‘You are capable, you are ready, and your future is bright!’

Klamath County Transition Program celebrated Independence Day for its Class of 2025 during an outside ceremony today (June 5) attended by family, friends, and supporters. Photos: KCTP Independence Day 2025

Four students are exiting the program, which provides three years of transition services to youth ages 18-21 on individualized education plans. The students learn work and independent living skills as well as participate in post-secondary education and community inclusion programs. The program operates the Jo2Go Coffee cart and the janitorial service Clean Sweep. Students are well-known through the Klamath County School District and with various community organizations.

Head teacher Heidi Hobgood introduced the graduates and Secondary Special Services Program Principal Randy Denson presented the KCTP diplomas.

Guest speaker was Jessie Oates, executive director of REACH, Inc., non- profit organization that provides employment to people with disabilities. All four of the exiting Transition students plan to seek employment through REACH.

Principal Randy Denson also addressed the Transition graduates and those gathered to celebrate with them.

“Today, we’re celebrating growth, success, and new beginnings,” he said. “This marks the first day our young adults are independent from their IEPs (Individual Education Plans), and that is an incredible milestone. It’s a day to recognize their hard work, resilience, and all the progress they’ve made toward becoming confident, capable, contributing members of our community.”

Denson also presented flowers to two Transition staff – head teacher Heidi Hobgood and long-time paraprofessional Chris Rajnus, who will be leaving at the end of the this school year. Alex Stork was introduced as the new head teacher for the program.

The celebration concluded with a luncheon. Congratulations to our exiting Transition students!!