Congratulations to Jason Plunske and Amante Prieto, 2025 graduates of the Northwest Regional Learning Center (NRLC). These two graduates, who accepted their diplomas last week, have seen their fair share of challenges.
Jason and Amante started at different schools before moving to NRLC, a part of the Northwest Educational Service District. They worked through challenges that came their way, overcame struggles with learning, and leaned on friends and staff to finish their high school careers.
During the graduation ceremony, the NRLC staff took time to celebrate their achievements, then each graduate shared roses with the people who were integral in supporting their work to make it to graduation.
The Kitty Young Auxiliary of the Assistance League of Everett hosted the ceremony, providing lunch, cake, decorations, and a space to celebrate the graduates. The auxiliary also presented a backpack filled with essentials and a gift card to each graduate.
Administrator Marta Bloomquist is marking the end of her first year at the NRLC and shared at the ceremony that graduate Plunske is the first student Bloomquist met after she started, because he was starting at the same time.
“It was a great start to my year to have Jason be the first student that I met,” Marta said.
She was nervous to start her job, but Jason always has a smile and something friendly to say, she said. “He’s always calm, serene, kind, and friendly.”
In preparation for the graduation ceremony, Bloomquist reviewed Amante Prieto’s student file and reviewed the notes from the beginning of his time at NRLC. She couldn’t believe the student she knows now is that same person. He exudes kindness and brings a much-needed sense of humor to school each day.
“I’m so proud of both of these young men,” Marta said.
Kalisa Fulton, a graduation support specialist at NRLC, planned the program and shared some staff thoughts about the graduates.
“The themes are similar for them, because these guys are some of the kindest students I think we’ve ever had,” Fulton said.
“Jason came to us at the beginning of the year as a breath of fresh air for us all,” Fulton said.
There was a lot of change at the beginning of the year, but Jason fit right in. Fulton described him as “cool as a cucumber.”
“He not only fit in at our school, but he also helped make it better,” she said. “Jason is an insightful young man who observes everything around him. He has a strong work ethic, he is friendly, patient, and kind towards others. Jason consistently impressed us with both his thoughtfulness and his ability to accept life’s annoyances with grace and a bit of humor. We never heard him complain, even when he had every reason to. … Jason, although your time with us has been brief, you’ve left a lasting impression on us. From the moment you joined, your kind spirit and smile brought a calm and steady energy to our school. Always respectful, polite, and endlessly friendly, you greet each day and everyone you see with a bright smile and a cheerful good morning. You may not always speak the loudest, but your kindness, patience, and quiet strength have not gone unnoticed. They speak volumes to everyone around you.”
“Your presence in this school has been a true gift,” she said.
When Jason addressed the crowd, he talked about his time in school. He wants to move forward and hopefully find a job with animals.
“I love cats, dogs and all kinds of animals,” he said.
He thanked his parents for their support and the staff at the school for all they did for him.
“You gave me an opportunity for a new start, I’m forever grateful for that,” he said.
Fulton’s shared in her appreciation for Amante that, “Amante is one of the most caring and compassionate people you will ever meet. His kindness touches everyone around him. Over the years, we have had the privilege of watching him grow. So much so that it feels like we’ve known two different people, and yet through all that change, some things have remained consistent: his empathy, passion, and creativity. And we couldn’t be prouder of the remarkable person that is here today.”
Amante loves music, something that is clear the second you meet him, Fulton said. His passion and creativity show up in his love for music. When he has his headphones in, he can become completely immersed, jamming and performing air guitar.
Amante himself mentioned his love of music in his speech.
“I tend to get frustrated easily,” he said. “I blast music in my ears until some sort of lightbulb flickers in my brain.”
“He always lights up when he talks about music,” Fulton said. Talking with him about his passion brings joy to the staff.
“Amante, your journey has been nothing short of inspiring. Through every challenge you’ve shown remarkable strength, resilience, and an unwavering spirit that has left a lasting impression on everyone around you. No matter what life has thrown your way, you face it with courage and determination. You have overcome many life challenges, and you’ve done so with a level of maturity that many adults would struggle to match. There is no doubt in our minds that you are destined to do amazing things. Your strength, paired with your infectious humor, will take you far. Your laughter and quick wit have brought light into the classroom, turning even the toughest days into moments of joy.
She said that he has managed everything he faces with confidence and grace.
“As you step into the unknown, embrace it with confidence,” Fulton said. “You have the power to shape your future and to build a life that brings you meaning and joy. Stay curious, keep learning, and remember, every challenge you face is just a steppingstone to something greater. Surround yourself with people who support and uplift you and never stop trusting in your own strength. Our school will be a little dimmer without your light, but the world is brighter because you are in it. We know that whatever comes next, it’ll include great things and loud music.”
Amante talked about starting at NRLC, something he originally fought against. Since arriving though, he can see the positive changes he’s gone through.
“NRLC is a small school with a staff with big hearts”, he said.
After school, he hopes to go into a career as a musician and a music producer.
Ken Simpson, a 2015 NRLC graduate, served as guest speaker at the event. He told Amante he was also upset about moving to NRLC when he was a student there.
“I was just really confused and upset with the world, and I felt like nobody really understood me,” he said. He had behavior issues and got into fights but soon found a place he belonged. He had tough times, but he learned things that made him more prepared to head into the world after school.
Simpson said he understands what it’s like to be at school when you don’t want to be, when you feel like the world is against you. He said he also knows what it’s like to be frustrated when it feels like everyone around you is flourishing and you are just struggling.
“Your journey is starting and it’s going to continue to get better from here,” he told the graduates. “If something is telling you it’s not right, don’t do it,” he said. “If you feel like it’s something you know is going to advance you to the next place, take that step.”
Simpson also encouraged the graduates to take care of their mental health, saying there is no shame in talking about or taking care of mental health. There is a stigma around men and mental health, but it’s important to pay attention to it.
Congratulations to the NRLC 2025 Graduates!
