Amid memories of high school adventures, 20 graduates of Telesis Preparatory Academy moved into the next chapter of their lives Thursday evening.

Telesis superintendent Sandy Breece said she was very excited about Thursday’s graduation ceremony.

Dr. Sandy Breece poses for a photo with the Telesis Preparatory Acadamy graduates. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

“The graduates are really key to this. They helped plan and decide everything – the music we march in to; the music we recess to. It’s all about them,” she said.

“It’s a very individualized (graduation) program just like our education system,” she said.

Cory Merryman, a 1999 Telesis graduate said Thursday’s ceremony brought back a lot of wonderful memories. Merryman’s class consisted of seven graduates.

“Just seeing how Telesis has grown and advanced throughout the years. Telesis is very near and dear to my heart. Coming together and realizing we can still be connected after this many years is exceptional,” Merryman said.

One of Thursday’s graduates, Peyton LeeAnn Connor, said she was excited.

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

“I’m real excited because I had a lot of adventures in high school, but I think this is where it really begins.

“I could say I’m nervous but there’s nothing to be nervous about because all of high school has prepared me for this. It’s going to be a good experience, learning how to be on my own.”

Connor said she was thankful for friends and family for pushing her into the world to be on her own.

“You can do your own thing. Have your job and go to your colleges. I hope everyone feels that way when they graduate,” she said.