The Chinook West High School Class of 2024 – Ava Bruno, Ehren Busby, and Wylde Monroe-Kelly – sat on a large couch in the middle of TEENS, Inc. center’s main room on the morning of Thursday, May 23. Past alumni and future graduates took their seats alongside teary-eyed teachers and parents beaming with emotion and anticipation, as the crowd gathered around to celebrate the three students’ graduation.

TEENS, Inc. Executive Director Stephen LeFaiver took to the microphone as the master of ceremonies and spoke to the core values that all Chinook West students adhere to, including healthy risk taking, time management, and goal setting skills.

“We come together, we solve problems that may be difficult, we take ownership of our behaviors and find common ground with a classmate or teacher and figure out how best to move forward,” LeFaiver said to the crowd. “All of these graduates not only have learned these skills, they’ve met them head on and demonstrated them over and over again.”

LeFaiver introduced guest speaker Katy Nielsen as a TEENS, Inc. alumna, owner of Outlaw Production Collective, an artistic director, performance artist, producer, model, actress, and bass player. Nielsen’s keynote speech highlighted for the graduates how their unconventional education from Chinook West and unique experiences in Nederland will serve as an advantage as they venture forward.

“You are going to be able to offer insight and solutions to issues that the majority of folks out there may not have the tools to address. As individuals whose baseline of education and experience is outside of what’s ‘normal,’ you have the inherent ability to think and live differently. This is going to allow you to challenge the status quo, and ultimately create a better system and a better world,” Nielsen said in her speech.

“I take a lot of comfort in the knowledge that you, with the tools you’ve been gifted here at Chinook West, are our next generation of leaders. You have what it takes to go out there, challenge the old ways and innovate a better system. You’ve already done so much – congratulations!”

LeFaiver gave a shout out to the members of the TEENS, Inc. Board of Directors before introducing board member Shenna Fitzergerald, who gave each graduate a copy of Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss.

“This is a big day in your life, but it is your first big day in a lifetime of many big days and we can’t wait to see where you all go and the paths that you all take,” Fitzgerald said.

Max Marschhausen, Community Mobilizer for TEENS, Inc., presented the first graduate, Wylde Monroe-Kelly, with his diploma and spoke of his resilient nature.

“You have faced and tackled challenges that not even some adults have faced in their own lives, and I have seen you face these challenges with deep authenticity, emotional intelligence, and a gravitas that’s only fitting for the young man that you are,” Marschhausen said.

“I have zero doubt in my mind that by just being the incredible young man you are you will build a life for yourself that is fulfilling, adventurous, and joyful.”

Monroe-Kelly spoke about how he once considered dropping out of public school, but his experience at Chinook West changed the course of his journey.

“I’m so proud of all the things that I’ve learned here at Chinook West; Chinook is the environment where I learned how to be a person,” Monroe-Kelly said.

“I couldn’t even imagine seeing myself standing here until right now. So I’d like to thank all of those who helped me get to where I am today.”

TEENS, Inc. Science Teacher Cameron Kollar, in her speech celebrating graduate Ava Bruno, began to cry as she spoke about Bruno being the first friendly face to make her feel welcome as a new teacher.

“Ava is truly a leader in our community,” Kollar said. “Her resilience, groundedness, and compassionate nature have set a powerful example for all of us. Her kindness, empathy, and willingness to support others have made a lasting impact on everyone that she has met.”

“I hope that you loved your time here and that you can move forward with optimism, courage, and a sense of purpose.”

Bruno shared some words with the crowd, and expressed how she was grateful for Chinook West for renewing her confidence in herself.

“Thank you, Chinook, for listening to me rant or cry, every single day,” Bruno said. “For making me laugh in the morning, even if I was angry that day. Thank you all so much.”

Andrea Bianchi, Director of Student Engagement for TEENS, Inc., presented Ehren Busby with his diploma and spoke of his perseverance.

“We are so lucky to have Ehren as part of our community here at Chinook, and as part of our community here in Nederland,” Bianchi said. “You should be so proud of yourself. You can go wherever you want to go and whatever community you become a part of will be better for having you in it.”

Ehren expressed how learning at Chinook West differed from his experience in public school.

“I started out at Ned High, and all you really do is learn basic material. As soon as I came to Chinook I learned more about life,” Ehren said. “I appreciate Chinook for teaching me life skills, not just math and reading; it’s all about social interaction and being appropriate, and I’ll miss it.”

LeFaiver led the crowd in a special shout out to the graduates, as well as to the past grads and future grads in the audience, and the TEENS, Inc. staff. Then LeFaiver asked for a quiet moment of intention, for the crowd to send their best thoughts and wishes to the graduates.

“We have rituals throughout the year: every Wednesday we come together as a community in this room here and we talk about things that are working well, that are not working well, and some hard discussions about what we need to change to make things better within our community,” LeFaiver said.

“We start every gathering with a moment of silence just to come together and have intention within that space. So to end this graduation I’d like for us to be quiet for a moment or two and really put intention into our graduates, sending them out with as much positive thought and hope that we can give them.”

Congratulations to the Chinook West High School graduates of 2024!