Riley shines during senior year of Independence Academy classes

May 18, 2026

Riley’s bright smile has made him a beacon of hope and optimism for many Lincoln Public Schools students each day.
 
The Independence Academy (IA) senior is preparing to embark on a successful post-graduation pathway. He has learned many life skills through IA programs and classes offered in the school district. He serves coffee with classmates at The Career Academy (TCA), sings in Standing Bear High School’s unified music class and works in Southeast Community College’s (SCC) cafeteria.
 
Riley said he likes the variety of his daily schedule. He has met many new people by taking the bus across town to different IA locations, and he has formed connections with fellow students ages 18-21 years old.
 
“I enjoy being with my friends at all sites,” Riley said.

Independence Academy senior Riley smiles as he looks toward the camera. He is holding a pen with both hands. The entrance to a stairwell is in the background.

Independence Academy senior Riley smiles as he talks with a student at The Career Academy. The student is smiling as she prepares to pour a dairy product into a cup of coffee.
 
Independence Academy teacher Emily Nathan said Riley has become a role model for IA students and leaders. She has enjoyed working with him on class assignments and life skills lessons for the past several years.
 
“Riley is a positive light in our program,” Nathan said. “He is happy wherever he goes and easily gets along with staff and peers. He likes to make people laugh and is willing to do just about any job.”
 
Alysia Smith is the team leader of Independence Academy, which helps students like Riley gain relevant educational, life, social and vocational experiences. IA classes provide community-based training that develops skills in communication, employment, independent living and recreation.
 
Smith said Riley has made a noticeable impact in all of his IA settings. He is eager to try new activities and takes the time to listen to instructions and advice from IA teachers.
 
“He always does really well,” Smith said. “He is a team player and happy to help with whatever is needed. He follows directions and works hard to participate.”

Independence Academy senior Riley sits at his desk in a classroom at Southeast Community College. A full water bottle and several pieces of paper are on the desk in front of him. There is a microwave and refrigerator in the background.

Independence Academy senior Riley smiles in the commons area of The Career Academy. He is facing left to right in the photo. There is a door and an automated external defibrillator machine attached to a wall in the background.
 
Riley has become a trusted member of the cafeteria staff at SCC. He learned how to create pizzas for students, which has given him additional confidence and satisfaction. He often smiles with Nathan as she watches him place toppings on each pizza.
 
Riley said he likes helping to make the pizzas in the cafeteria. He also enjoys putting away dishes with a classmate.
 
Riley also participates in a coffee cart store in TCA’s main commons. He and several IA classmates spent one morning helping students and adults choose different types of caffeinated drinks to buy. Riley recorded each purchase on a piece of paper while another IA student collected money. He then smiled at shoppers as they shared why they like to drink coffee.
 
Riley said those personal conversations make it fun to work at the coffee cart business each week. He said he looks forward to spending time with his classmates and meeting new people. He felt the best part of the coffee cart was greeting customers and working with his friends.

Independence Academy senior Riley records a sale for a coffee cart business in the commons area of The Career Academy. He is writing on a piece of paper with a pen in his left hand.

Independence Academy senior Riley records a sale for a coffee cart business in the commons area of The Career Academy. He is writing on a piece of paper with a pen in his left hand.
 
Nathan said those jobs illustrate how much growth Riley has made during his time in the IA program. He gets along well with classmates, makes decisions throughout the day and is comfortable seeking assistance if a problem arises.
 
“Riley has become a lot more independent,” Nathan said. “He knows the routines at our site and can follow them on his own, asking for help when needed. He addresses peers and has made new friends at this site as well. He is definitely prepared for a job after IA.”

Independence Academy senior Riley smiles as he looks at a customer at a coffee cart business. His head is tilted to his righthand side.
 
Riley has also become a key member of the unified music class at Standing Bear. Many Grizzlies work together to practice for unified music concerts each quarter. They learn how to create melodies and harmonies, sing together on stage and follow many musical concepts.
 
The unified music program is one of 11 activities offered at Standing Bear through the Unified Grizzlies initiative. Many IA students participate in clubs and classes during the school year. The list includes bowling, track and field, digital media, music, physical education, book club, visual arts, culinary arts, yearbook, walking club and unified social club.
 
Nathan said she believes Riley will continue to cast a bright light on everyone who meets him in the future. She felt he would have many opportunities to showcase his skills in both the workplace and social environments across Lincoln.
 
“Riley will do amazing,” Nathan said. “He learns quickly and wants to work and be helpful. He is happy when he accomplishes something, especially when he gets to work with other people. He will have no problem getting a job where he can work through a routine each day.”
 
Are you the proud family of a graduating LPS senior? Find everything you need to prepare for the big day, including ceremony dates, times and venue locations. View the 2026 Graduation Schedule and Details.
 
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Independence Academy senior Riley stands in a classroom at Southeast Community College. He is standing next to a poster that says, 'In a world where you can be anything, be kind.'

Published: May 18, 2026, Updated: May 18, 2026

Independence

Independence Academy senior Riley stands in a classroom at Southeast Community College. He has earned the trust of his classmates and teachers with his friendly personality.