Neighbors’ New Vistas High School and NEO’s High School Equivalency graduates were celebrated this Thursday evening in a graduation ceremony at Woodland Park in Portage in the Oakwood Grand Hall.
This month’s New Vistas High School graduates are the fourth class to graduate this year. For the 2015-2016 school year, NEO has helped over 254 students earn their secondary credential. 69 high school diplomas (New Vistas) and 185 high school equivalent diplomas (formerly GED) were celebrated during the ceremony.
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Andrea Hollinger, an award recipient and resident of Portage gave a presentation in front of families, friends and her peers. Hollinger put her high school education on hold for 13 years to raise her children.
She enrolled with New Vistas last year in an effort to finish her education. During her time at New Vistas, Hollinger made the honor roll every single term and graduated this Thursday evening due to all of her hard work and commitment.
Hollinger will be pursuing her education further this summer by enrolling in NEO’s Pharmacy Tech program. She will then plans to continue on to Ivy Tech in the fall. Andrea has been an inspiration to teachers and fellow students alike.
The Student Council President, Jalen Evans, also gave a speech during the ceremony. She congratulated fellow graduates on “not only making it this far, but for having the willpower to continue with the rest of your lives.”
Others participating in the ceremony tonight include a future physical therapist, welder, math teacher, environmental engineer and early child development teacher.
Famed Journalist Jerry Davich, a NEO success story was the main speaker at the event. Davich is has been a Metro Columnist for the Post-Tribune and Chicago Tribune for almost 10 years and has been a host of “Casual Fridays” for Lakeshore Public Radio for almost 5 years.
Davich talked to the graduates about the importance that other people have on your life and career. “The old adage is that everything happens for a reason,” said Davich. “But I believe everyone happens for a reason. Find out what the people around you can do for you”
Davich finished off his speech reminding the students of the world that awaits them on the outside. “You are going to walk out that door and your future will slap you in the face.”
The NEO/New Vistas will be moving to a new home this summer. The students will begin their studies for the 2016-2017 school year this fall on September 6, at the former location of Camelot Bowl on Route 6 in Portage.