Celebrating Independence at Vista Life Innovations Graduation 2023!

Families, friends, community members, and Vista staff all convened at the Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center in Old Saybrook to celebrate the graduation of six students from Vista Life Innovations, a nationally accredited post-secondary program that supports the personal success of individuals with disabilities. The graduates this year were Madelynn Dunahoo, Wilson Graham, Ashley Jones, Tyler Krantz, Alexandra Prue, and David Rich.

The 2023 graduates have completed Vista’s Discover Program, a residential transition program where students learn the skills necessary to live independently through experiential training in a community-based setting. Graduation is a significant milestone that acknowledges the independence and success these students have worked hard to achieve while in the Discover Program. The graduates plan to join Vista’s long-term, community based Engage Program, and live independently in our shoreline community.

Vista was honored to have Neil Fuentes as the graduation keynote speaker. Neil has worked with Vista’s A Shared Stage Productions to produce amazing shows featuring Vista students and community actors. He directed Grease and All Shook Up, served as vocal coach for Sister Act, and appeared onstage as “Gomez” in The Addams Family. Also attending the event were State Rep. Chris Aniskovich, State Rep. Devin Carney, First Selectman Danielle Chesebrough of Stonington, First Selectman John L. Hall of Westbrook, First Selectman Matt Hoey of Guilford, First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons of Madison, and State Senator Norman Needleman. The dignitaries shared kind and inspiring words and awarded the graduates with certificates.

As one of our graduates, Maddie Dunahoo, said in her speech, “Throughout my time in the Discover Program, I have learned the importance and beauty of self-respect. Not only has it helped me establish healthy boundaries with myself and others, but it has made me more confident. It's opened my eyes and helped me shift my mindset.”

With campuses in Madison, Westbrook, and Pawcatuck, Connecticut, Vista has been providing services and resources to assist individuals with disabilities achieve personal success for over 30 years.