May 31, 2016 10:57 am
Life 
Pathways students, from left, Nova Delp, Beverly Carlson and Michael Neketuk prepare a table for lunch service at Columbia Ridge Senior Living.
Teacher Eric Balholm discusses options on repairing a light fixture at Columbia Ridge Senior Living with Delp, left, and Neketuk.
Delp prepares a wall for painting as a part of his participation in the Pathways to Independence class. "Nova is meticulous when it comes to painting, spackling and caulking," noted Balholm.
Neketuk, 21, has been participating in the Pathways program for several years. He has become skilled at handyman work, such as replacing fluorescent ballasts. (Contributed photo)
Carlson, 19, cleans out a kennel at the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society. It is one of the local organizations that partners with the Pathways program.
There are a few words teacher Eric Balholm doesn’t let students use around him. However, these aren’t of the typical four-letter variety.
“We don’t use the words, ‘disorders’ or ‘disabled,'” he said. “The students are very abled, just in unique and different ways.”
Thank you for reading the Post-Record.
Subscribe now to get unlimited access.
Login
