NEDERLAND - The Chinook West High School Class of 2025 was celebrated on Thursday, May 22. The main room at TEENS, Inc. filled with proud parents, emotional teachers, excited students, and alumni returning to the halls of their youth to honor the next generation.

These fortunate young adults gathered on the couch at the front of the room, ready to accept their diplomas and be launched into their bright futures. 

TEENS, Inc. Executive Director Stephen LeFaiver, master of ceremonies, addressed the five graduates—Gabby Kelly, Quinn Kingsbury, Mason Novak, Kiley Ralstin, and Luke Ulmer—stating how proud of them were he and all the Chinook West staff.  

LeFaiver introduced the guest keynote speaker, Kerry Borcherding, a former Chinook West counselor. She is now the Vice President of Business Development for Evolve Institute, where she utilizes her two decades of experience in psychology and behavioral science, as well as hosting leadership and business development programs. 

“I see a room full of limitless potential and unlimited possibilities, but also a room full of questions, hopes, and maybe even a little bit of fear,” Borcherding said to the graduates, and to the younger Chinook West students in the crowd. 

“There is no such thing as a mistake; every time you stumble, every time something doesn’t go as planned that is not a failure, it is simply feedback—life’s way of teaching you, if you're willing to learn the lesson.

“True growth and true magic happen when you are willing to be fully expressed, to take risks, to speak up, to challenge the status quo, and to think beyond the walls of this school, and even this community, and create the world that you want.” 

Kim Sibray, Chinook West math teacher, presented the first graduate, Mason Novak, with his diploma and a very symbolic potted plant, and spoke of his way with words, his ability to be silly and see the absurdity in things, and yet be able to “lock in” and focus when it really matters.

Sibray also highlighted how Novak has expanded his work as a wordsmith by publishing articles in The Mountain-Ear, and also by committing to extracurricular work to earn additional high school and college credits.  

“Your words will continue to help others to find their way, and your grit, hard work, and determination will continue to help you show the world how very powerful words are,” Sibray said, before proudly handing him his diploma.  

“I want to thank everyone who has helped me along the way,” Novak replied, thanking his girlfriend and the friends who helped him to forge strong memories, as well as the Chinook West staff. “I’ve learned so much over the years, and I’m very excited to move on and see what the future holds for me.”   

Andrea Bianchi, Director of Student Engagement for TEENS, Inc., presented Quinn Kingsbury with his diploma and spoke of how his high school journey has felt like a television series, complete with ups and downs, and true character development. 

“We watched Quinn’s character develop complexity and greater depth and we got to watch a real protagonist emerge with more kindness, leadership, and drive,” Bianchi said.   

“I want to say thank you to the staff for giving me so many chances,” Kingsbury said as he also gave a shoutout to his “number one homie” sitting in the back of the room. 

Chinook West science teacher Cameron Kollar joined her fellow teachers in getting swept up in the emotions of speaking about the graduates, and shared her thoughts and feelings about graduate Gabby Kelly.

“My first impression of Gabby was during her new student interview where she confidently flipped the script and started asking staff questions like ‘Do you all have pets?’”

Kollar laughed through joyful tears as she relayed to the audience some of Kelly’s pranks, and shared embarrassing photographic evidence of one of her favorite moments with the graduate.  

“I would just like to say that these allegations are not true,” Kelly joked as she took the podium. She thanked her family, her boyfriend, and her friends for always supporting her and making her high school journey so memorable. She also shouted out Chinook West as the best school in Nederland. 

Bianchi welcomed to the podium graduate Kiley Ralstin and spoke of her independence, determination, and her unwavering commitment to the path she’s envisioned for herself. 

“Continue to envision the life that you want, the places that you want to explore, the people that you want to surround yourself with, and remember that everything that you need is already inside of you,” Bianchi said.

“I just want to say that I’m thankful I came back here and finished high school,” Ralstin said to the crowd. “And thank you to all the staff and to my parents for getting me through this; I don’t think I could have done it without them.”  

Sibray, before presenting Luke Ulmer with his diploma and potted plant, shared how many of his qualities, from his empathetic nature and his ability to build and maintain important and lasting relationships, make him one of Chinook West’s greatest teachers.

“I hope you continue to leave your footprints everywhere and continue being such an incredible teacher and make a positive impact,” Sibray said. “I will always be grateful for the years that I got to be one of your teachers, and also one of your students.”

“Chinook helped me to love learning, and I think that everyone should try their hardest to learn to love learning,” Ulmer said to the crowd. “I’m so eternally grateful for all the people gathered here today, for the other Chinook students, and also for all the people who weren’t able to make it. Thank you all.” 

Ulmer also gave a special mention to Julia and Madeline from Boulder County’s harm reduction efforts, for helping educate the youth on making safer life choices.  

Jen Karowe, President of the TEENS, Inc. Board of Directors, shared some words with the graduates, before handing each graduate a copy of Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss, to signify the start of their lifelong journeys. 

“Hearing your stories and understanding just a little bit about what you’ve gone through to get here is inspiring,” Karowe said to the graduates, before quoting Dr. Seuss: “You have brains in your head, you have feet in your shoes, you can steer yourself any direction you choose.”  

Dr. Bianca Gallegos, Executive Director of Student Partnerships for Boulder Valley School District, presented this years’ GRAD+ Award to the Chinook West student who went above and beyond the expectations placed upon them and earned college credits through their efforts. 

Congratulations to Mason Novak, the 2025 recipient of the GRAD+ Award. 

LeFaiver then introduced to the crowd one of Chinook West’s small traditions, a quiet moment of reflection, intended, in this scenario, for the exuberant crowd to send their best thoughts and wishes to the graduates.

“During this time just send as much positive energy and well wishes to our graduates, and I ask for our five graduates to sit there, take it all in, and enjoy it,” LeFaiver said, before striking a small chime, and letting the echo of the note hang in the silent air of the room. 

Congratulations to the Chinook West High School graduates of 2025!