“Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.”

   GRADUATION

  June 2005

Kelly B.

Kelly, age 17, is proud of the friendships she has developed. They are especially important because, “ we have been through so much together while attending Mount Bachelor Academy.”  She values her new relationship with her mom, “we worked on it together”.  “I’m proud of everything I have accomplished because I’m happier with life and myself.”  After graduation, Kelly will travel and spend time with her family and friends.  In September, she will attend the American School in Switzerland to complete her senior year of high school.

Olivia F.

Olivia, 17 years old, is proud of her many accomplishments at Mount Bachelor Academy.  She finished two years of high school in one and will go on to college in the fall.  She completed Intervention and was moved up a peer group for her hard work. Olivia will return home to Friday Harbor, Washington, to spend time with both her parents during the summer.  In the fall, Olivia will be attending the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.  She plans to study natural resource conservation.

Emma J-B

Emma was proud to be chosen to backroom two Lifesteps and to facilitate the Forever Young and the Promise Lifesteps.  Emma, age 16, is pleased with her growth and the changes she has made at Mount Bachelor Academy.  “I’ve definitely made myself proud.” Emma’s friendships have taught her what it feels like to care and be cared for.  Emma will spend the summer with family and friends and, in the fall, will start school at Hebron Academy in Hebron, Maine.

The Rose ceremony

Mark K.

At Mount Bachelor Academy, Mark re-established communication with his parents. “I love talking to them and having them trust me again.  I can talk to them about anything.” Mark, age 17, is proud of learning to drop the judgments he had on himself and others in the Venture Lifestep.  Using his own experience he was later able to help others when he facilitated the Venture.  Mark will attend the graduate residence for two to four weeks after graduation and then will return home to spend time with family and friends.  In the fall, he will attend Western Christian Private High School in Covina, California.

                                                                                                                     Quinn K.

Quinn, age 16, discovered his passion for rafting while participating in one of the Mount Bachelor Academy river trips.  He has become interested in keeping in shape and works out regularly.  The Venture Lifestep was important to Quinn: “it helped me learn to deal with myself.”  After graduation Quinn will work at a guitar shop in Scott’s Valley, California.  In the fall he will attend Squaw Valley Academy in Lake Tahoe, California, to finish his high school education.

David O.

David followed his passion at Mount Bachelor Academy.  For the first time, he finished a movie using a script.  “ I learned a lot and am very proud of the end result.”  He feels that the Venture was his most important Lifestep: “ I learned how to figure out what I need to do in life.” David, 18 years old is proud of finishing high school.  “I thought I would never finish.”  After graduation, David will do an internship with John Hertsfield in Santa Monica, California, for the summer.  In the fall, he plans to attend Cal State Long Beach, California, or Emerson in Boston, Massachusetts, to study film.

Jack S.

Jack, age 17, is very proud of being chosen to facilitate an Intervention.  Jack’s Venture Lifestep was a turning point for him:  “I  learned how to step out of my comfort zone and show my graceful side.  I am proud to say that my Mom and I have a good relationship now.  We can talk without arguing, have fun and laugh together.”  Jack will return to Mount Bachelor Academy’s Graduate Residence, to finish his academics and graduate from high school.   His future includes getting a job and attending a technical school in California.

Clayton W.

Clayton is most proud of his two Intervention experiences.  As a passenger, he learned who he is and what he is capable of.  As a facilitator, he was able to share from what he had learned.  “In the Venture Lifestep I learned to live from the heart.” The third thing that Clayton, age 16, is proud of is getting closer to his family and not letting anything get in the way.  Clayton will spend the summer with his family in Pope Valley, California, and in September he will enroll at Rock Point School in Vermont.

                                                                                      Luke W.

Luke, 16 years old, is especially proud of his experiences in two Lifesteps and Intervention.  In the Promise, he achieved clarity.  In the Venture, he learned to use his voice.  At Intervention Luke says, “I broke free of my self judgments, anxieties, and learned how to use the strength inside of me.”  Luke plans to spend the summer with his family and then, in the fall, he will begin his junior year of high school at Oak Hill High School in Eugene, Oregon.

Kyle Y.

Facilitating the Bridge Lifestep is one of the accomplishments Kyle is most proud. “I love to help people because I learn to help myself a little more when I do.”  Kyle, age 16, says, “I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to last five minutes on intervention however, I did and I found myself there.”  About the Venture Lifestep Kyle says, “I’m just proud of myself for finishing it.”  After graduation Kyle will return home to finish his senior year of high school, get a part time job, and travel the Pacific coastline with friends.

“I have changed,

I cannot change back.

I have come this far forever.”

Olivia F. receiving "Sean Stover Academic Award"    Quinn K. - Ama Nova Award

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