited to continue the tradition of having the Governor of Virginia serve as the Keynote speaker, and this year we welcomed Governor Ralph Northam. 

ASK understands the struggle that each of our graduates faced to reach this milestone in their life. Treatment causes many students to miss a lot of school days, but each of these kids persisted and achieved this amazing goal.  This ceremony is just a small way we are able to celebrate them and also provide them with a scholarship to assist them in starting this new chapter in their life.  

​Two-thirds of our patients experience late effects from cancer or blood disorders which can limit their options for their future. 

This year, ASK started its Launch Project which assists high school seniors in making a plan for their future. Different opportunities await these newly graduates - some will attend college, some will head straight into the workforce and others will attend trade school.  

This celebration was organized by Alma Morgan, ASK’s educational consultant.  When speaking with our graduates this year, Alma was cited as a constant factor that helped them achieve everything up to this point in life.  She has served at VCU hospital for 30 years and has organized this graduation celebration for over 20 years.

Travis Compher, one of our 2018 graduates who will likely be attending trade school in the future, described Alma as someone that was always there for him, keeping him straight and focused.  Another 2018 graduate, JayQuan McNair will head straight into the workforce after graduation. He explained that Alma is always around to help people. 

​Congratulations to our 31 graduates from around Central Virginia!  You did it!