At Clackamas Education Service District, we ensure students and families in all of our communities — big and small — have access to equitable education services. Our special education programs work closely with families and schools to tailor services to each child’s individual needs so they can be successful in school and beyond. In 2022, we are excited to celebrate the graduations of 13 students in our Heron Creek Therapeutic Program and Life Enrichment Education Program.
Heron Creek celebrated the high school graduation of two students in a memorable ceremony with the students’ families and teachers on June 8.
Heron Creek serves K-12 students from districts throughout Clackamas County experiencing significant social, emotional, behavioral and academic challenges. With support from Heron Creek’s dedicated staff, 2022’s graduates overcame their barriers to success to meet a meaningful educational goal — earning a high school diploma.
The ceremony was held at Heron Creek’s program home on the Marylhurst campus in a room lovingly decorated with balloons, streamers and banners by the Heron Creek staff.
Long-time teachers of each graduating student spoke at the ceremony about the students’ strengths and the many gains they made while at Heron Creek.
“We are so excited for and proud of our graduates who worked incredibly hard to meet the very important goal of graduating, and send them positive wishes as they embark on their journey after Heron Creek,” said Stacey Sibley, assistant director of therapeutic programs at Heron Creek.
On June 13, 11 students graduated from our Life Enrichment Education Program in a joyful ceremony held at the Clackamas ESD headquarters.
LEEP’s post-high program helps students ages 18 to 21 experiencing complex disabilities gain skills they need to transition from high school students to adult community members. Staff members who supported the graduates every day escorted the students as they accepted their diplomas to the sounds of their proud families’ applause. A fun tactile craft project for the graduates was set up for them to explore after the ceremony.
Graduates who needed to stay outdoors participated in a “drive-through” ceremony. LEEP staff decorated their families’ cars with streamers and balloons before the students and their families drove by a receiving line of their teachers, educational assistants, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, behavior specialists and nurses. The cheers and applause brought wide smiles to the students’ — and their families’ — faces.
“Graduation is an important milestone. They are now young adults and have an exciting transition ahead of them,” remarked Robin Shobe, assistant director of the LEEP program. “This is a moment of celebration for the students’ teachers, service providers, educational assistants, and parents and caregivers as well, who all had the privilege of educating them and watching them grow.”
Congratulations to all our 2022 graduates!
See more photos of the Heron Creek graduation and LEEP graduation on Facebook.
