The Shoshone Learning Center graduated its largest class on record on Sunday, 21 students (two will graduate in the summer), alongside eight students from Park 1 Virtual Academy. 

During the ceremony SLC graduate Ayla Bruski was briefly thrust into the spotlight for her hard work and determination. 

In eighth grade Bruski developed a still unexplained pain in her knee that made it difficult for her to attend school through her sophomore year, her mother Kam Bruski said.

Ayla was first a student at P1VA during its second semester and later transitioned to the SLC.

“During her junior year she became a part time SLC student and then a fire lit inside of her and she realized she could do even more,” P1VA coordinator and counselor DeAnne Jensen said, to a large audience gathered for the grads. “She pushed herself more than she thought possible and in this past fall she was accepted into the SLC full time, and with their help and alternative education opportunities the impossible became possible.”

Ayla earned 20 credits her junior and senior year in order to graduate, doing the work of four years in two. At both the SLC and Powell High School students must complete 24 credits within their high school career in order to graduate. 

“We wouldn’t have done it without the SLC, Jensen, Mr. [Leon] Miller, Mr. [Hanson] Jordan, all absolutely fantastic people that I don’t think a lot of these kids would make it without them — this SLC is amazing,” Kam said, adding, “This is huge for us, for her.”

Ayla was just one success story this year, the achievements of both SLC student and P1VA students were touted during the ceremony including two students who attended the SLC for four years, a rarity, and Dakota Hernandez who put in the extra work to graduate from P1VA in December. Many students earned Hathaway Scholarships or other financial awards and every P1VA student present was recognized for an award by Jensen for a scholarship, honor roll achievement or both. 

Students Elle Wilson, Victoria Beaudry, Kyler Reeves and Vanessa Acevedo spoke or presented during the ceremony in the Powell High School auditorium.

“It was way easier to me because it was actually catered to me. I don’t know it felt a lot more personal, and like Mrs. Jensen, best counselor in the existence of counselors ever,” Wilson said.

Students attend either option for a variety of reasons, and their path to graduation is largely tailored to them.

“They will just work with you in any way possible, and they’re so determined to get you through,” Beaudry said.

She is ready for her next step. For her that means going to Namibia in southern Africa for an internship with an outfitting business before going to Eastern Wyoming College for veterinary technology. 

Wilson did not have a stand out moment she could think of, but once again praised the personalized experience at P1VA.

Of Jensen she said, “she knew my name, she knew me, she specifically cared about me. That’s what I really liked about it.” 

Wilson will be attending Northwest College in the fall where she will be studying elementary education.

“I am proud of all of you, and I know that you all have so much potential to do great things in the future … I’m truly proud of your accomplishment to make it to the stage today and I hope you can enjoy this moment and use it for a catalyst for whatever lies ahead,” Jensen said.