Milestones 2025
OURMISSION
Toinspireactive,joyfullearningwhilenurturingand challengingourstudentstodevelopthecharacter, creativity,andskillstosuccessfullynavigatethefuturewith confidence.
TheClassof2025celebrating amajormilestoneintheir lives,Commencement.
From the Head of School
TakingPerspective:HowWeNurtureandChallenge
OneAnotherDuringTimesofTransition
Whatayear!AsIreflectonthepastseveralmonths, thereareanumberofthemesthatrisetothesurface, centeringaroundourmission-Toinspireactive,joyful learningwhilenurturingandchallengingourstudentsto developthecharacter,creativity,andskillstonavigatethe futurewithsuccess.Specifically,I’vebeenthinkingabout thewaysthatwenurtureandchallengeoneanotherasa community
Overthelastyear,we’vefacedunexpectedleadership changes,navigatedloss,andseenwhat’spossiblewhen wecometogetherwithacommonpurposeThroughit all,wehavegrownstrongerandresetexpectationsfor what’spossibleasweheadintoanewschoolyear.
I’veneverbeenmoreproudofourcommunitythanIwaslastfall,inthedaysfollowing InterimHeadofSchool,ChrisGorycki’spassing.Thisheartbreakingmomentcameata timewhenwewerealreadynavigatingaperiodofuncertaintyandtransitionYet,whatI witnessedthatweekwillstaywithmeforever:students,faculty,andfamiliescoming togethertohonorhis memory,careforoneanother,andsupporthisfamilywithcompassionandgrace
ChrishadadeeploveforathleticsHeembracedtheTarrierspiritimmediately,showing upinthestands,onthesidelines,andevenatanawaycrosscountrymeetonaSaturday afternoon.WhenheaddressedourUpperSchoolstudents,hesharedaphilosophythat stillechoesacrosscampus:“It’snotaboutwinningorlosing,”hesaid,“It’saboutattitude andeffort.”Thosewordshaveguidedusinmanymomentssince,remindingusthatwhile wemaynotcontroleveryoutcome,howweshowupforoneanotherprofoundlyshapes ourexperience.
Lookingbackathowtheschoolyearbegan,it’strulyremarkabletoseewhereweended: celebratingstudentachievements,honoringdeeplearningandgrowth,andrekindlinga strongsenseofhopeandconnectionItmademeproudtobeaTarrier!
Thissummer,IhadachancetostepawayandspendtimewithmyfamilyinSun River,OregonIhadimaginedarelaxingweekofreadingbythepool,floatingdownthe river,andbikingintotownforicecream.Butwhenwearrived,theheatwasintense,the
poolwascrowded,andshadewashardtofind.Withinthefirsttwenty-fourhours,our hopefulanticipationmeltedintodisappointmentandfrustration,andweneededtopivot. Thatevening,wehaddinnerwithfriendswholiveinBendandtheyofferedsome suggestionsforotherwaystoenjoytheareaThenextdayweregroupedand,basedon theirrecommendation,decidedtoexploreMtBachelorDrivingfromSunRiver,wecould seearoughoutlineofhighridges.Aswegotclosertotheskiarea,thebeautyofthe mountainrangewasonfulldisplay.Wepurchasedticketsandrodethechairliftuptothe mid-mountainarea.Fromthere,theairwascoolerandtheviewwasinspiring.Wecouldsee snow-cappedpeaksandalpinelakesineverydirection.Andjustlikethat,Iwasremindedof howperspectivechangeseverythingItwasasimpleshift,butapowerfuloneInsteadof complainingaboutwhatwethoughtthistripwouldbe,wehadtheopportunitytoexplore newpossibilitiesanddifferentwaysofspendingtimetogether.
Inmanyways,thismirrorswhatwe’velivedthisyear.Whenwepause,stepback, andtakeinthebroaderview,wereconnecttowhatmattersmost:ourmission,ourpurpose, andeachotherOurchallengeasacommunityistoreflectonwherewe’vebeenandusethe lessonslearnedandwisdomgainedtohelpinformwherewe’regoing
Lastyearwasaboutfindingourfootingbyrestoringstability,buildingtrust,and reconnecting.IamexcitedtostepintoanewchaptertogetherasIbeginmyfirstfullyearas HeadofSchool.It’saseasonfullofpossibility,andwehaveauniqueopportunitytolead withpurpose,intention,andclarityAswecontinuetonurtureandchallengeoneanother,I amconfidentwewillfindourbestpathforwardAndwhenwelookback,we’lldosowith prideonthejourneywe’veshared,theresiliencewe’veshown,andthefuturewecontinueto buildtogether.
Inpartnership,
RachelRippl,P’31 HeadofSchool
Campus Moments
CHARLIE’SPICNIC|
StudentsandtheirfamiliesgatheredinSeptembertocelebrateCharlie’sPicnic,ourannualcelebrationoftheCWAcommunity Studentsplayedcarnivalgames,hadapicnicdinner,andwatchedsomeexcitingathleticcompetitions.
StudentsandtheirfamiliesgatheredforanafternoonoffunatourannualFallFestivalCostumeParade!Weabsolutelyloved seeingthecreativitywithcostumesItwasagreatdayfullofcross-divisionalbonding,whereouryoungestandoldestlearnerscametogether!
ARTWALKANDFESTIVAL|
AnincredibledayandeveningcelebratingvisualartsatCWA!Visualartsofferanavenueforallstudentstoexplore theircreativity,developnewskills,challengethemselves,collaborate,andpracticeself-expression
Real World Learning, the Tarrier Way
ExperientialeducationisahallmarkoftheCharlesWrightAcademy experience.Itextendstheclassroomintotherealworldandinvitesthe realworldontoourcampus.Whetherit’sforesttime,localfieldtrips, project-basedlearning,orWinterim,weknowthattheseopportunities tolearnbydoingareacriticalpartoflivingourmissioneachandevery day.
See it. Hear it. Feel it.
TheartsareavitalpartofhowCharlesWrightAcademystudents learn,expressthemselves,andengagewiththeworld.Fromthestage tothestudio,Tarriersexploretheircreativitythrougharich performingandvisualartsprogramthatfostersconfidence, collaboration,andimagination.Whetheractinginaplay,performing intheorchestra,orcreatingapieceofvisualart,everystudenthas theopportunitytodiscoverandsharetheiruniquevoice.
Tarriers Bleed Green
Throughcompetitiveteamsportsandphysicaleducation,Tarriers learnthevalueofhardwork,resilience,andintegrity.Withafocuson sportsmanshipandpersonalgrowth,student-athletestrainwith purpose,leadwithheart,andcompetewithpride.Whetheronthe field,court,ortrack,ourstudentsrisetoeverychallenge-andthey BleedGreendoingso.
Nisqually League Honors
FALL
Volleyball
FirstTeam
AvaClose-Boyd’26
DoraKarlo’25
Football
FirstTeam
BenBortel’25
Kicker
EastonFrancis’25
Linebacker
SecondTeam
JaidenBrokens’27
WideReceiver
JamesCole’25
OffensiveandDefensiveLine
EastonFrancis’25
RunningBack
WINTER
BoysBasketball
SecondTeam
CadenLee’27
HonorableMention
TofyOgunbinu-Peters’25
GirlsBasketball
HonorableMention
BelleRussell’27
SPRING
Baseball
FirstTeam
BrandonBennett’25
Utility
EastonFrancis’25
Pitcher
ColbyStice’27
DesignatedHitter
SecondTeam
TuckerGrasser’27 Infielder
BoysSoccer
SecondTeam
BenBortel’25
HonorableMention
BentonCoffey’26
JasonLee’26
FirstTeam
MayaGhimire’29
ElleLee’29 Golf
SecondTeam
MadisenHan’29
TylerKim’26
FirstTeam
AndrewWerden’25 Track&Field
SecondTeam
EllaGlasper’27
SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
Baseball
BoysBasketball
GirlsBasketball
COACHOFTHE YEAR
HenryCheney’16-Baseball
Tacoma Athletic Commission Awards
TomNamesMultiple-SportScholarship
EastonFrancis’25-FootballandBaseball
AthleteoftheYearNominations
OrionBretherton’25
EastonFrancis’25
CadenLee’27
BelleRussell’27
SienaSydenham’25
To the Next Level
BenBortel’25-GrinnellCollegeFootball
OrionBretherton’25-LinfieldCollegeCrossCountryand Track&Field
EastonFrancis’25-ValleyCityStateUniversityBaseball
DoraKarlo’25-NavarroCollegeVolleyball
EllaParks’25-WheatonCollegeArtisticSwimming
Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees
CoachMindyMcGrath
NateMondou‘13
2009StateRelayTeam
EmileeBell’09
DianeLawrence’10
GraceSu’09
RachaelWilliams’11
KaitlynAshcraft
BrandonBennett*
BenjaminBortel
OrionBretherton
AllisonCallies
TracyChow
JamesCole
NathanielCutting*
MeraFoster*
EastonFrancis
AudreyHartman
BrentHu*
DoraKarlo
SamuelKolbo
AbigailLowy
vianMacBain*
GavinMeier
JadeMohit
bigailNaiman
KavaeNiazi
DarnellNjunge
OliviaNoh*
unmiOgunbinu-Peters
IraOlsen
EllaParks
Pedersen*
eSabo
ethSaffer atterlee
ydenham*
Vazquez
wWerden uiZhang
weiZhao
cholar
Members of the Class of 2025 were accepted to the following
AdelphiUniversity
AlleghenyCollege
ArizonaStateUniversity
BardCollege
BostonUniversity(2)
BrandeisUniversity
BrownUniversity
BrynMawrCollege
CaliforniaStatePolytechnicUniversity-Pomona
CaliforniaStatePolytechnicUniversity-SanLuisObispo
CaliforniaStateUniversity-Bakersfield
CarletonCollege
CarnegieMellonUniversity
CentralWashingtonUniversity
CoastalCarolinaUniversity
ConnecticutCollege
EvergreenStateCollege
FordhamUniversity
GeorgeFoxUniversity
GeorgeWashingtonUniversity
GeorgetownUniversity
GeorgiaStateUniversity
Goldsmiths,UniversityofLondon
GonzagaUniversity
GracelandUniversity-Lamoni GrinnellCollege
HaverfordCollege
HiramCollege
HofstraUniversity
HollinsUniversity
The Kindergarten Classof2037 sharedtheir bestadvicefor theClassof 2025asthey getreadyto leavehomefor college.
IndianaUniversity
IonaUniversity
LagunaCollegeofArtandDesign
LawrenceUniversity
Lewis&ClarkCollege
LinfieldUniversity
LouisianaStateUniversity
LoyolaUniversityChicago
MaristCollege
MarquetteUniversity
MarylandInstituteCollegeofArt
MassachusettsCollegeofArtandDesign
MontanaStateUniversity
MountHolyokeCollege
NavarroCollege
NewYorkUniversity
NorthernArizonaUniversity
NotreDameofMarylandUniversity
OccidentalCollege
OhioStateUniversity-Columbus
OlivetNazareneUniversity
PacificLutheranUniversity
PennsylvaniaStateUniversity
PierceCollege
PortlandStateUniversity
PrincetonUniversity
ReedCollege
RhodeIslandSchoolofDesign
SaintMary’sCollegeofCalifornia
SanDiegoStateUniversity
colleges and universities:
SantaClaraUniversity
SavannahCollegeofArtandDesign
SchooloftheArtInstituteofChicago SchoolofVisualArts
ScrippsCollege
SeattleUniversity
SmithCollege
SouthernOregonUniversity
StLawrenceUniversity
StateUniversityofNewYork-StonyBrook
TempleUniversity
UniversityCollegeDublin UniversityCollegeLondon
UniversityofAlabama
UniversityofAlaska-Anchorage UniversityofAlaska-Fairbanks UniversityofArizona
UniversityofBritishColumbia-Vancouver UniversityofCalifornia-Berkeley
UniversityofCalifornia-Davis UniversityofCalifornia-Irvine UniversityofCalifornia-LosAngeles UniversityofCalifornia-Merced UniversityofCalifornia-Riverside UniversityofCalifornia-SanDiego UniversityofCalifornia-SantaBarbara UniversityofCalifornia-SantaCruz UniversityofDenver UniversityofFlorida UniversityofHawaii-Manoa
UniversityofMiami
UniversityofMinnesota-TwinCities UniversityofNebraska UniversityofNewHampshire UniversityofOregon UniversityofPittsburgh UniversityofPugetSound UniversityofRochester UniversityofSanDiego UniversityofSanFrancisco UniversityofSouthernCalifornia UniversityofTexas-Austin UniversityoftheArtsLondon UniversityofToronto UniversityofVermont UniversityofWashington-Seattle(4) UniversityofWashington-Tacoma UniversityofWaterloo ValleyCityStateUniversity
WashingtonStateUniversity(3) WellesleyCollege
WesternWashingtonUniversity(2) WheatonCollege-MA
WhitmanCollege WhittierCollege
WhitworthUniversity
WillametteUniversity
YaleUniversity(2)
Kindergarten Counsel
TheKindergartenClassof2037sharedtheirbestadvicefortheClassof 2025astheygetreadytoleavehomeforcollege.
Grade Celebration h 8
OnThursday,June12,theCharlesWrightAcademyMiddleSchool celebratedtheClassof2029intheMurrayMiddleSchoolCommons. Surroundedbyfamily,friends,faculty,andstaff,ourstudents reflectedontheirMiddleSchooljourney,honoringhowfarthey’ve comeandtheTarrierTraitstheywillcarrywiththemintotheUpper School.ShownatrightaretheTraitseachmemberoftheClassof 2029choseforthemselves.
Welcome
to Upper School!
HenryBarcus
YahirBautistaLopez
MollyBeatte
LeviBland
CruzBuren
TobiasCase
SoreyaCelleri
ElizabethDemuth
KhangDo
IonaEllisor
AmeliaEvans
ArthurEvenson
RyanFeehan
MadelynFinkel
EmmaFoster
MayaGhimire
FinleyGood
HenryGoodwin
ZoieGrant
MavrynGullatt
MadisenHan
BiancaHenderson
QuinnHodlik
AndyJacobson-Mowery
QuintinKaplan
SelinaKluetz
AmicaKungxat
AinsleyLawson
ElleLee
BrandonLopez
AnnabelleMetzgar
EmilioNgo
HannahNguyen
AdrianPark
AlecPla
AshlynPodbilski
C/RayRaymond
CassiusRichardson
MehakéSidhu
DrewStice
ShayleighSydenham
RhianneTan
ReetThakur
LyllyVeler
BrandonWaweru
FinnWeist
AmeliaWerner
YumingXie
BiniamYimam
MadisonYoung
Explorer Explorer
Innovator Thinker Communicator
Thinker Explorer Collaborator Communicator
Thinker Steward Innovator Thinker Collaborator Explorer Communicator Explorer Explorer Collaborator Thinker Collaborator Communicator Steward Collaborator Communicator Collaborator Innovator Collaborator Thinker Explorer Explorer Innovator Collaborator Steward Steward Communicator Thinker Steward Explorer Collaborator Thinker Thinker Explorer
Thinker Collaborator Steward Explorer
Thinker Explorer Communicator
Grade Moves Up h 4
AerZhang
Welcome to Middle School!
OnFriday,June13,ourfourthgradersmarkedtheendoftheirLower Schooljourney.Surroundedbyfamily,friends,andfaculty,theClass of2033sang,laughed,andreflectedastheyclosedthischapterof theirschoolexperience.Congratulations,andwelcometoMiddle School,Tarriers!
Leading the Way
GettoknowCharlesWrightAcademy’sninthHeadofSchool,RachelRippl
HowlonghaveyoubeenworkingatCWA?Whatroleshaveyouheldinthepast? IstartedatCWAin2006asthesixthgradeEnglishteacher.I’vebeenthesixthgradeteam leader,co-chairoftheEnglishdepartment,AssistantDirectoroftheMiddleSchool,Middle SchoolDirector,andUpperSchoolDirector
Whatinspiredyoutoworkineducation?
Ihavealwayslovedworkingwith childrenGrowingup,Iwasalifeguard andtaughtswimminglessons.During college,Iranprogrammingatasummer campinCalifornia.Ienjoyseeingchildren discovertheirpassionsandhowtheycan usetheiruniquegiftstoimpactthe world
WhatdrewyoutoCWAspecifically?
Initially,itwastherightopportunityattherighttimeIwasmovingtotheSouthSoundover thesummer,andajobopeneduphereinlateJune.Ihadbeenworkinginpublicschools,and ittookawhiletotransitionhere.Afteracoupleofyears,Iunderstoodwhatmade independentschooleducationunique,especiallyatCharlesWright.Thestrongrelationships withteachers,theabilitytocraftcurriculumtomeetspecificstudentneeds,andtheway learningextendedintotherealworldthroughexperientialeducationwereallcompelling reasonsthatmademeexcitedtobepartofthiscommunity
Whatqualitiesdoyouvaluemostinour schoolcommunity?
Ivaluethewaywenurtureandchallenge oneanotherWestriveforeverymemberof ourcommunity(students,families,andstaff) tofeelseen,known,andvalued.Atthesame time,weengageincandidandcourageous conversationsandcontinuetopushone anothertogrowIt’sadelicatebalancethat createsarich,dynamiclearning environment
Whatdoyouhopewillremainthesame?
Whenyouimagineourschoolfiveyears fromnow,whatdoyouhopewillbe different?
Ihopethatwewillalwayskeeplearning, growing,andinnovatingourprogramAs differentneedsariseinthecommunityand theworldcontinuestochange,Ihopethat wewillbebothcarefulandthoughtfulin howwerespondandopentogrowthand changeIhopethatwe’llhaveastronger senseofconnectionwithoneanotherand thatourschoolwillcontinuetogrowand thrive.
Ihopethatwewillcontinuetoanchorourselvesinourmission,vision,andvaluesSamand NathalieBrown,ourschoolfounders,hadavisionforourschoolalmost70yearsago,andI hopetheywouldlookatwhowearetodayandhowwe’vegrownandchangedovertimeand beproudofwhattheysee.
WhatdoyouhopeeverystudentwilltakeawayfromtheirtimeatCWA? Ihopethateverystudentwilldiscoveralife-longloveoflearning-that theywillbeintrinsicallymotivatedtoseekknowledge,toaskcritical questions,andtoengageintheworldasglobalcitizensasaresultof whatthey’veexperiencedduringtheirtimehere.
Ifyoucouldgiveourstudentsonepieceofadvice,whatwoulditbe? KeeptryingnewthingsandtakinghealthyrisksTherearesomany opportunitiestolearnandgrow,andoftentimes,adultsfocusonthethingstheyaregoodat andstoppursuingnewinterests.Iwantstudentstoknowthattheyarepowerfulandhavethe abilitytoimpactourworldtomakeitabetterplaceusingtheiruniqueskillsandgifts
WhatisyourfavoriteCWAtradition?
Founders’DayismyfavoriteCWAtraditionbecausewehaveachancetolookbackatwhere we’vecomefrom,seehowwe’vegrownandchanged,andcelebratebothofthosejourneys whilelookingaheadtothefutureaswellIt’slikeafamilyreunion,andIenjoyseeingsomany familiarfacesreturntocampustocelebrateourschool
This or That? Coffee orTea? MorningPerson orNightOwl? Science orHistory? Beach orMountains?
Inspirational Faculty Award
JENNKOLBO
GradeLeadTeacher
Eachyear,theFamilyAssociationhasthehonorofrecognizing ateacherwhobringsthemissionofCharlesWrightAcademy tolife,notjustinwhattheysay,butinhowtheyteach,how theylead,andhowtheycareforourchildrenThisyear’s honoreeissomeonewhoseimpactisfeltdeeplybystudents, families,andcolleaguesalike:JennKolbo.
InJenn’sclassroom,studentsaremetwithgenuinewarmth andanunshakablebeliefintheirpotentialOneparentshared howtheirchild,whohashadsomestruggleswithacademics, nowwalksintoschoolwithconfidence,notbecauseeverything iseasy,butbecauseJenncelebratessmallvictoriesandofferssupportwithoutjudgment That’swhatcompassionlookslikeinaction:noticingtheeffort,notjusttheoutcome,and showingupforeachchildwithpatience,positivity,andpurpose.
Anotherparenttoldustheirchildbegantheyearbehindinreadingandisnowreading beyondgradelevel.TheycreditthistransformationtothededicationandcreativityJenn bringsintoeverylessonthesamekindofexcellencethatdefinesherwork,everydayShe doesn'tseekthespotlightshejustpourseverythingshehasintohelpingchildrenlearn,and throughthat,theirloveoflearninggrows.Butherworkextendsfarbeyondherown classroom.She’sbeeninstrumentalinshapingoneofthemostmeaningfullearning experiencesintheLowerSchool:thefirst-gradefarm-to-tableunit.Whatbeganasasimple gardenprojectisnowarobust,year-longinquirythatweavestogetherscience,writing, sustainability,andcommunitypartnershipsBecauseofherleadership,firstgradersarenot onlylearningwheretheirfoodcomesfrom,they’reexploringfarms,hostingfarmers’markets, andseeingthemselvesaspartofsomethinglarger.
Jennmentorsnewteachers,leadsliteracyefforts,andshowsperseveranceinwaysmost peopleaspireto.Througheveryemailandparentcommunication,everycarefullyrevised lesson,andeveryconversationwithastudentwhojustneedsalittleextrapush,shemakes CWAshineabitbrighterOnecolleaguesaiditbest,“Shegives110%toeverystudentand everyfamilywhowalksthroughherdoor.”Thatkindofintegrity,doingtherightthingeven whennoone’swatching,defineswhosheis.
Christopher Steele Award
ZBIGNIEW“ZB”KASZEWICZ
MaintenancePersonnelII
ChristopherSteelegraduatedfromCharlesWrightAcademyin 1982Asastudent,hethrewhimselfintoallCharlesWright hadtoofferHeplayedsoccer,tookanactivepartindrama productions,andwasatalentedvisualartstudentHehada particularlovefortheoutdoors,andthosewhowentontrips withChrisSteelerecallhispassionateenthusiasmforhiking andclimbing.Afteralongfightwithcancer,Steelepassed awayin2002Inhismemory,hisfamilyandfriendsestablished anannualawardtohonoraCharlesWrightstaffmemberwho hasmadeanoutstandingcontributiontotheschoolandits studentsandfaculty.
PleasejoinusincongratulatingZBKaszewiczonreceivingthe2025ChristopherSteeleAward. ZBhasbeenastaffmemberatCharlesWrightAcademyfor23yearsandcamehighly recommendedforthishonorbyhispeersDon’tjusttakeitfromus,readontohearwhat nominatorshadtosayaboutZB:
“ForalmostaslongasIhavebeenatCWA,ZBhasbeenaconstant,productivecornerstoneof ourcommunity.Nooneknowsmoreabouttheinsandoutsofeverysystemintheschool. Armedwithagreatworkethic,afriendlydemeanor,andanincrediblefacilitywithtools,ZB canfixanythingDespitethefactthatfacultyarenotalwaysgreatatcommunicatingwhatis wrongwithadeviceintheirroom(forexample,“myheatingunitmakeskindofachugnoise, beforethewhirringandthenthumpswhenitturnsoff”)ZBinevitablytranslatesthegarbled instructionsandcluesintoaseamlessfix.Heimprovesthecommunityeveryminutethatheis here.”
“IamwritingtonominateZBforthe2025ChristopherSteeleAwardinrecognitionofhis exceptionaldedication,hardwork,andunwaveringcommitmenttomaintainingasafeand efficientenvironmentwithinourCWAcommunity.ZBconsistentlydemonstratesthecore valuesthatourschoolholdsdear:Excellence,Compassion,Integrity,Respect,and Perseverance.”
ZB’sdailycontributions,thoughoftenbehindthescenes,areintegraltothesmoothoperation ofourfacilities,benefittingallofuswhorelyonhisexpertiseandsupport.Histirelessefforts ensurethatourcommunityremainsasafeandwell-maintainedplaceforlearningandgrowth.
Lifetime Teaching Award SUZYEBALO
KindergartenTeacher
TheLifetimeTeachingAwardisbestoweduponCharlesWright Academyfacultymemberswhoretirewithatleast20yearsof dedicatedservicetotheschool
Describedasalifelongfixtureinstudents’lives,SuzyEbalois theembodimentofcompassion,excellence,andjoyinlearning. Herinfluencereachesfarbeyondthewallsofherkindergarten classroom,lastingwellpasttheschoolday,theschoolyear,and evengraduation.ManyTarriersrememberSuzyasnotjusta teacher,theyrememberherasamentor,anurturer,anda lifelongfriend
Inherclassroom,reading,writing,andmatharejustthebeginningSuzyweavesextra momentsofcareintoeveryday,knowingshe’snotonlybuildingskillsetsbutalsonurturing confidence,curiosity,andcompassion.Herstudents’well-beingisalwaysherpriority,andit showsinthewaytheyflourishunderhercare.
Yearafteryear,familiesspeakofthelastingimprintsheleavesOneparentshared,“Suzyis notjustateacherSheisamentor,aguidancecounselor,atherapist,afriend”Anotherparent addedwithalaugh,“IwishIhadanotherkidjusttostayinherclassroom…ormaybeI’llhave anotherkidjusttostayinherclassroom!”
Thoughstudentsmaymoveontoothergrades,Suzyneverstopsthinkingofthem.Eachyear, formerstudentseagerlyawaitaback-to-schoolpostcardfromMsEbalo,atraditionthat beautifullyreflectsherenduringcommitmenttoherstudentsandtheirfamiliesAsoneparent putit,“MyMiddleSchoolsonleftherclassseveralyearsago,andwewaiteveryyearforthe postcardsshesendstoallherformerstudents.”
Suzyoftensaysthathergoalisforeverystudenttolookbackatkindergartenandsay,“That yearrocked!”AndgenerationsofTarriersagreetheydosaythat,yearafteryearHerstudents carrywiththemnotonlythelessonsshetaughtbuttheloveandconfidencesheinstilled SuzyEbaloisaneducatorwhomstudentslovetohaveandhatetoleave.
Today,wecelebrateSuzy.Withheartfeltgratitude,weareproudtohonorherwiththe2025 LifetimeTeachingAwardforheryearsofinvaluablecontributionstotheCharlesWright Academycommunity
From the Alumni Relations Office
nite,reflect,andreingiteyourTarrierpride.
DearTarrierAlumni,
IthasbeenmydistinctprivilegetoserveasyourDirector ofDevelopmentandAlumniRelationsatCharlesWright Academy,andIwanttothankyouforthewarmwelcome intothisremarkablecommunity!Thepastyearhasbeen oneofmeaningfulprogressandrenewedmomentum. Despiteleadershiptransitions,theunexpectedlossofthe lateInterimHeadofSchool,ChrisGorycki,andthe announcementofRachelRipplasthenextHeadof School,ourcommunityhascontinuedtopersist.Through itall,we’veremainedgroundedinthevaluesthathave shapedourinstitutionforgenerations:community, excellence,andopportunity.
Additionally,wehaverelaunchedtheAlumniRelationsprogram,hostingbothlocaland regionaleventsacrossthecountry,organizedmultipleclassreunions,andprovided opportunitiesforalumnitobeincommunityhereonourbeautifulcampus
Aswecontinuetobuilduponthatlegacy,Iwanttopersonallyinviteyoutore-engagewith CharlesWrightAcademyinthewaysthataremostmeaningfulforyou.Whetheryou’ve stayedcloselyconnectedorit’sbeenawhilesinceyourlastvisit,thisisyourhome.Wehave severalexcitingeventsonthehorizon,andI’dlovethechancetomeetyouinpersonandhear aboutyourjourneysincegraduation
TarrierAlumniplayanessentialroleinthelifeofourcampus-notonlythroughsupportand mentorship,butbyembodyingthePortraitofaTarrier.Thankyouforbeingpartofour community.Ilookforwardtowhatwe’llaccomplishtogetherintheyearahead.Lastly,ifyou wouldliketoscheduleameetingtoconnectorsetupacampustour,youarewelcometo emailmedirectly
Withcare,
De’AndreJones,M.Ed. DirectorofDevelopmentandAlumniRelations djones@charleswright.org
D‘07
WrightAcademyisproudtoannounce Ballard‘07astherecipientofthe2025 ftheYearAward.Apassionateeducator, ndcommunityleader,Aukeemhascarried sofCWAintoeverychapterofhislife, lastingimpactineachcommunityheserves
RootsatCharlesWrightAcademy
DuringhistimeasastudentatCharlesWright, Aukeemfullyimmersedhimselfincampuslife, embracingtheopportunitiestolearn,grow,andlead. Hewasanactivememberofthetheaterprogram andorchestra,competedintrackandfieldandcross country,servedinstudentgovernment,and contributedcountlesshourstocommunityservice.Hiswide-ranginginvolvementreflectedthe PortraitofaTarrier:astudentwhopursuesexcellence,cultivatescuriosity,andcaresdeeplyfor others
ALifeofPurposeandImpact
Today,AukeemisaPh.D.candidateinEducationattheUniversityofCalifornia,Berkeley,where hisresearchfocusesonCriticalStudiesofRace,Class,andGenderinK-12publiceducation.His workexploresemotionalandpsychologicallaborinschools,theroleofrelationshipsin educationaloutcomes,andwaystomakeschoolsmoreequitableandinclusiveAsagraduate studentresearcher,hecollaborateswithfacultyandadministratorsonequity-driveninitiatives andparticipatesinstudentgroupsthatfosterbelongingandjusticeoncampus.
Priortohisdoctoralstudies,Aukeemspentmorethaneightyearsinpubliceducation,most recentlyservinginleadershiprolesatSummitPublicSchoolsasaclassroomteacher,Deanof Students,AssistantPrincipal,andCo-PrincipalHehasledworkinfacultycoaching,student supportstructures,andprofessionaldevelopment,andbeganhiscareerineducationasa middleschoolteacherandyouthmentorinPortland,Oregon.
AukeemholdsanM.A.inTeachingandaB.A.inRhetoricandMediaStudiesfromLewis&Clark College.HewasalsothefirstSheridanScholarshiprecipienttograduatefromCharlesWright,a milestoneheoftenreflectsonwithdeeppride,citingitasapivotalmomentinhiseducational journeyfromHilltoptohighereducation
ATarrierThroughandThrough
Aukeem’sleadership,humility,andunwaveringcommitmenttojusticemakehimtheclear embodimentofthePortraitofaTarrier.Hisapproachtolifeandlearningismarkedby compassion,excellence,andadeepdesiretoupliftothers.
“IfirstmetAukeemduringour2024-2025RegionalTarrierTourintheEastBay,”shared De’AndreJones,DirectorofDevelopmentandAlumniRelations“Itwasimmediatelyclearto methathewasanidealcandidateforthisawardHe’sincrediblyhumble,deeplythoughtful, andcompletelyunawareofjusthowextraordinaryheis.That’swhatmakesthisrecognitionso well-deserved.”
WearehonoredtocelebrateAukeemasthisyear’sAlumnioftheYear.Hisimpactasan educator,leader,andadvocatecontinuestogrow-andwecan’twaittoseehowhisjourney unfolds
TolearnmoreaboutAukeem,weinviteyoutowatchhisAlumnioftheYearvideoby scanningtheQ
Class Notes
80
TheClassof1980hostedareunionattheVFW McKinleyinTacoma
85
TheClassof1985celebratedtheir40year reunion!
89
TheClassof1989celebratedtheir35year reunion!
98
ConnorWesley’98graduatedfromUniversity ofWashingtonwithaDoctorofNursing PracticeasaFamilyNursePracticionerHewas joinedbyhistwinsisterKaren’98andhis brotherDavid’84.
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TheClassof2000returnedtocampusto celebratethe25anniversaryoftheir graduationfromCWA.Theyspenttimetouring thecampusandreminiscingontheirtimeat CWAinthePhyllisKrieseCommonsinthe UpperSchoolTheywerejoinedbyWesWesby, BillWhite,CandiAnderson,BobGordon,David Adams,DavidandJulieKangas,HeidiHuckins, andformerHeadmasterRobCamner. th 80
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WewelcomedPhilZeeckJr.’01andhisfamilybackto campus.PhilwasrecentlyappointedasAssistant GeneralCounselfortheBig10Conference
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MaggieMacdonald’03marriedPatrickMauroin Belize.Inafuncoincidence,Patrickwasroommatesin collegewithJonathanMedley’03,andthethreehave enjoyedreconnecting
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TheClassof2004gatheredatJellyfishBrewing CompanyinSeattle,WAfortheir20yearreunion
TavisMalcolm’04wasfeaturedonABC’sSharkTank! Tuneintoseason16,episode9towatchhiscompany, MorrisonOutdoors,takeonthesharks!
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MaryWakefield’08competedinthenation’slargest strongwomancompetitionandtiedforfirstinthe SHWcategoryAspartofthemeet,shecompleted10 axledeadliftsat325poundsinunderoneminuteShe alsocompetesinpowerliftingatthelocalandnational level! 05 04 03
J’NaiBridges’05recentlyreturnedhometoTacoma forherdebutatSymphonyTacomaforhershow “Passion&Intrigue”atthePantagesTheater.She wasalsopresentedwiththeKeytotheCitybythe CityofTacoma!
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In Remembrance
ChristopherGorycki,
InterimHeadofSchool,passedawayon October28,2024.Whilehewasonlywithusforashorttime,Chris willforeverberememberedforhisincredibleabilitytobring communitiestogetherintimesoftransition.Inwhatseemstobe suchashortamountoftime,hehelpedCharlesWrightAcademyin somanywaysWhenasked“WhyCharlesWrightAcademy?”he wouldsimplyrespond,“Thisschooljustneedsalittlemorejoy”As ourInterimHeadofSchool,thatisexactlywhathedidHefound bitsandpiecesofjoyandcapitalizedonthosemomentsWhether hewastheloudestspectatoratanUpperSchoolathleticcompetition,havinglunchwithour LowerandMiddleSchoolstudents,orconductingmeetingswithourSeniorLeadershipand ManagementTeam,hebroughtjoybacktoCharlesWrightAcademy.
SheilaSippsGriffith,
motherofRossGriffith’05,passedawayonApril22,2025.
Judith(Judy)Hollar,
formerReadingandLanguageArtsSpecialist,passedawayinJune 2025Asstatedinherobituary,“Judywillberememberedforherdeepkindness,quiet strength,andthoughtfulnessthattouchedeveryoneshemet.Shehadagentle,loving presenceandwasalwaysquicktonoticeandcarefortheneedsofothers.Whetherofferinga handwrittennote,awarmmeal,oralisteningear,shemadepeoplefeelseenandvalued.Her steadyloveandselflessspiritweregiftstoherfamily,friends,andcommunity.”
passedawaythispastJulyafteralongbattlewithmultiplemyeloma. JimwasalwaysaproudmemberoftheTarriercommunityHewasverymovedandgratefulby hisinclusionintheCWASportsHallofFameHewillbemissedbymanyfamilymembersand friends,especiallyhislifelonglove,Carolandhisson,Jason James(Jim)Long’65
PhilipWeyerhaeuserPascoe’64
passedawayonOctober10,2024.Philipwasbornon February27,1946,inTacoma,Washington.HewasthesonofJohnJamesPascoeandAnn WeyerhaeuserPascoeandalifetimeresidentofTacoma.HegraduatedfromCharlesWright AcademyandClaremontMen’sCollege,andcompletedgraduatecourseworkattheStanford BusinessSchool.Hewasa101AirborneDivision(Reserve)GreenBeret.Hisbusinesscareer wasinfinance,retiringin2016aschairmanoftheboardandpresidentofClearwater ManagementCompany
PaulReynolds,Jr.,aformermemberoftheBoardofTrustees,passedawayonNovember14, 2024,afterafastandfiercebattlewithbraincancer,withhislovingfamilybyhisside
DavidRoskoph’17
passedawayonJuly4,2025.HeattendedCharlesWrightAcademyinfirst, sixth,andseventhgrade.AftergraduatingfromKeyPeninsulaHighSchool,Davidenlistedinthe UnitedStatesMarineCorpsandservedhonorablyasAssaultman.Davidwasabletotravelthe worldandhadvisited95countriesasbothcivilianandsoldier.
passedawayonJuly18,2025,surrounded thelovingembraceofhisfamilyafterahard-foughtbattlewith astaticCholangiocarcinoma.BillwasborninSeoul,Korea,on y18,1966,beforebeingadoptedattheageofthreebyPrléand yAnnMack.HewasaperfectfitfortheMackfamily,joining ingsRenee,Michelle,andGarytoliveouthisearlyyearsin chorage,Alaska,beforeeventuallysettlingonVashonIsland, erehecommutedoff-islandtoattendCharlesWrightAcademy latercompletedhisBachelorofSciencedegreeinfirescience mColumbiaSouthernUniversity
In1990,whileplayingvolleyballinGreenlake,hemettheloveofhislife,JaneElliot.Janeand BillhadawhirlwindromancethatledtomarriageonMarch23,1991Theywentontohave threesons-Taylor,Joe,andChristian
Ashisblossomingyoungfamilygrew,BillbeganhisfireservicecareerwiththeCityofAuburn FireDepartmentin1992HerosethroughtheranksatValleyRegionalFireAuthority,serving inmanykeyleadershiproles,eventuallybecomingaBattalionChief.
Throughouthiscareer,hewasachampionfortraininganddevelopment,teachingCPRand EMTskills,leadingmulti-agencyregionaltrainingefforts,andhelpingshapethecareersof countlessfirefightersandofficersacrossKingandPiercecounties.BillalsoservedasVice PresidentofIAFFLocal1352,DistrictRepresentativefortheWashingtonStateCouncilofFire Fighters,andastrongadvocateforfirefighterhealth,safety,andlaborrights.
In2021,hebroughthisexperienceandpassionformentorshiptoEastPierceFire&Rescueas DeputyChief,wherehecontinuedtomakealastingimpactuntilhisretirementin2023 Bill’sdeeploveforpeopleshonethroughhisactions:fromcoachingorcheeringonthe sidelinesofcountlessyouth,highschool,andcollegesportingevents,toshowingupforfellow firefighterfamiliesincrisis-toknowBillwastobelovedbyBill.Hisinfectiouslaughandwarm smilealwaysbroughteveryonetogether.
Whatanight!Whileattendeeswerebehindmasks,theheartofour communitywasonfulldisplay.Everydollarraiseddirectlysupports CharlesWrightstudents,fromtheirfirstcuriousdaysintheBeginning SchooltothemomenttheyconfidentlycrosstheCommencement stage.Together,weinspiredactive,joyfullearning,leadingwith excellence,andensuringeachstudentisknownandvalued.
From the Archives
Thisyear,wehadthepleasureofbringingbackabelovedCWAtradition:Founders’Day! Wordscannotexpressthegratitudewehaveforourwonderfulcommunity,whetheryou celebratedwithusoncampusorfromafar,wehopeyoufelttheTarrierspiritandthejoy, pride,andconnectionthatmakeCharlesWrightAcademysuchaspecialplaceforallofus.
