OASIS graduates eight students

By Colleen Smith • June 10, 2017 1:30 am
L-R: Avigayil Klein, Josee Pacheco, Jameson Cook, Adia Dolan, James McCaull and Melyssa Smith.
L-R: Avigayil Klein, Josee Pacheco, Jameson Cook, Adia Dolan, James McCaull and Melyssa Smith.

There were tears and a lot of laughter at the OASIS graduation.

Orcas Island High School’s alternative education program honored the following high school graduates during a ceremony on June 10 at Emmanuel Episcopal Parish: Jameson Cook (from Whidbey), Adia Dolan, Avigayil Klein, James McCaull, Robert McCaull, Josee Pacheco (Whidbey), Parker Sanns and Melyssa Smith (Seattle).

Cook, Klein, Robert and James all earned high honor roll.

School board member Tony Ghazel was the commencement speaker. He told the students they’ve succeeded in following their passions – from theatre to community service to working with horses.

“Maybe some of us in this room could learn something about perseverance from you,” he said.

OASIS has been a program for 12 years and has graduated nearly 45 students, one of whom was Ghazel’s son.

Teachers Bob Dash and Jill Sherman introduced the students, who each gave impassionated speeches and thanked their family.