Pre-K graduation celebrated at Helen Keller school

BROOKLYN (WABC) -- It's graduation time - an ending point to progress already made and a starting point for big things ahead. Youngsters from Helen Keller Services for the Blind Learning Center donned caps and gowns on Friday.

John Paul Sica had a brain tumor that took his eyesight, but his parents found help at Helen Keller Services for the Blind.

"They taught him so much form how to navigate, how to use two hands, how to use a cane. They introduced him to braille," Melissa Sica, his mother, said.

John Paul got his diploma with 15 classmates. Some of the children started the program at six months old. Now graduates are showing love for their very talented and well-trained teachers who collectively speak 12 languages to help diverse families who come from all five boroughs.

"We work with families and the children. We have social workers and for them, this is them saying 'Wow! We made it! I didn't think we would, but we did,'" principal Garth White said.

Michael Drake's parents beamed at the emotional milestone.

"I'm happy. I'm thrilled," his dad said.

"Doctors told us he wasn't going to make it this far. He's a blessing beyond compare," his mom said.

The next step for Michael is kindergarten. Most of the kids will go to PS 102 where they can get more services and make more progress.

For more information about the program, please visit www.helenkeller.org.