In commencement ceremonies Saturday, Chimacum and Quilcene faculty and graduates talked about their classes as families.
“This class is a family. They’re an excellent representation of all that’s good in our youth,” said Chimacum Superintendent Craig Downs at the 1 p.m. ceremony at McCurdy Pavilion at Fort Worden State Park.
“They’ve learned how to care for each other.”
“I feel sheer happiness and exhaustion,” said Quilcene valedictorian Claire Schraeder after the 2 p.m. ceremony for the 28 graduates.
“As I said in my speech, we’re like a large, dysfunctional family, but we’re together through thick and thin.”
In Chimacum, more than 50 percent of the 83 graduating seniors are headed to college, and the group has earned more than $300,000 in scholarships, Principal Whitney Meissner has said.
“They’ve succeeded as a group and as individuals,” she said.
“With all that we’ve been through this year, it’s hard to put in words. We’re really close, and I’ll really hate to see them go.”
Addressing the group were valedictorian Cali Kopeczick, salutatorian Abigail Person, class president Chloe Robocker, student-selected speaker Devin Manix, senior Hailey Beres and social studies and history teacher Richard Gifford.
“It’s fun to see them graduate, but it also defines the purpose of the elementary school principal,” said elementary school Principal Mark Barga, who has been at Chimacum for the past 15 years.
“I have a sense of satisfaction because I helped them with their public school journey.”
Quilcene’s 100th
Quilcene High School’s ceremony an hour later at the school’s gym was also a reunion.
Since it was the 100th commencement for the rural school, graduates from years past were planning to attend, said senior class adviser Veda Wilson.
“They’re a close class, so I know they’ll stay in touch,” Wilson said Saturday.
“And I’m looking forward to all those free doctor visits and front-row seats at professional baseball games.
“I’m looking forward to the future with them. They’re all so unique; it’s a diverse bunch.”
“I’m elated. I’m proud of every one of them,” said Quilcene Principal James Betteley.
“Sixty percent have grade-point averages of 3.0 and higher, and 80 percent plan to go on to college and university.
“That speaks highly of our program in prepping them for what’s beyond graduation.”
Said social studies teacher Nick Parks: “This class brought so much spirit and energy.
“There’ll be an empty spot here next year.”
