Two students, Jasmine Ann Yinger and Caden Murphy, will graduate from the Vern Riffe School during its ceremony in the Shawnee State University Ballroom on May 22, 2024, at 1 p.m.

Yinger is a resident of  Portsmouth, Ohio. She is the daughter of April and Eddie Yinger and granddaughter of Gary Fowler. She likes the character Stitch of Disney’s Lilo and Stitch and enjoys going to the gym and working out. She is a very outgoing person who enjoys the outdoors and being with her family. After graduation she wants to work with children.

“We are sad that Jasmine won't be in the classroom after graduation, but we are excited to see the wonderful things she does next,” said Vern Riffe School Intervention Specialist Brenda Macdonald. 

Murphy lives in Wheelersburg, Ohio, with Annie and Matt Murphy. He enjoys watching Shrek and spinning his toys, and his favorite foods include pizza and Slim Jims. After graduation Caden plans to attend the STAR workshop, hang out with his family, and attend family activities.

“Caden has made excellent progress and is a wonderful student to have in the classroom. We know he will do well on his journey and he will be missed,” said Vern Riffe School Intervention Specialist Melissa Gampp.

“This year’s ceremony will be small compared to our large graduating class of last year, with only two graduates. Both graduates greatly enjoy school and have good attitudes about their school work and enjoy socializing with their friends during the school day,” said Tom Koch, an intervention specialist for the Scioto County Board of Developmental Disabilities (SCDD).

The ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22. Invocation will be delivered by Loretta Cooper, and Principal Tammy Guthrie will make some remarks. SCDD Board Member and a self-advocate for developmental disabilities Bill Adams will give the keynote speech. A slideshow of graduations will be played, followed by the awarding of diplomas and then photo opportunities in the gymnasium. The event will be live-streamed on Facebook.

For more information about the programs and services at Scioto County Developmental Disabilities, call the number provided or visit online at www.sciotodd.org, and like and follow them on Facebook and TikTok.