Graduate Stories

Aaron (Fergueson) 
Tracy
Class of 2007
 Aaron (Fergueson) Tracy: "In 2003 I was a failing student. I was attending El Molino High School, my mother had just passed away and my dad was getting re-married into a new relationship. At school I was socially awkward, had literally no friends, and spent that period of my life very depressed. The day my step-mother brought me to Nonesuch School, I distinctly felt a freedom and happiness inside that I had never experienced before. There was an air of acceptance and freedom amongst the inviting atmosphere of log cabins in a forest where the school resided at that time. The staff, students, and classes were very inviting and I always looked forward to going to school. The diverse education, social skills, and creativity that I was able to develop at this school surpasses any other school on earth. With all the wonderful memories of hiking trips, art classes, and having class in an open field on beautiful days, these memories and experiences I will cherish forever. I now have several lifetime friends, teachers, and relationships I could have never of had before. Nonesuch gave me the chance to exceed in all of my passions and provide the best teachers and environment that tailored to my needs.

After graduation, I attended Brigham Young University – Hawaii and received my Bachelor's in Information Technology. I now work as a Computer Security Analyst for my church in Riverton, Utah at the LDS Riverton headquarters, and will soon be working as a Network Systems Analyst in Honolulu, Hawaii for the Department of Defense. I am also a full-time teacher of good morals for large classes at my church every Sunday. There is no doubt I would have never been able to be as mentally and socially strengthened without Nonesuch’s compassionate staff and the unique educational experience I received from attending. I cannot express in words how much love, compassion and hope the staff and teachers give to the students, and hope my future children will be able to have an unsurpassed educational experience in school like I did. "
Camber Clifton (Agnone)
Class of 1995
Camber Clifton (Agnone): "I began attending Nonesuch School my sophomore year of high school in 1992 and graduated in 1995. Without a doubt those were the best 3 school years of my life. I felt a warm welcome from day one and had the support I needed to excel academically and grow into a confident individual. I greatly enjoyed my classes and the creative workshops at Nonesuch. I developed a passion for photography, outdoor adventures (especially bicycling and hiking) and writing. I have many fond memories of the exciting and adventurous fieldtrips we endeavored yearly and I am grateful for the experiences.

Now I am married with three lovely daughters, living in Santa Rosa and currently enrolled in the Santa Rosa Junior College Medical Assisting Program. I have remained in contact with a majority of my classmates; some of them are still my very best friends! I am so happy to have been a part of the Nonesuch family and look forward to visiting some day soon."
Carla Boyd Terre
Class of 1995
Carla Boyd Terre: "In 1993, I started my freshman year of high school at Nonesuch. I grew up in the country in Occidental and attended Harmony and Salmon Creek through eighth grade. When it came time to choose a high school I did not want to go to either of the big public schools in West Sonoma County. I was convinced that Nonesuch was the best fit for me and I am so glad that my parents agreed. The traditional public high school environment would never have met my needs at that time in my life. Nonesuch provided a safe and creative learning environment for me. While attending Nonesuch, I met two of my best friends-Camber Agnone and Piper Attebery. They were bridesmaids in my 2007 wedding. I learned about myself and my interests. Nonesuch kept me engaged in a time in my life when I know that public high school would not have.

In 1995 I took the California High School Proficiency Exam and passed. I began attending the Santa Rosa Junior College at age 16. In 2000, I graduated with a BA in English with Honors from Mills College in Oakland. In 2003, I obtained my JD from the University of San Francisco School of Law. I started practicing family law in Santa Rosa and opened my own practice in 2007. I have a successful family law practice and employ one full time paralegal and two part time employees. I live in Sebastopol with my husband and two dogs.

To this day, I sincerely believe that I would not be where I am today in my career had it not been for the opportunity that Nonesuch provided me in high school."
Katy Birnbaum
Class of 2002
Katy Birnbaum: "Before attending my first year at Nonesuch School in 1998, I had previously been homeschooled and was nervous to be integrated into a school social scene. However, after attending Nonesuch for just a few months, I became very comfortable and involved with the community. Being exposed to alternative activities like our camping trips and Friday workshops while constantly interacting with upper classmen, encouraged me to develop my sense of identity. I fosterered many long-term friendships and learned to communicate with many different kinds of people. I can honestly say that I would not be the same individual I am today without the stimulation and support that Nonesuch provided me.

Academically speaking, the individualized teaching allowed me to excel in all of my fields of study. I graduated as the Valedictorian of my class and was accepted to Bennington College, UCSD, UCSC, and UCSB. The unique environment at Nonesuch allowed me to foster critical thinking skills that have helped me throughout my academic career. I am now working toward my Bachelor of Arts in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing from San Francisco State University. Every semester I attend college, I am thankful for the education I received at Nonesuch school."
Oshyan Greene
Class of 1997
Oshyan Greene: "I began at Nonesuch in 1989, entering the 5th grade. Although I had done well in public school to that point academically speaking, I was unhappy with the rigid structure and social strata of the traditional system. My parents and I had tried homeschool, but living in a fairly rural area the opportunities for social interaction were severely limited, not to mention the time required was more than my parents could consistently offer. Fortunately we found exactly the alternative we had hoped for in Nonesuch's flexible approach and mixed social group.

When I first showed up the diversity of the student body was a bit overwhelming, but the small class sizes and everyone's shared desire for a healthy alternative environment quickly created lasting bonds. I maintain close friendships with many of the people I met at Nonesuch and at a recent reunion I was amazed by the variety of achievements fellow Nonesuch graduates have demonstrated.

After graduation I entered the Information Technology industry and achieved great success both as an independent contractor as well as with notable employers such as The Learning Company. In 2006 I began working at Bauman College, a growing non-profit Nutrition and Culinary Arts vocational education institute based in Sonoma County. As of 2008 I have been promoted to Assistant Director and I am now focusing on expanding the community impact and reach of the college, as well as moving it into the 21st century through business process automation and increasing use of cutting-edge technology."