It was a graduation evening that celebrated the end of high school for over 80 students at Silver Springs High School. Many of the students arriving at Silver because of academic struggles from missing large amounts of school. Some because students didn’t feel like they fit in a traditional high school. Others landing at Silver because of behavioral issues and a series of bad decisions. Kai Keller is one of those students and he shared his story as part of the ceremony. Kai struggled in middle school because of a challenges at home.

Once in high school Kai found a place on the football team and experienced success. But following the season made a decision to experiment with cannabis and school fell by the wayside.

His sophomore year Keller ended up getting in trouble with the law and spent 8 days in Juvenile Hall, but that started him back on the right path. He used the time to reflect on his situation, and began reading passionately during his short stay.
He attended Earl Jamison and was able to focus and catch up on some credits; and the following year Kai says everything started getting better.

During this time at Silver, he also started a yardwork side business to raise money for a car. He marketed his business through Facebook.

Keller credits Silver as one of the reasons for his success.

Congratulations to Kai Keller and all 84 Silver Springs 2021 graduates.