Transylvania Vocational Services (TVS) is honored to have dedicated its new modular classroom on behalf of past program participant and dear friend Avery McKeller. Avery was both a participant and employee at TVS since 2016, and she was an integral member of the TVS family.

Her smile and energy still leave a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

It was, Derrick, a program participant who suggested that the classroom be named after Avery. “It was a no brainer,” said INTERACT Program Supervisor Jeanette Wayne. “Every time we say, ‘I’ll see you over at Avery’s Place,’ we’re remembering Avery, so we want to dedicate this wonderful building to sparkle, sunshine, joy and laughter because that is who Avery was.”

At the dedication, TVS participants, employees, and friends gathered with some Avery’s family to honor and remember her time at TVS. The dedication began with Wayne talking to the audience about Avery and her impact at TVS.

“We want to have this to be a place where sparkly, beautiful, shiny, happy things happen. And our staff and TVS, as a company, we’re dedicated to doing that as a company,” Wayne said.

The floor was opened up for individuals to speak about their time with Avery. Several participants and a few DSPs spoke of memories and good times while also thanking the McKeller family for sharing Avery with us, at TVS.

The memories left the audience with giggles, smiles, and loving tears.

The McKeller’s had also prepared a heartfelt speech that reminded everyone of their importance to Avery. She always said, “Thank you SO much. And on behalf of Mack and the rest of our family by naming this place Avery’s Place, thank you for choosing to continue to call her name and remember her.”

After friends and family had spoken, the ‘No Limits’ artists performed a sign language rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and gifted the McKeller’s a hydrangea bush, along with a video and book both filled with images and sweet thoughts.

The dedication ended with a family tour of the building and cookies baked by the culinary team in INTERACT.

Avery’s Place was added to TVS in early 2020 to offer more office spaces and additional room for program participants.  Avery’s friends will continue to remember her each and every day as they enter their classroom and pass underneath the beautiful overhead plaque honoring the unforgettable life of such an amazing human being.

We invite you to read more about the dedication from the Transylvania Times.