The Next Door Inc. Celebrates Student Success at Alternative High Schools
Timothy Shampoe, School Administrator, speaking at the KH Graduation where the graduate gets a full ceremony.
By Cole Goodwin
Hood River, Ore. June 17, 2024 — The Next Door Inc. (TNDI) recently marked a significant milestone with the first two student graduations of 2024 at its alternative high schools, Klahre House and Kelly Avenue School. These schools serve as beacons of hope for at-risk and disenfranchised youth who have struggled within the traditional public education system.
On March 22nd, celebrations were held to honor the graduates, each of whom completed their high school education a trimester early. This achievement is particularly noteworthy given the obstacles many TNDI students face, including severe credit deficiencies, behavioral and mental health challenges, and past traumas.
At Klahre House, one remarkable graduate overcame a credit shortfall at the start of the school year and is now enrolled at Columbia Gorge Community College, taking a significant step forward in his educational journey. Similarly, a student from Kelly Avenue School, joined the school to manage social-emotional challenges.
”This young student enrolled at KAS at the beginning of the year with a clear plan of what he wanted to do. He came to TNDI's school because of social-emotional challenges and was missing a lot of school. He worked tirelessly with the talented and exceptional education team at KAS to create and customize an educational path to success. As the student watched and lived in a classroom culture that was trauma-informed, and cultivated his ability to learn, to focus, and to help him through his traumas, he started to develop a dream of giving back to his community. He decided that he would like to pursue becoming a counselor or do something in the social work field as a career path,” said a representative of The Next Door Inc.
Timothy Shampoe, TNDI's School Administrator, reflected on the transformative power of the schools' individually tailored approach to education and trauma-informed approach.
"Within the last five or almost six years, I have witnessed students forgotten by society find their voice and their purpose," said Shampoe. He praised the educational team for shifting paradigms and helping students connect with their classes, exceed their own expectations, and build confidence.
"I am honored and it is my privilege to work with staff and students who are champions and world changers," Shampoe added. He emphasized the alignment of TNDI's educational philosophy with mental health support, which has been crucial in fostering a school climate that promotes success for both students and staff.
TNDI stands as the largest social service agency in the Gorge, employing over 100 staff members and facilitating more than 35 programs aimed at strengthening children and families and improving communities in Oregon and Washington.
For more information on The Next Door Inc. and its programs, visit https://nextdoorinc.org/.
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