They all rode into the gym on scooters, skateboards, and even a tricycle.
Orcas Christian School board chair Patricia Plummer called the 2009 graduating class “original, energetic, and handsome,” and their grand entrance into the gym proved it.
The school graduated 10 seniors on June 10: Jeffrey Blankenship, Kyleigh Edwards, Sydney Harris, Kyle Hofmann, Halley Parnell, Tyler Shaw, Andrew Smith, Cetacea Stanton, Anika Thomas, and Brittany Wachter.
After a slideshow of childhood photos and milestones like prom and sports games, teacher Nicholas Sigler gave the commencement address.
He quoted Henry David Thoreau and told the kids to “simplify, simplify, simplify.” He advised his students to “leave the known trail and find your own way. Are you going to go around the hills or over them?”
He also said that “you become who you associate with. Choose your travel companions well, and remember – they always change. Sometimes you’ll lead, sometimes you’ll follow, and sometimes you’ll be alone.”
Harris and Wachter then plugged in their guitars and played Snow Patrol’s “Run.” When they sang the lines, “Light up, light up,” their classmates held lighters in the air.
Parnell, Thomas, Harris, and Wachter were recognized for being honor roll students throughout their four years of high school and being inducted into the National Honor Society, a first for Orcas Christian School.
Wachter received the 2009 Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival scholarship, $400 from an anonymous donor, and the Caring Heart award and a $500 scholarship from the North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Parnell received a $6,000 scholarship to Rocky Mountain College.
Scott Harris recognized Sydney, Parnell, and Thomas who made it to All League in either volleyball, basketball, or softball. He also read Hofmann’s acceptance letter to the University of Montana, which has awarded him a $175,000 football scholarship.
After receiving their diplomas, the 2009 graduating class donned sunglasses and left the stage to UNK’s “Walk it Out.”
