by JILL SHERMAN

OASIS High School/Orcas High School

Happiness is complicated and cynicism and change don’t help matters. Kathy Anderson, the keynote speaker, reminded us that this simple goal can be illusive.

“Our collective ADHD” leads to cluttered minds that so easily loose focus on the important things.  Then, once we have found joy, guess what happens?  Something changes.

OASIS High School graduates faced a standing room only crowd at The Emmanuel Church Parish Hall on Saturday, June 8.

Morgan Miller, Herbie Sisson and Micah Jones graduated earning a Washington State High School Diploma. Morgan Miller was recognized as the valedictorian. Esther Doss, Sorrel Hughes and Ursula Pamatian earned Graduate Equivalency Degrees, a series of five tests covering the core subject areas of science, social studies, mathematics, reading and writing.

These six individuals were honored for their perseverance and unique paths leading them to this ceremony.  They have already practiced the skill of adapting to their own individual needs by choosing this program.

Morgan Miller, a distance learner with OASIS for all four years of high school will be attending Washington State University. Herbie Sisson plans to attend Seattle Central Community College.  Esther Doss will be attending Cornish College of the Arts.  Ursula is looking forward to travel in Thailand next winter. Micah and Sorrel are undecided on their fall plans. All the students had an opportunity to thank friends and family and the OASIS program for providing a much-needed alternative to the traditional high school.

OASIS High School stands for Orcas Alternative Student Initiated Studies, it is part of the Orcas Island School District and serves high school students on island and throughout the state. Students entering the program take control of their education with guidance from one of the certificated staff.  The first task is to develop learning plans that meet their needs and the needs of the state.  Then it is up to them – the learning curve is steep but the end product is students who have ownership of their education and a strong sense of self.

Martin Lund and Gregory Books, playing piano and saxophone, set the tone for arriving guests. Principal Barbara Kline opened the ceremony introducing board members Tony Gazelle and Jim Sullivan and OASIS staff members.  Happiness was abundantly evident in the after party as graduates, family and friends enjoyed photos, snacks and cupcakes. It was a most excellent commencement.