For those attending Thursday night’s Hope and Thrive Academy Celebration Banquet, one could not help but come away joyful.

After all, the theme of the celebration was “JOY.”

The banquet, held in the First Presbyterian Church Family Life Center, focused on the blessings the academy gives those adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout the year.

The celebration was largely student-led with Von Whitman and friends beginning the program with Kool and the Gang’s “Celebration.” Whitman concluded the gathering with “Joy to the World” by Three Dog Night.

Students Noah Golden and Leslie Geoghagan told the crowd about their experiences at Hope and Thrive, including getting to go on field trips and work jobs in the area. Both also discussed the Book Club at the Academy. S

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