In Philomath Academy’s administrative offices Wednesday, counselor Beth Edgemon handed out caps, gowns and tassels to those participating in the evening graduation ceremony. As the clock got closer and closer to the 7 o’clock hour, a few noticed that Stevee Neveah hadn’t arrived yet.
Right at that moment, Neveah came through the door and in reality, she wasn’t really all that late with plenty of time still remaining before the event was scheduled to start. But such a circumstance wasn’t going to fluster this young woman — she’s been through a whole lot more challenging situations.
Gallery: Philomath Academy graduation (June 11, 2025)
A collection of photos from Philomath Academy’s Class of 2025 graduation ceremony on Wednesday.
Neveah’s educational journey took a turn that would understandably derail a lot of youngsters.
“I’ve been homeless since I was like 11,” Neveah said after Edgemon got her situated with her graduation garb. “I moved around a couple of times and have been house hopping a lot. But I’m finally at the point where I’m pretty stable.”
Neveah went on to describe how drugs had decimated her family, including the death of her mother when she was only a toddler. The Department of Human Services intervened and she also faced challenges maneuvering through the system.
She opted to avoid the traditional high school setting.
“There’s a lot of drama there, I would say, and just because I had to work and pay bills and stuff,” Neveah said about why Philomath Academy was a better fit. “I had more time to do that (with) online (studies).”
For Neveah, she was proud to say that she’s the first high school graduate in her family. She aspires to join CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), an organization dedicated to advocating for children in foster care. Then she plans to try cosmetology school.
Neveah was one of 18 students who earned diplomas as part of Philomath Academy’s Class of 2025. Thirteen of the graduates participated in the ceremony, which took place on the lawn just west of the school administration building.
Garth Gerot, who joined Philomath Academy prior to this school year, celebrated with his first principal’s address.
“Being new to the academy and getting to know these kids, it’s really celebrating the 13 years that they’ve been working towards this goal — it means a heck of a lot,” Gerot said when asked what the event means to him.
Another graduate who worked through challenges to reach diploma day was David Clements. The audience was introduced to him when he gave a short welcome speech to get the event started after the national anthem had been played.
“I’ve been through many challenges in my life — depression was a big one for me and getting through that was really hard,” Clements said. “My last school, it was really hard for me because I was just so depressed … and I had a lot of work that I was doing separately from school.”
Clements said he improved with the help of a friend and eventually decided to transfer to Philomath Academy.
“I felt really comfortable with myself because of who was here,” Clements said, referring to all of the different types of personalities — some more quiet and introverted than himself. “It was really the environment and the people who helped me get through it.”
Clements, who went to Philomath Academy for only a couple of months, also welcomed the online school environment.
“That really helped and I just got through it and finished school — no problem,” he said.
Isabella Bakker also conquered personal struggles while achieving a high level of success in the classroom. The Class of 2025’s valedictorian, Bakker graduated with 73 college credits — all earned with a 4.0 grade point average. And, she accomplished those achievements a full year early.
“I’ve really grown to appreciate the flexibility and focus that having more control over my education has given,” Bakker said about attending the academy.
Beyond those good grades, Bakker during her valedictorian speech shared a major family challenge involving her father’s diagnosis of liver cancer.
“It had only been a few days prior that my biggest worry was starting school in a few days and now I was forced to confront the reality that there was the potential that I might lose my dad,” she said looking back on that time in her life.
She described how the family came together with an uncertain future and “never took a moment for granted.” Then she added, “My father is now cancer free. He finished his last round of chemo just two weeks ago.”
Bakker told the crowd, “I think many of us get so caught up in what we want that we forget to appreciate what we have. Everything that we really need is already provided — it’s just a matter of valuing our every moment.”
Asked what lessons he’s learned while preparing to move on to the next stage, Clements said, “I’d say for work, go for what you want to do and not what you are forced to do or what your parents would like for you to do.”
Gerot said he hopes the graduates approach life with grit and that they “recognize that even the challenges are the things that really helped to develop their character and to look at those things as opportunities.”
Neveah has certainly had her share of battles to conquer at a young age. “I’ve learned to push through it,” she said, “even if it’s hard.”
Eighteen students earned diplomas:
- Olivia Abernathy, Isabella Bakker, Benjamin David Cerny, David Andrew Clements,
- Hayden Presley Crook, Landon Ryder Crook, Diego Andres Garcia Arroyo, Preston William Luscher,
- Sebastian Christopher Mobley, Alessandra Navarro Gutierrez, Emma Ann Olsen, Ava Mae Rariden,
- Braelynn L.M. Riddle, Miztly Nathaly Solis Lagarda, Cian Ellery Tavano, Stevee Zooee Neveah,
- Justin G Warren and Ava Webster.
In addition, three students completed requirements for a General Educational Development certificate:
- Emilio Alvarez, Roman Patton and Karlie Schill.
