Barbara Lawlor, Nederland.  They are graduates number 94, 95, 96, 97 and 98. Chinook West is closing in on its 100th student to accomplish what once seemed an impossible goal: earn the necessary requirements to graduate from high school.

As the five seniors accepted their diplomas at the Chinook West High School last Friday, the gym was packed with families and friends who were tearfully proud of the class of 2018 for making the decision to graduate and then follow through with their plans.

The teens sat on the traditional couch placed in the front of the room as the speakers, their teachers and mentors praised them for who they were, are and will become. Sabrina Evans, Sarie Lund, Megan McDonald, Olivia Maaherra and Jagger Perez received their diplomas and expressed their gratitude for the support and encouragement they found at Chinook West.

Each of the graduates received a copy of Dr. Seuss’s “Oh, the Places You’ll Go,” and a small plant, a seedling actually, a flower ready to bloom.

Dr. Jocelyn Brown, a writer, scholar, and founder/CEO of Brown and Sons Publishing and Writing Professional, told the teens to explore, achieve and dream.

Chinook West board member Jen Karowe spoke on behalf of the TEENS Inc. Board of Directors. She said “The success of the students comes, in part, from the leadership of Stephen LeFaiver, for his passion, his compassion, his knowledge and his dedication. We also recognize the staff and teachers and thank them for the way they truly care for “their kids.”

“We are celebrating the students and their hard work and commitment and their passion, and their graduation.”

Director Stephen LeFaiver asked grads, family, teachers and friends to stand for a moment of silence projecting positive thoughts for the future for all the graduates.

The formal part of the graduation being over, the crowd enjoyed a feast prepared by Lookout Mountain Youth Center Culinary School.

(Originally published in the May 31, 2018, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)