Indiana’s only recovery high school honors the Class of 2026 and marks two decades of student success
INDIANAPOLIS — 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.
Held at the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center on the campus of the University of Indianapolis, the ceremony recognized the academic and personal achievements of the Class of 2026: Gunnar Hensley, Liam Jorden, Giovanni Ochoa, Briana Ulloa, and Reggie Wilbur.
As one of the nation’s longest-operating recovery high schools, Hope Academy continues to provide students in recovery from substance use disorder with a safe, sober, and supportive environment where they can complete high school while building a foundation for long-term success. The school recently marked its 20th anniversary and remains one of just 47 recovery high schools in the country.
Graduates shared plans to pursue college, military service, and career opportunities following graduation.
“I will be the first person in my family to go to college, which means a lot for a student who, just three years ago, couldn’t envision himself finishing school,” valedictorian Giovanni Ochoa said. “The people here — teachers, coaches, therapists, administrators, and classmates alike — all helped me recognize that I am a valuable member of this community.”
This year’s staff speaker, Recovery Coach Josh Johnson, encouraged students to define themselves beyond their past experiences.
“A lot of people in life will try to define you by one moment, one mistake, one label, or one chapter of your story,” Johnson said. “But your story is still being written. What I hope all of you remember is that you get to decide what comes next.”
The recovery address was delivered by Sarah Platt, a 2019 Hope Academy graduate who recently celebrated eight years in recovery.
“Real life begins when you say yes,” Platt shared with graduates. “Fill your days up with so many new experiences that you climb into bed exhausted at the end of the day and can honestly say to yourself, ‘I used everything I’ve been given.’”
Several students were also recognized with scholarships honoring their achievements and perseverance:
- Giovanni Ochoa received the Dr. Sig Zielke Scholarship
- Reggie Wilbur and Giovanni Ochoa received Simon Youth Foundation Scholarships
- Briana Ulloa received the Jim Barnes Scholarship
Throughout the ceremony, graduates reflected on their journeys and thanked the families, staff members, peers, and mentors who supported them along the way.
“Every Hope Academy graduation is meaningful, but this one carries special significance as we celebrate 20 years of supporting students in recovery,” said Rachelle Gardner, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Hope Academy. “These students have overcome challenges many people never see, and they continue to prove what’s possible when young people are met with support, accountability, and hope.”
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About Hope Academy: Hope Academy is a tuition-free, public charter high school in Indianapolis for teens in recovery from substance use disorder. The mission of Hope Academy is to provide a safe, sober, and challenging academic experience. Learn more at hopeacademyrhs.org.