Hope Academy

Hope Academy is proud to be part of the Simon Youth Foundation (S*F) network, a partnership that has supported our students since 2021 through scholarships, educational opportunities, and student support.

At this year’s graduation ceremony, two members of the Class of 2026 were recognized with Simon Youth Academy scholarships for their academic achievement, perseverance, and future goals.

🎓 Giovanni O. received the Simon Youth Academy Scholarship in Honor of Max Simon, totaling $12,500 over two years. Gio will attend Ivy Tech this fall to study automotive technology.

🎓 Reggie W. received a Simon Youth Academy Scholarship totaling $18,000 over four years. Reggie will attend Indiana University Bloomington to study psychology and social work as he works toward becoming a therapist.

These scholarships represent more than financial support—they reflect the hard work, growth, and determination these students have shown throughout their journeys.

We’re grateful for Simon Youth Foundation’s continued investment in Hope Academy students and proud to celebrate Gio and Reggie as they take their next steps forward.

“You cannot put this group in a box. Every student’s story is different. Every path to recovery is different. And every graduate in Hope Academy’s Class of 2026 brought something unique to this community. Growth does not look the same for everyone. And that’s a good thing.”

— Josh Johnson, Hope Academy Recovery Coach

The Class of 2026 brought different experiences, strengths, personalities, and paths to Hope Academy. Together, they shaped a graduating class defined not by sameness, but by individuality, resilience, and growth.

Last Friday, Hope Academy celebrated something incredibly special: our 20th Commencement Ceremony.

We had the honor of watching five seniors cross the stage surrounded by families, staff, alumni, and supporters who have walked alongside them through every challenge and milestone. It was a night full of reflection, laughter, tears, and so much pride.

As Indiana’s only recovery high school, graduation day reminds us why Hope Academy exists and what’s possible when students are met with support, accountability, and hope.

We’ll be sharing more photos and videos from graduation soon, but for now, we invite you to read more about the Class of 2026 and our 20th commencement ceremony. 👇

Hope Academy Celebrates 20th Commencement Ceremony - Hope Academy Recovery High School Hope Academy, Indiana’s only recovery high school, proudly celebrated its 20th Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 15, 2026, honoring five graduates whose stories reflect resilience, growth, and the power of recovery-centered education.

Thank you WTHR-TV for shining a spotlight on Hope Academy's 20th Graduating Class!

In one word … this is Hope for the Class of 2026.

Each word holds a story. Each story reflects the courage it takes to keep going.

We’re honored to have been part of their journey.

Join us in celebrating these seniors at graduation. Families, alumni, partners, and supporters are welcome.

🗓️ Friday, May 15, 2026
📍 Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center
🕢 Ceremony begins at 7:00 p.m.

Reggie’s experience at Hope Academy has shaped how he sees himself and how he relates to others.

He’s proud of his academic success and the fact that he’s graduating on track, which was something that once felt uncertain.

But the deeper shift has been in perspective. Staying substance-free, rebuilding relationships, and being part of a community with shared goals has changed how he approaches life.

He also wants people to understand that Hope isn’t what people sometimes assume. It’s not a place for “bad kids”—it’s a place where people are supported in doing better.

Next up, Reggie is heading to IU Bloomington to study psychology and social work, with the goal of becoming a therapist.

We couldn’t be happier for Reggie, and the direction he’s chosen.

Before coming to Hope Academy, Gunnar wasn’t passing classes.

Then he came to Hope, and his attitude towards his future changed. He started to consider the outcomes he wanted.

That success shows up in both his academics and his recovery—quitting substance use and getting his grades where they need to be.

He’s clear about what Hope represents: not an obstacle, but an opportunity.

That shift in mindset has shaped what comes next. Gunnar plans to enlist in the Army and is looking forward to building discipline and structure in this next phase of life.

He’s also already thinking long-term—about one day returning to Hope Academy to support students as a recovery coach.

Graduation marks a new beginning.

We can’t wait to see what comes next for Gunnar!

Bri’s journey of growth has included challenges, unexpected turns, and becoming a mom. Through it all, she kept showing up.

She’s proud of that—of not putting her education aside, even when things felt heavy.

Hope Academy became more than a school. It became a place where people checked in, followed through, and meant it when they said they cared.

Now, Bri is looking ahead to college and a future in early education, with a clear sense of purpose: to keep going and to be a role model for her daughter.

Graduation, for Bri, is about carrying everything she’s learned forward.

We see Bri’s strength and are thrilled to celebrate her!

For Liam, his time at Hope Academy has been transitional and a meaningful shift during an important chapter of his life.

He shares that what he’s most proud of is staying sober, and that growth came as he found his footing, got comfortable, and began building a new environment around himself.

What stands out most to Liam is something he wishes more people understood:
that it is possible to get sober at a young age.

As he looks ahead, Liam is planning to enter the workforce while taking online classes, with a long-term goal of becoming a counselor or group facilitator to support others in recovery.

🎓 When asked what graduation means to him, his answer is simple: taking the next step.

We celebrate Liam, and the path he’s building!