Neighbor News
Vista Life Innovations Celebrates The Class of 2026 Graduates
Six Discover Program students recognized for achieving a major milestone toward greater independence!
OLD SAYBROOK, Conn. — August 21, 2026 — Vista Life Innovations celebrated the graduation of six students from its Discover Program on Friday, August 21, at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center in Old Saybrook.
Families, students, members, friends, community leaders, Vista staff and Board members gathered to recognize the accomplishments of the Vista Class of 2026: Jimmy Burch, Nikita Klebnikov, Kaitlin McCoy, Jack McKelvy, Dave Reimer and Maya Wood.
The six graduates successfully completed the requirements of Vista’s Discover Program, a residential transition program that provides students with experiential training in a community-based setting. Through the program, students develop practical skills that support greater independence, including daily living, employment, social and community engagement, and self-advocacy.
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Graduation represents an important milestone for Discover students and recognizes the hard work, personal growth and increased independence they have achieved throughout their time at Vista.
The celebration was joined by several elected officials and community leaders, including U.S. Representative Joe Courtney; Connecticut State Representative Chris Aniskovich; Connecticut State Representative Devin Carney; Guilford First Selectman Matt Hoey; Old Saybrook First Selectman Carl Fortuna; and Clinton Town Council Chairman Henry J. Teskey. The officials helped commemorate the occasion and honored the graduates with proclamations recognizing their achievements.
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Also participating in the ceremony were Vista CEO Mimi Corcoran; incoming Vista Board Chair Tom Conforti; keynote speaker Laurie Pilcher; and members of Vista’s staff and leadership team.
Vista extends its gratitude to the families of the graduates for their continued encouragement and support, to the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center for hosting the celebration, and to the many friends, community partners and guests who attended to recognize the Class of 2026.
The ceremony celebrated not only the completion of the Discover Program, but also the next chapter for each graduate as they continue building meaningful, independent lives within their communities.
Congratulations to the Vista Life Innovations Class of 2026!
Vista Life Innovations provides training, support and resources that empower individuals with disabilities to achieve personal success and belonging throughout their lives.
For more information about Vista Life Innovations, visit www.vistalifeinnovations.org or call 860-399-8080.
