Step-Up Program Celebrates Graduation with Drive-By Parade

Date posted: May 26, 2020

Class of 2020 added a new member last week when Kristen R. graduated from Stepping Stones’ Step-Up Autism Alternative Education program!

The Step-Up program was founded in 2004 and serves students with severe autism who have been unable to succeed in a typical classroom setting. Currently, the program serves students from 13 school districts – providing them with a unique, individualized education that helps them excel in their studies while increasing communication and functional living skills.

Traditionally, Step-Up celebrates a student’s graduation with a ceremony at our Given Campus in Indian Hill. Executive Director Chris Adams presents graduates with their certificate of completion before an audience of their fellow students, family and educators. 

Unable to host an in-person graduation at this time, Educational Services Director Julie Howard got creative and found an alternative way to celebrate Kristen completing her high school education. She organized a parade over Memorial Day Weekend to commemorate the occasion, with our teachers and educational aides driving cars that read “Congratulations Kristen” and “Happy Graduation Kristen” past her house. 

The graduation parade was a joyful celebration of Kristen and the tremendous progress she has made in her studies at Stepping Stones. It was also another way our program has successfully adapted and continued to provide the unique educational services we do – even from afar.

We offer a big congratulations to Kristen and wish her continued success in this next chapter of adulthood!