A Carmel High School graduate who has autism received a silent standing ovation during commencement.  Jack Higgins approached the stage in West Conn's O'Neill Center to receive his diploma with his fingers in his ears to block anticipated applause and cheers. 

The Principal asked that everyone keep quiet and offer only a soft clap.  Higgins was then met by silence.  With his form of Autism, he is sensitive to noise. 

His parents spoke with a teacher for the special program he was in about concerns he'd be overwhelmed.  Carmel High School staff were able to make it so the family had the same experience as every other graduate. 

The Principal said giving people the opportunity to rise to the occasion was all it took. Lou Riolo called the students a class act and says they superseded expectations by rising to their feet, which was not preplanned.  He added that Higgins, who is very limited verbally, also rose to the occasion.  Riolo said it was so brave of him to take that walk which must have seemed like forever and he did it with grace, class and strength.