Graduation Day

Matt graduated from Garden Park High School in Canyon City, Colorado in 2000. It was a beautiful sunny day. Matt's mom, sister, and grandma came to celebrate. A very happy time, especially because it was a minor miracle. The tedium of traditional school was so difficult for a restless, creative mind like Matt's. He was able to complete his high school degree by attending The Abbey, an alternative school for students like Matt. Matt painted a mural there; the school was part of a monastery in Canyon. Some of Matt's classes were online, so he could complete the work at his own pace. His teachers liked him. Unlike the public high school, The Abbey had an atmosphere where Matt could feel good about himself, and do what he needed to do to graduate.