Horizon Exploratory Academy celebrates first graduates

Tom McKee speaks during the HEA Commencement. From left are Tom McKee and graduates Kyle Olson, Amanda Reaves, Christopher Freeman, and Cassaundra Pline

Friday afternoon marked a milestone for five graduates of Horizons Exploratory Academy and for the school itself.  Just one year ago, Horizons Exploratory Academy (HEA) was merely a vision held by a small group, a vision without a name, a teacher, or students.
While speaking of the five graduates – the first ever for HEA – during the HEA Commencement held at the SteamPlant Event Center, instructor, Tom MaKee commented, “each has taken a very unique path to get here, but each has arrived at the same conclusion” (high school graduation).  The five are graduates, Sasha Blakeslee (mid-term graduate, not present at the ceremony), Christopher Freeman, Kyle Olson, Christopher Freeman, Cassaundra Pline and Amanda Reaves.  The four present for the ceremony each spoke, thanking the those that people that had an impact on their achievement. All four also included very positive remarks about HEA and how being in the alternative high school setting worked from them.
HEA offers a self paced learning environment, with flexible class schedules. This alternative approach to learning allowed for the unique paths McKee spoke of in his opening remarks.  For example, Kyle Olson maintained a very aggressive schedule which enabled him to graduate earlier than would have been possible in a more traditional environment, while Cassaundra Pline, was able to balance being a high school student, with the demanding schedule of being a spouse, homemaker and new mother.

Everyone at the Salida Citizen congratulates the HEA Class of 2010, wishing you continued success as you depart for the next chapter of your lives.

A little background on HEA
The need for an alternative high school learning environment in Salida was identified by the R-32-J Board of Education, members of the school administration, teachers and several members of the community. In the spring of 2009 school personnel took action, holding public meetings to gage interest and support for the idea.   Based on the positive response from the meetings and the knowledge that providing an alternative high school program would allow the school system to better meet their goals and objectives, the Board of Education then approved the formation of an alternative high school, utilizing available space in the current high school building and approved the hiring of a teacher to staff the school.
A steering committee was formed consisting of administrators, teachers, parents and prospective students, which immediately set to work forming the foundation of the new public high school.  This committee met throughout the summer of 2009, eventually hiring an instructor with a very strong alternative education background, establishing the school name, creating the student handbook and recruiting students.
The long list of necessities all came together as the school quietly came together, opening in the fall of 2009 with one teacher and an aid.  This unique school is housed in three rooms of the Kesner Building, where you will find the ordinary desks, computers and books, however you will also find a sofa, large bean bag chair, a bicycle or two and students engaged in a variety of actives, from art and one-on-one academic instruction with the teacher at a Smart Board to quietly reading.
After spending a little time in the school, you are immediately struck with the freedom granted each student.  McKee has regular meetings with each student where progress is measured against goals.  At these meetings schedules are set individually, based on school performance and the students needs. This schedule flexibility is one of the keys to success for many students, allowing them to continue a high school career while managing unique life needs.
As a parent of an HEA student I can attest to the success our son has had in this unique environment, a level of success which wasn’t possible in the traditional school system.  However, this system is not for every student, as it places a high amount of responsibility on the student for their progress, which is often challenging for students as well as parents. Our personal experience is that our son has risen to the challenge, is progressing well academically and is developing important self sufficient life skills.
My hat is off to Salida R-32J for actively pursuing their goals and developing this important program, to the uniquely qualified instructor Tom Mckee (possibly my son’s best friend, certainly his role-model), and of course to the five new alumni of Horizons Exploratory Academy. Carpe diem!