North Cascades Institute Graduation

On March 20, 2009 the members of Cohort C7 graduated from the North Cascades Institute, each receiving a Certificate of Leadership and Non-profit Administration. The event was attended by family, friends, staff, colleagues, and peers and served as a celebration of the cohorts’ residency at the North Cascades Institute.

(Top photo) Members of cohort 7 from left to right: Megan Addison, Katie Roloson, Becca Reynolds and Cynthia Parks.  (Above) Cynthia sharing individual quirks and memorable tales about members of cohort 7.

Highlights of the graduation included stories by Cynthia about each of the graduates “quirks” and tales of how the members of this small cohort bonded; a slide show of life at the learning center by Becca and Katie; and a narrative account by Professor John Miles of the fall backpacking trip to Stehekin, that included accounts of a large forest fire, an evacuation of sorts, and the unexpected transition from a serene backcountry campsite in a forest of large cedars to a crowded, noisy state park.

Passing of the paddle ceremony lead by Becca and Katie.

The graduation ceremony culminated with the passing of the paddle, a tradition carried down by each of the previous cohorts. The passing of the paddle symbolizes the transition for both cohorts, acknowledging that members of cohort 7 are graduating and moving forward in their careers as environmental educators and cohort 8 members are more than half way through their residency at the learning center. As a member of cohort 8 it was exciting to be standing at the front of the room, gathered around this paddle; knowing that we are all committed to education, the environment and making a difference

Member of cohorts 7 and 8 gathered around the paddle.