Gabriel (Gabe) Shellock was an average kid, who fell apart in high school.

He attended Liberty HS in Bethlehem. He describes the classes as large, and himself as “lost” in the back of the classroom, but he doesn’t blame class sizes or companions for his addictions. He sees his own mental health as the culprit.

Things came to a head when the house alarm sounded late one evening. Gabe’s stepmother went to shut it off and found her son. Gabe says she brought him up to his father.

“I think he’s high,” she said.

He was.

Fortunately, Gabe’s parents were supportive. They found Kolbe Academy, a small high school run by the Diocese of Allentown just off Bridle Path Road in Bethlehem. Its mission is to treat high schoolers with addictions, and guide them to graduation.

Gabe entered the Kolbe Academy in his 11th grade year. Initially, it was a good fit for Gabe. Then COVID-19 struck. Gabe attended a few online classes, but slipped into addiction again.

He attempted suicide three times. He overdosed and spent some time in the hospital, but he didn’t lose his connection to his school.

Kolbe staffers kept in regular contact with him, and as he recovered, he was able to keep up with his schoolwork. He credits the Kolbe Academy staff for sticking with him and describes the staff as supportive and listening.

Gabe has now been sober for over 387 days. He received acceptances to five colleges, and scholarship offers from four. His plan is to start at Northampton County Community College, so he can stay close to his family. Northampton also offers a support group for youth with issues like Gabe’s.

Gabe refers to Kolbe’s students and staff as his “second family.” To other youth struggling with mental health and or addiction, Gabe says there’s a way out.

“It’s not hopeless,” he says, but he cautions, “It is not easy at all.”