At 11 a.m. on May 27, 2021, Chinook students and loved ones, board members and staff gathered to bid farewell to four students successfully graduating in 2020- 2021. J. Orion Bruno, Elijah Krajicik, Olivia Medina and Lauren Merz said good-bye to childish things and student requirements and hello to alumni status and full-time adulting.

The emcee for the ceremony was Executive Director Stephen LeFaiver, who has contributed to the education of local teens in this role since July, 2005.

A goose-bump inspiring commencement speech was given by 2013 Nederland High School (NHS) graduate Torin Perret, who has worked at TEENS Inc. in various roles from entry level to supervisor over the years. He currently serves on the TEENS Inc. Board of Directors. Perret was in his junior year at CSU when he was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor. He returned to Nederland to heal as he received treatment. He was able to return to college after 18 months and to complete an internship requirement by working for the TEENS Work summer program.

Lauren Merz, the first student to speak, was introduced by program director Melissa Elbert. Lauren shared that she had not prepared a speech for the day but she did a fabulous job winging it. She shared gratitude that she and her fellow “crazy and rowdy” classmates had found a place where they could be themselves and succeed. She was excited to have graduated on time and shared how scared she was to approach her parents about leaving NHS for Chinook, but that talking with her father about the option was the best decision she’s made.

Elijah Krajick was introduced by teacher Tom Holmquist. Tom shared that Elijah is a kind and loyal friend, skilled athlete and thought provoking political conversationalist. Elijah expressed gratitude for the staff at Chinook saying, “they were always available to sit down for an honest conversation, which always made me feel good.” He said when the work became overwhelming, Tom and other staff had a way of relieving the burden. Elijah said it was his classmates that made his high school years special and he would never forget any of them.

Orion Bruno was the last student to speak, introduced by his counselor, Sandy Chervenak. Sandy shared her appreciation for Orion’s wonderful artwork, especially how well he draws faces, and his short stories, worthy of a Hollywood screenplay. Orion shared his gratitude for Chinook’s role in helping him to graduate on time. He said he was excited to move forward and attend college in the fall. Orion will also remember his friends as the best part of his experience at Chinook as he felt free for the first time to be himself in school.

Olivia Medina was unable to attend the graduation. The ceremony was recorded for her by Chinook staff and her fellow students whooped and hollered their love and congratulations for her to hear at a later date and Melissa tearfully shared her memories of meeting Olivia for the first time and how taken aback she was by Olivia’s thoughtfulness and sensitivity.

The event was wrapped up with thanks to the members of the TEENS Inc. Board of Directors, who shared cupcakes and special gifts with the graduates.

Sunny Frydendall, a family member in attendance for Orion Bruno, said it was the best graduation ceremony she had ever participated in. “It was all about the kids,” she said. “That’s the way it should be.”