The sun shines bright for graduates: Terry Collins, Seraph Kelly, and Lily Svensallen stand in front of the applauding crowd on their momentous day. Right; Chinook West alumnus and Population Geneticist Silas Tittes delivers his speech about embracing one’s inner “nerd.” PHOTOS BY CHRISTOPHER KELLEY[/caption]

The sun was shining at full strength on the morning of Thursday, May 25, beaming down on Terry Collins, Seraph Kelly, and Lily Svensallen, the Chinook West High School graduates of 2023. The graduates sat on a maroon couch stationed right in front of the TEENS, Inc. entrance, as a crowd of proud teachers, parents, and peers gathered to support them on their momentous day.

TEENS, Inc. Executive Director Stephen LeFaiver hosted the event and began the graduation ceremony with a moment of silent reverence for the graduates, before he spoke of the “perseverance, resiliency, healthy risk taking, conflict resolution, goal setting, and time management skills it takes to graduate high school at Chinook West.”

Chinook West alumnus and Population Geneticist Silas Tittes gave advice to the graduates in his keynote speech, urging them to embrace their inner “nerd,” to embrace and pursue what interests them, because following those passions in life can lead down great paths.

Member of the TEENS, Inc. Board of Directors Torin Perret provided each graduate with a customary copy of Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss, a classic book that is timeless for its empowering interpretation of the journey of life.

Academic Director and Evaluation Specialist for TEENS, Inc. Bill Pollock presented Lily Svensallen with her diploma and spoke of her dependability and her tenacity in learning new things. He joked that Lily probably couldn’t wait for the moment when she no longer had to answer the question of what she’s doing next.

TEENS, Inc. Teacher Tom Holmquist presented Seraph Kelly with her diploma and, after beginning his speech with a quote from Notorious BIG, spoke of how for Seraph the sky was the limit and wished her the best in her future endeavors, including her immediate future in northern Spain. Tom also spoke of Seraph’s genuine and caring spirit.

“I just want to say thank you to every single staff member; you changed my life for the better and helped me learn how to be a kinder human,” Kelly told the crowd.

TEENS, Inc. Teacher Mark Walker presented Terry Collins with his diploma and spoke of Terry’s persistence and his strength in operating outside of his comfort zone, noting that in trying something new, like ice skating for the first time, no matter how many times Terry might fall he would get back up and try again. Mark also mentioned Terry’s artistic talents and his unique creative outlook.

“I never thought I’d be speaking up here and actually graduating, and I just want you all to know that I have truly persevered and tried to become someone better,” Collins said.

LeFaiver also acknowledged the accomplishments of other TEENS, Inc. students and staff, and then asked the graduates to stand and look behind them to all those in the crowd so that the audience can applaud them and their achievements one more time.

Congratulations to the Chinook West High School graduates of 2023!