non speaking student with autism gives moving commencement speech

Everyone has a right to be heard. – Photo credit: Photo by Pang Yuhao on Unsplash

Equality, Identity, Popular, Top Splash

Nonspeaking valedictorian delivers powerful graduation speech about using our voices

Heather Wake

5/16/2022
Pictured here: Anita Omary; her son, Osman; and Omary’s close friends – Photo credit: Array

In Partnership With Levi Strauss Foundation →

Family, Modern Families, Motherhood

Once a refugee seeking safety in the U.S., Anita Omary is using what she learned to help others thrive.

Sarah Watts

2/11/2026