Almanacs - Vashon Graduation 2012

Congratulations, 2012 Graduates vashon-maury island

published by the vashon-maury island beachcomber

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Vashon Island Class of 2012

Congratulations Scholarship to the night Class of 2012 The Beachcomber salutes you, the graduates of the Class of 2012, and all that you’ve already accomplished.

We look forward to sharing news of your future achievements.

More than 100 seniors received scholarships at the Vashon Community Scholarship Foundation ceremony on May 30.

See page 12 for a full list of scholarship recipients.

Graduating seniors, a new road lies ahead for you, a journey that may take you far from this small “rock” in the Sound. We hope that wherever you go, you’ll carry a pocketful of sweet memories, pride in this place you call home and a spirit of adventure and goodwill.

We at The Beachcomber wish each of you the utmost success in your personal and professional endeavors. We also hope you’ll come back often.

Class of 2012, congratulations! You’ve made it through four rigorous years of high school. Adult life awaits. Embrace it, stay safe, and keep in touch.

— The Beachcomber staff

Special thanks Many thanks go to the graduates who answered The Beachcomber’s request for information and sent in their favorite photos from high school. Thanks, too, to the many businesses that have supported this special publication and made it possible for us to honor our Island youth. We appreciate all that you do for the community and for our young people.

Publisher Daralyn Anderson Editor Leslie Brown Section editor Natalie Johnson Design and production Nance Scott Marketing Daralyn Anderson and Matthew Olds Cover design by Nance Scott

Natalie Johnson/Staff Photos

School board member Laura Wishik (top) presents the Academic Award to Olivia-Rae Haines and Lydia Houston.

Christina Gleb and Andy Hennessey (bottom left) stand on stage to accept the Vashon Rotary Club Scholarship.

©Copyright 2012 Sound Publishing Inc.

Mary Kate Gildea, Tylor Heit and Jeffrey Schmaus (middle right) accept scholarships presented by Laura Weston.

Camille Kappelman (bottom) hugs Janice Mallman from Vashon Allied Arts after receiving the VAA Art Hansen Scholarship.

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Congratulations, Graduates!

Proudly presenting…

The Vashon Island

Graduating Class of 2012 Kelsey Abella Kelsey Abella loves to play sports and was on both the basketball and crew teams. She also loves fashion and was on the B.P. Fashion board for Nordstrom. Kelsey, the daughter of Daren and Wendi Abella, will attend Washington State University.

Catherine Amick Catherine Amick, the daughter of Carolyn and Donald Amick, enjoys soccer, tennis, music and reading.

She said one of her greatest accomplishments in high school was being Olivia Chesney’s friend. After graduation, Catherine will go to Wheaton College in Norton, Mass. One of her fondest memories of high school is of when Alex Wall went to Japan. “Best days of my life,” she said.

Margarete Amundsen Margarete Amundsen is the daughter of Matt and Theresa Amundsen.

During high school she enjoyed participating in the Vashon High School production of “Legally Blonde the Musical.” Margarete will begin school this summer at Tacoma Community College.

Carlie-Sue Anderson Carlie-Sue Anderson loves to dance and ski and was a cheerleader throughout high school.

She was also active in student council, was co-

vice president as a junior and co-president as a senior. She has good memories of American Studies class, going to basketball games, cheering and football games, homecoming week and the Macklemore concert. Carlie-Sue, the daughter of MeriMichael Collins and Scott Anderson, will attend the University of Washington.

Izak Anderson Izak Anderson, the son of Bruce and Gina Anderson, will attend Central Washington University after graduation.

During high school his favorite activities were soccer, golf and barbecues, and he also enjoyed his jewelry-making class. Izak said his fondest memory of high school was “that Friday when we had a barbecue.”

Gianna Andrews Gianna Andrews’ biggest passion in high school was skiing. Some of her fondest memories are of making promo videos for tolo and Homecoming. In the fall Gianna, the daughter of Marci Napoli and Fletcher Andrews, will attend Montana State University, where she was accepted into the honors program.

Leah Andrews Leah Andrews loves to play volleyball and is proud to have been on the Vashon volleyball team when it earned its firstever league title her senior year.

Leah is the daughter of Mary Andrews Simonson and Dean Andrews. In the fall she will attend Pacific University in Forest Grove, Ore., and she will play on Pacific’s volleyball team.

Olivia Andrus Olivia Andrus, the daughter of Mara and Cameron Andrus, will attend the University of Oregon after graduation. Olivia is passionate about kids, fashion and health, and her favorite activities in high school included dance, yoga, running, being outdoors and spending time with her friends and family. Her fondest memories of high school are of going to prom, going to basketball games, school soccer and bonding with ballet and dance girls.

Zach Barker Zach Barker, the son of Ted Barker and Kristin Jones, lives in West Seattle and commuted to VHS. His favorite memories of high school include when Papa Sears put Maximo in an egg roll, when Jesse Turner fell to Zach’s peer pressure and broke his arm and growing his first beard. Zach enjoys playing tennis, golf and guitar and snowboarding.

He said his most important memory of high school is of when he saved Kevin Featherstone’s life. After graduation, Zach will attend Western Washington University.

Noah BaseleonAbbott Noah BaseleonAbbott is a musician who played in bands with his friends during high school. He enjoyed being able to play various gigs and also playing at Open Mic and Sharing the Stage. His best memories of high school are of traveling to both Disneyland and Japan and “the bearded

shovel adventures.” Noah’s parents are Chris and Joe Muller and Jeff and Melissa Abbott, and in the fall he will attend the University of Washington.

Madeline Bergman Madeline Bergman, the daughter of Becky and Matt Bergman, will attend Linfield College in Portland.

During high school Madeline competed in equestrian show jumping and traveled to shows all over North America. She loved developing into a serious equestrian as well as a strong student and also enjoyed writing for the Riptide.

Carah Bordner Carah Bordner, the daughter of Beth and Rob Bordner, loves traveling and speaking Spanish. During high school she traveled to Chile to participate in an exchange program. She also enjoys yoga, dance and snowboarding.

Carah did Running Start at South Seattle Community College, and in the fall she will attend the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Mackenzie Browne Mackenzie Browne has a passion for art and enjoys making 3D animation and stop animation.

She commuted to Vashon High School from West Seattle and is the daughter of Jodie and Mark Browne.

Mackenzie’s best memories of high school are of simply being with her friends. After graduation she will attend the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.

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Catelyn Buxton Catelyn Buxton enjoyed playing soccer in high school and being a part of Vashon Island Fire & Rescue’s Explorer program. She is proud to have earned an Explorer ranking. Catelyn, the daughter of Shelley and Daron Buxton, will travel to Louisiana with AmeriCorps to spend a year rebuilding houses destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. After that, she plans to return to Vashon and may attend Tacoma Community College to earn a degree in fire science before attending the Vashon’s fire academy to become a firefighter/EMT.

Olivia Chesney Olivia Chesney loves art and traveling and took a trip to Hungary in 2011. Olivia, the daughter of Susan and James Chesney, is deferring her admission to Hobart and William Smith College in New York to spend a year traveling in Indonesia and Borneo.

Autumn Clark Autumn Clark, the daughter of Alison and Tony Clark, commuted to Vashon High School from her home in Port Orchard.

She enjoys art and she is proud to have completed high school. She said her fondest memories of high school are “the ones I can’t talk about in The Beachcomber.” In the fall Autumn will study culinary arts at Seattle Central Community College.

Max Croonquist Max Croonquist enjoys surfing and hopes to do more of it at Cabrillo College in Santa Cruz, Calif., where he will train to be a firefighter after graduation.

Max, the son of Tom and Elsa Croonquist, said he watched himself grow throughout his high school experience.

Vashon Island Class of 2012

Sam Crosby Sam Crosby, the son of Matt and Lisa Crosby, will attend Whitman College after graduation.

Sam’s favorite activities are playing video games and hanging out with his friends. Some of his best memories of high school include going trike jousting with his fellow knights.

Jessica Danzer Jessica Danzer, the daughter of Julie and Dave Danzer, was on Vashon High School’s volleyball team when it won the Nisqually League title for the first time ever.

She is also proud that the team beat Cascade Christian for the first time in 10 years. Jessica also enjoyed being on the swim team in high school. In the fall she will attend the University of Washington.

Kirstie Edwards Kirstie Edwards, the daughter of Kimberly Edwards and Michael Vergillo, loves journalism, running and playing the guitar. Kirstie commuted to Vashon High School from her home in Port Orchard, and she said at VHS she met the most memorable and amazing people. She will attend Central Washington University.

Elliot Ellingsen Elliot Ellingsen, the son of Mari Cummings and Ken Ellingsen, loves sports, including football, wrestling and lacrosse, and some of his best memories of high school are of being with his sports teams. He also enjoys bike riding, camping and working on computers. After graduation, Elliot plans to attend either Seattle Central Community College or the Art Institute of Seattle to study graphic design, video production and animation.

Emily Ellsworth Emily Ellsworth will attend community college in the fall. She is proud that during high school she made it through wrestling season as well as woodshop and learned to speak Spanish. Emily, the daughter of Karen and Kevin Ellsworth, commuted to VHS from Seattle.

Some of her best memories of high school are of crawling to first base in softball and making ice cream in chemistry class.

Konnar Fall Konnar Fall, the son of Jenny Granum, enjoys hanging out with his friends and played lacrosse during high school. After graduation, Konnar will go to Central Washington University. One of his best memories of high school is of the “very intense matt ball matches in Shig’s class.”

Kevin Featherstone Kevin Featherstone, the son of Curt and Monica Featherstone, said he enjoys hiking and adventuring. His fondest memories of high school include when Zach Barker saved his life, the cupcake thing in Spanish class and math. Kevin will attend Gonzaga University.

Tazi Flory Tazi Flory, the daughter of Meredith Yasui and Erin Flory, will attend Whitman College. Tazi has passions for environmental studies and political science, both of which she hopes to study in college. During high school Tazi enjoyed swimming, running, photography, reading and watching “Lord of the Rings.”

She is proud to have been a swim team captain, and she has fond memories of swim team and growing up on Vashon.

Sammy Fall Sammy Fall, the daughter of Jenny Granum, loves to play volleyball, and her best memories of high school are of volleyball games and spending time with teammates.

She is proud of being first in league outside hitter for volleyball senior year. After graduation, Sammy will attend Gonzaga University.

Zoe FergusonSteele Zoe FergusonSteele enjoys singing, dancing and playing the ukulele.

During high school Zoe, the daughter of Jeff Ferguson and Heidi Steele, commuted to Vashon High School from West Seattle. Her favorite memories of high school are of participating in the VHS production of “A Chorus Line,” Amigos and AP calculus class. In the fall Zoe will go to the University of Washington.

Deven Forest Deven Forest, the grandson of Adrienne Forest, will attend Washington State University in the fall and is proud of the path he is taking in life. His best memories of high school are of being with his friends. “I have enjoyed spending so much time with my friends over the last four years and it has really helped shape the person I am at this moment,” he said.

Kyle Gagner Kyle Gagner, the son of Craig and Donna Gagner, will attend the University of Washington to study mechanical engineering. Kyle participated in Vashon High School’s first Robotics team for several years. “I think in high school, we all do a bit of growing up and befriend the people we’ve barely spoken to in the past,” he said. “It seems that no sooner has this lesson been learned than we are whisked off to another stage of our lives.”

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Congratulations, Graduates!

Nick Gass Nick Gass enjoys soccer and played it year round during high school.

Nick, the son of Eileen Suver and Tom Gass, lives in West Seattle and will attend college in the fall. One of his favorite memories of high school is when David Stuart dropped him off at Denise Griffith’s house and they went inner tubing. “A day I’ll never forget,” he said.

Courtney Gateman

Courtney Gateman is a fifth-generation Vashon Islander who loves to work with kids and animals.

Mentorship was her favorite class in high school, and she also enjoyed playing soccer and spending time with her friends and family.

She has fond memories of playing soccer for four years, spirit weeks and participating in lip-syncing competitions. Courtney, the daughter of Kim and Todd Gateman, will attend Central Washington University.

Jacob Gateman

Jacob Gateman enjoys photography and also likes to play soccer and snowboard.

He is proud to have won a Spanish award as a sophomore.

Jacob, the son of Tory and Jeff Gateman, plans to attend the University of San Francisco. Some of his best memories of high school are of cabin trips with Tylor Heit, Sounders games with Sam Crosby and college visits with Jesse Hazzard.

Isaac George Isaac George enjoys playing the piano, dancing, doing gymnastics and singing. One of his best memories of high school is when he did open mic for the first time. Isaac, the son of Rochal and Brian George, plans to take a year off of school before attending community college and then Cornish College of the Arts.

Mary Kate Gildea

Denise Griffith

Mary Kate Gildea, the daughter of Lance and Deanna Gildea, has been enrolled in an early enrollment program at Johnson & Wales University in Denver.

She completed her high school graduation requirements while completing freshman year of college there. She enjoys baking, especially pastries, and will continue to attend the school next year, working toward earning a bakery and pastry arts certificate and a degree in food entrepreneurship.

Some of her favorite memories of Vashon High School were journalism class and helping lay out the Riptide on Saturdays.

Denise Griffith, the daughter of Glenna and Bill Griffith, loves to play soccer, dance, snowboard, waterski and be with family and friends. During high school her soccer team got fourth in the state competition, and she has fond memories of spirit weeks and performing lip-syncs with her teammates. After graduation, Denise will study pre-physical therapy at the University of Washington.

Michelle GilmourMyer

Richard Griffiths, the son of Richard and Tess Griffiths, lives in West Seattle and is glad to have transferred to Vashon High School as a junior. Some of his best memories of high school are of hanging out with friends, working and just having fun. In the fall Richard will attend Washington State University.

Michelle Gilmour-Myer loves film, writing and photography. During high school, Michelle, the daughter of Kathryn Myer and Jim Gilmour, did Running Start at Tacoma Community College. Some of her best memories of high school are of participating in the production of “Legally Blonde,” making amazing friends and “the accepting atmosphere of Vashon High.”

After graduation she plans to study film at John Paul the Great Catholic University in San Diego.

Christina Gleb Christina Gleb enjoys playing volleyball and participating in her church’s youth group, and her best memories of high school are of being on the VHS volleyball team. Christina, the daughter of Cheryl Mathews and Todd Gleb, is proud to have been the Nisqually League MVP for volleyball in 2011. After graduation she will attend Northwest University in Kirkland.

Wherever you go, go with all your heart.

• CONFUCIUS

Richard Griffiths

Olivia-Rae Haines Olivia-Rae Haines enjoys reading and spending time with her family, and during high school she loved working at Chautauqua Elementary School.

Olivia-Rae is the daughter of Wendy and Andrew Haines and commuted to VHS from off-Island. She is glad to have made new friends on Vashon. After graduation she plans to attend Seattle Pacific University.

Maria Hamper Maria Hamper loves to be active and be outdoors, whether going on walks, skiing or just picnicking. She also likes to be active in the community and works at the Vashon Theatre and The Hardware

Store Restaurant. She attends church each Sunday and is currently a lector at the Immaculate Conception Church on Capitol Hill. “I always try to keep a smile on my face and enjoy the company of others,” she said. Maria is the daughter of Jennifer Charles and Sheldon Hamper; her stepfather is Nelson Bajarano and her stepmother is Gillian Hamper. After graduation Maria will study psychology at The Evergreen State College, having already earned her associate’s degree. After a year at Evergreen, she may transfer to Seattle University.

Jesse Hazzard Jesse Hazzard loves playing soccer and basketball. He is proud to have been a team captain for both the soccer team and basketball team and being named an all-league player for soccer. One of his best memories is of beating Chimacum’s basketball team on Senior Night. Jesse, the son of Sarah Stuart and Richard Hazzard, will attend Whitman College in the fall.

Tylor Heit Tylor Heit likes playing soccer, golf and adventuring. Tylor, the son of Karen and Randy Heit, says that after graduation he plans to go to Medieval Times and become a jouster for the Green Knights team. Tylor has fond memories of the time he and his friends would just go out and play German crossing and go exploring. “I also enjoyed being a Blazer,” Tylor said. “I also practiced Scientology with David Steward.”

Luke Hembree Luke Hembree enjoys playing ice hockey and lacrosse. During high school he broke his lacrosse club’s record for most goals scored in a single game by scoring nine goals. Luke lives in West Seattle and is the son of Bradford Hembree and Brenda Kay Pahmeier, who passed away in 2011. His best memories of high school are of living up life with his family, friends and “bros.”

After graduation he will attend a four-year college.

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Vashon Island Class of 2012

Andy Hennessey

Rachel Hoffman

Andy Hennessey, the son of Thomas and JoAnne Hennessey, enjoys playing soccer, sailing, golfing and adventuring.

He also likes to hike, read and listen to music.

He said his favorite memory from high school was when he and David Stewart went hang-gliding off the Galapagos. In the fall Andy will attend the University of Washington.

Rachel Hoffman has fond memories of going to football games, participating in Homecoming weeks and being in classes with great teachers. Rachel, the daughter of Kathy and Shawn Hoffman, loves both sports and animals. After graduation she will head south to attend Auburn University in Auburn, Ala.

Taylor Hernandez Taylor Hernandez, the daughter of Karrie and Antonio Hernandez, participated in track and field and especially loved running hurdles.

She is proud to have overcome some obstacles to increase her GPA and earn an early acceptance to Pacific Lutheran University, where she will go in the fall. Taylor also enjoys making art and painting tiles. One of her fondest memories from high school is when she travelled to Casa Hogar in Mexico on a service trip last summer.

Max Herrington Max Herrington likes to play soccer and juggle, and during high school he climbed Mount Adams. Max, the son of Roger and Nancy Herrington, will go to the University of Washington. He has many favorite memories of high school, including learning to juggle, freshman year geometry class and going to California with the band and to Japan in 2012.

Anna Hicks Anna Hicks enjoys dance, art and musical theater. She was involved in Vashon High School’s drama program and enjoyed being able to rewrite “Our Town” to fit Vashon. Anna, the daughter of Ken and Marjie Hicks, will attend Seattle Central Community College.

Lydia Houston Lydia Houston enjoys drawing, camping, reading and exploring. After graduation she plans to attend Western Washington University. Lydia, the daughter of Daniel and Michelle Houston, also loves art and illustration, animal biology, bizarre creatures of all shapes and sizes and “life in all of its strangeness." She has fond memories of having classes with awesome teachers like Mike Zecher and John Rees. “Also, I’ve made some very good friends here whose friendships I’ll continue to treasure for years to come,” she said.

Veronica Jannetty Veronica Jannetty, the daughter of Andrea Bellon and John Jannetty, plans to study nursing at the University of Portland. During high school she enjoyed art, volleyball and ballet.

She has fond memories of dancing at the Blue Heron, being on the VHS volleyball team and just hanging out with friends.

Kate Jewson Kate Jewson, the daughter of Pam and Dwight Jewson, is graduating from Charles Wright Academy. Kate enjoyed playing soccer and tennis throughout high school, and she

also loves animals and traveling. Her greatest accomplishments in school were being captain of her soccer team, being the yearbook editor-in-chief, forming strong friendships and surviving a threehour daily commute to school. She will attend Davidson College in North Carolina.

Max Johnson Max Johnson will attend Western Washington University in the fall, where he will participate in the school’s honors program. Max, the son of Jennifer and John Johnson, enjoys hiking and camping with friends, learning foreign languages, reading and swimming. He has a passion for foreign cultures and hopes to study either international relations or peace studies in college. His best memories of high school are of football games, American Studies class, going to school with an amazing class of friends and being taught by great teachers. “I am proud of surviving tough high school classes while also managing to have a lot of fun,” he said.

Camille Kappelman Camille Kappelman’s greatest passion is ballet. “My dance teachers are my inspiration, and all of the Nutcrackers and spring ballets have been so rewarding for me,” she said. Camille, the daughter of Nancy and Michael Kappelman, also loves music and has played the piano for 10 years. Some of her best memories of high school are from her classes, including American Studies, World History, AP English and AP Government. She called them “the challenging classes that were taught by such great teachers that they were able to make them interesting and fun even when we worked hard.” After graduation Camille will study ballet at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem.

Charlotte Kehoe Charlotte Kehoe was a part of the VHS Amnesty International/ Interact club, played basketball and rowed.

Her proudest accomplishments were speaking to Burmese leader Aung Sun Su Kyi over the phone with the Amnesty club, playing in the state basketball tournament twice and being a basketball captain. Charlotte, the daughter of Caroline Sias and John Kehoe, will attend the University of Washington, where she will continue to row. One of her favorite memories of high school is of listening to Papa Sears’ stories in math class. “They were a hilarious break in the middle of difficult lectures,” she said.

Justine Kelly Justine Kelly was a cheerleader and mentored children during high school.

Some of her best memories of high school are of cheering and attending different sporting events, including the basketball state championships. Justine is the daughter of Jim and Angie Kelly. After graduation she will study dental hygiene at Seattle Central Community College.

Riley Kimmel Riley Kimmel, the daughter of Lori Lane Kimmel and Greg Kimmel, does Running Start at Highline Community College, and after graduation she will attend the University of Puget Sound. Riley’s best memories of high school are from volleyball, which she played year round, and she also loved going to open mics. She was proud to have been a part of the Vashon volleyball team that made VHS history when it won the league championships.

The fireworks begin today. Each diploma is a lighted match. Each one of you is a fuse.

• EDWARD KOCH

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Congratulations, Graduates!

Avalon Koenig

Mariesa Leone

Avalon Koenig, the daughter of Martin Koenig and Margaret Hoeffel, loves to row and also enjoys rollerblading and ice skating. Last year her quad won second at the US junior rowing nationals. Avalon will attend the University of San Diego on a crew scholarship. Some of her fondest memories of high school are of going to nationals two years with crew, freshman year algebra class, being a part of the Riptide newspaper staff and traveling to Jamaica with two of her best friends.

Mariesa Leone, the daughter of Kathy Casey and Renee Harford, enjoys training dogs and was in the guide dog club during high school. She also loves to cut and color hair and do make-up. After graduation she will attend Gene Juarez Academy and plans to continue training dogs as well. Her fondest memory of high school is meeting her good friends freshman year and staying friends with them.

Ezra Koenig Ezra Koenig, the son of Martin Koenig and Margaret Hoeffel, loves to play soccer, volleyball and ultimate Frisbee. During high school he enjoyed getting rowdy at basketball, football and Sounders soccer games and “serenading my neighbors with the sweet sounds of my air mandolin on quiet Sunday afternoons.” Some of his fondest memories of high school include going to Homecoming his sophomore year with a senior, the blackout basketball game as a freshman when Vashon beat Cascade Christian on their home court and spelunking in New Zealand with David Stuart. After graduation Ezra will take a year off to travel across Europe before going to college.

Abigail Kranjcevich

Abigail Kranjcevich, who is graduating from Life Christian Academy in Tacoma, has a passion for singing. One of her greatest accomplishments was singing at Carnegie Hall under the direction of John Rutter. Abigail, the daughter of Brett and Jona Kranjcevich, also enjoys skiing, waterskiing, camping and spending time with friends. She said she had a great experience at Life Christian. “I was truly blessed to have an incredible teacher staff/ administration during my high school experience,” she said. After graduation Abigail will attend Calvary Chapel Bible College in Murrita, Calif., where she will pursue a degree in theology with an emphasis on music.

Emma Levant Emma Levant, the daughter of Cindy Pollock and David Levant, is graduating from Charles Wright Academy in Tacoma. Emma loves to run and went to the state track and field championships three times.

She was also co-caption of the Charles Wright track and field team as a senior.

Emma also enjoys riding horses and being outdoors, and she has fond memories of traveling to Italy, Poland and Oaxaca, Mexico, as an exchange student. In the fall Emma will go to Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio.

Alexandria Liston Alexandria Liston, the daughter of Lynne Gaither and Tim Liston, loves both sports and the arts. Alexandria draws and paints and also enjoys hiking and playing soccer and football. Her favorite memories of high school are of simply spending time with her friends. After graduation she will attend a community college.

Dan Lofland Dan Lofland, the son of Janet and Len Lofland, will attend Washington State University in the fall. Dan likes longboarding, basketball, hiking, camping and listening to and

creating music. During high school he also enjoyed astrobiological sciences and “exploring unknown locations (adventuring) with the Animal Gang.” One of his fondest memories of high school is from 2010, when his basketball team went to the state tournament and beat the No. 1-ranked Chelan High School.

Jacob Ludberg Jacob Ludberg enjoys listening to music and hanging out with friends.

He lives in West Seattle and is the son of Aubry Ludberg and Jeff Church.

Some of Jacob’s best memories of high school are of all the barbecues he went to at Dockton.

After graduation he plans to attend South Seattle Community College.

Neah Lynch Neah Lynch has a passion for dancing and has danced since she was two years old.

She also loves children and enjoys childcare, and loves to just spend time with friends. Some of her favorites memories of high school are of leaving Grateful Dead quotes on Mr. Levinson’s chalkboard and doing newspaper layout with the Riptide family. Neah is the daughter of Jamie Lynch and the late Leigh Anne Turner, and her current guardian is Mark Richter. After graduation Neah plans to attend Washington State University.

Malia Lysen Malia Lysen likes to listen to music and said it was a great accomplishment to get her friends to admit they like the music she listens to, as none of it is in English.

She said some of her fondest memories of high school are of band class. “Why does Mr. Q have a jar labeled ’ashes of problem students’?

Why does everything said in band sound dirty? … because let’s face it, band students are just plain weird.” Malia, the daughter of Kurt Lysen and Glenda Neacsu, plans to take a gap year before going to college.

Jamie Marken Jamie Marken enjoyed playing soccer and golf during high school and went to the state soccer competition her junior year.

Jamie is the daughter of Will and Judy Marken. She commuted to VHS from her home in Seattle. In the fall she plans to attend a four-year college.

Odessa MartinMorris Odessa MartinMorris loves to dance and work with children and animals, and she hopes to one day be a veterinarian. She volunteered at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium last summer, where she was given the Rookie of the Year award. After graduation, Odessa, the daughter of Jennifer Martin and Bruce Morris, will study pre-veterinary medicine at Washington State University.

Colin Milovsoroff Colin Milovsoroff, the son of Peter and Linda Milovsoroff, enjoys being outdoors and studying marine life. He likes to ski, play soccer, golf and scuba dive. He has fond memories of field trips with the marine science class and climbing Mount Adams with friends. After graduation Colin will study marine science at the University of Hawaii at Hilo.

Nolan Moyer Nolan Moyer enjoys playing soccer, playing golf and dancing, and he is proud to be graduating. His best memories of high school are of sports events and spirit weeks. Nolan’s parents are Scott Moyer and Gillian Callison. His stepfather is Terry Peters, and his stepmother is Joan Moyer. In the fall Nolan will attend Central Oregon Community College in Bend, Ore.

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Vashon Island Class of 2012

Mariya Munsey

Clover Paridon

Helen Pendergast

Erik Powelson

Mariya Munsey, the daughter of Jeff and Ryoko Munsey, is passionate about music, playing the guitar and photography.

During high school she played soccer and basketball and especially enjoyed spirit week. Mariya is proud of when her soccer team placed fourth in the state, and she has fond memories of her freshman and sophomore seasons of basketball and lip syncing with Cat Amick as a sophomore. She will attend the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, B.C.

Clover Paridon loves to write and sing and also enjoys participating in theater. Clover is the daughter of Wendy and Mark Paridon, and after graduation she plans to go to community college. Her best memories of high school are of making amazing friends and being in plays.

Helen Pendergast, the daughter of Nancy and Steve Pendergast, loves to play music, tap dance and Irish dance. “These have helped me overcome so many obstacles throughout high school and through my life,” Helen said. Some of Helen’s proudest accomplishments have been making it into the Music in May honor band and going to the state competition in an ensemble three years. “All the music and dance I have been involved with have given me new opportunities and experiences that I will cherish forever,” she said. Her favorite memories of high school are of making a family within her friends and classmates and attending sports games. “I really enjoyed the energy from everyone in school and the heat-of-the-moment plays,” she said. Helen will attend Western Washington University.

Erik Powelson loves to play baseball and has played since he was 5 years old, both on Vashon and for offIsland teams.

One of his best memories of high school is of when he pitched for the JV baseball team and struck out 12 players on the Washington High School team.

Erik, the son of Rick and Karla Powelson, also enjoys water sports, hiking, being with his friends and going to Seahawks and Mariners games. He is proud of being voted Most Eligible Bachelor as a senior, and after graduation he hopes to attend the University of Hawaii at Hilo.

Rosemary (Charlie) O’Brien Rosemary O’Brien has passions for acting (especially Shakespearean), Toaist philosophy and beekeeping (she has two hives). She is proud of having performed in “Much Ado About Nothing” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in the same summer. She also enjoys traveling, quirky fairytales, rooftop poetry, old films, going on adventures and working with and reading to kids. Rosemary has good memories of school plays, Ms. Dubin’s art class, Mr. Rees’s English class and mentoring children at Chautauqua Elementary, and her fondest memory is from freshman year when she put a huge “For Sale” sign on the high school billboard. Rosemary, the daughter of Elizabeth and John O’Brien, will attend Sarah Lawrence College in New York.

Alexia Pagliarini

Alexia Pagliarini loves to dance and has been a part of Kathy’s Studio of Dance in West Seattle for 15 years. She also enjoyed being a section editor for the Riptide newspaper for two years. Alexia, the daughter of Michael and Vicki Pagliarini, commuted to Vashon from her home in Seattle and says it was great getting to know everyone on Vashon. “Everyone is so welcoming,” she said. After graduation, she will go to Washington State University.

Kenese Parker Kenese Parker, the son of Robin Blair and Frank Parker, will attend Hawaii Pacific University on the island of Oahu. Kenese likes to write, listen to music, dance and chill with his friends. He loved living in Taiwan during his junior year and called it the best year of his life so far. Some of Kenese’s fondest memories are from participating in track and cross country.

Georgia Pearsons Georgia Pearsons enjoys writing, music and badminton. During high school she participated in debate and the Gay Straight Alliance.

Georgia is the daughter of Shannon and Joe Pearsons and after graduation she will attend college, most likely Lewis & Clark College in Portland.

Summer Peet Summer Peet loves to travel, draw, dance, play soccer and speak Spanish.

Her fondest memories of high school are of the two summers she spent with Amigos de las Americas in Ecuador and Panama.

Summer, the daughter of Andrew Peet and Sam Lanier, is graduating from the Northwest School and will attend Occidental College in Los Angeles.

Torin Perret Torin Perret will be a river guide this summer and will attend Hawaii Pacific University in the fall. Torin is the son of Richard Perret and Kristin Adams, and his favorite activities during high school were surfing, playing basketball and just chilling. Some of his fondest memories of high school are of spending time with friends and family.

Lucian Pizzano Lucian Pizzano, who commuted to Vashon High School from Southworth, loves soccer, snowboarding and mountainbiking. He is also passionate about reading, traveling and blowing bubbles. One of his greatest accomplishments during high school was spending a year studying abroad in Croatia through a Rotary exchange program. He also enjoyed going to concerts with his best friends. Lucian, the son of Carla Pizzano, will attend the University of New Hampshire.

Corrine Pruett

Corrine Pruett has a passion for children and likes to help teach and mentor kids.

After graduation she plans to study education, psychology and history/anthropology at Central Washington University.

Corrine, the daughter of Chris and Cheryl Pruett, also loves dancing and art. During high school she played volleyball and softball and cheered. Her best memories of high school are of her teachers, school dances, Homecoming week, time with friends and the 2011 volleyball season, when her team won the league championship. Corrine says she is proud of “staying true to who I am, becoming a good leader, at Camp Waskowitz especially, and graduating!”

Sloane Ralston Sloane Ralston loves film, music and banned books. Sloane, the daughter of Al and Bryn Ralston, commuted to Vashon from her home in Burien.

After graduation she plans to study chemistry at Western Washington University. Sloane recently wrote a commentary for The Beachcomber.

Some of her fondest memories of high school are of American Studies, “literally running” and “a few good snacks.”

There is just one life for each of us: our own.

• EURIPIDES

9

Congratulations, Graduates!

Danielle Richardson

Peri Roberts

Danielle Richardson lives in Seattle and commuted to Vashon High School until she began doing Running Start at South Seattle Community College. Danielle, the daughter of Dan and Pauline Richardson, earned her associate’s degree during high school and also enjoyed dancing in a music video.

Daniel Ridgeway

Daniel Ridgeway, the son of Mark and Lisa Ridgeway, began to play golf in high school and it became one of his favorite activities. His best memories of high school all involve spending time with his friends or playing golf. After graduation Daniel will attend college.

Peri Roberts will attend Western Washington University and hopes to one day teach either Spanish or preschool. During high school, Peri, the daughter of Pennie Pickering and Richard Roberts, enjoyed playing the piano, theater and participating in track and cross country. She is proud to have been a captain of the cross country team twice, and she has fond memories of cheering in the green tide at basketball games and going to districts for cross-country every year.

Daniel Rosenberg Daniel Rosenberg loves to make things with his hands and hopes to attend Olympic College and be part of an apprenticeship program for welding. Daniel, the son of Dave Rosenberg and Carrie La Jeunesse, commuted to VHS from his home in Port Orchard. He also enjoys basketball, reading, writing and cooking, and his fondest memories of high school are from his

theater classes. “It’s not possible to go wrong when taking a class that lets you express yourself,” he said.

Victoria Scanlon Victoria Scanlon is passionate about writing and traveling.

The daughter of Jodi and Michael Scanlon, Victoria plans to attend Keele University in Staffordshire, England, after graduation. She said her fondest memories of high school do not include any particular events. “I will recall my outstanding teachers, my closest friends and all the wonderful people I met and got to know during those four years,” she said.

Jeffrey Schmaus Jeffrey Schmaus, the son of Jane and Daniel Schmaus, loves to be outdoors. He skis, snowboards, mountain bikes, hikes, plays sports and once rode his bike from

Vashon to Leavenworth in a day. Jeffrey did Running Start at Bellevue College, where he will study engineering in the fall while continuing to ski and mountain bike competitively. Jeffrey’s fondest memories of high school are of the shenanigans he and his classmates and some teachers had. “It is different going to school with people whom you’ve been growing up with all your life,” Jeffrey said. “It makes it hard to move on.”

Elizabeth Schoen Elizabeth Schoen is passionate about singing opera and dancing. She has fond memories of participating in musical theater productions during her time at VHS, especially “A Chorus Line.” Elizabeth, the daughter of Sharon and Paul Schoen, will study voice performance at Western Washington University.

Don't live down to expectations. Go out there and do something remarkable.

• WENDY WASSERSTEIN

The Beachcomber staff wishes all the 2012 graduates success and happiness in their future endeavors. www.vashonbeachcomber.com

Well Done, Keep Up The Good Work!

Go Grads!

Go Grads!

(0 (SBEVBUFT t (0 (SBEVBUFT t (0 (SBEVBUFT

We miss you already!

VASHON

From the Crew at

Vashon Floor Store

Congratulations Graduates!

(0 (SBEVBUFT t (0 (SBEVBUFT t (0 (SBEVBUFT

Hard work, well done!

We picture you as big successes!

Good Luck Grads!

THE BROWN AGENCY

“Live Long & Prosper”

Congratulations Seniors!

from the Little House

DR. LEIF RASMUSSEN

Managing Broker

from Your Fans at

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Good Luck, Linda Bianchi

Congratulations Seniors of 2012 Adam Cramer, dds Jim Cunnington, dds

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Barber & Beauty Shoppe

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Men, Women & Kids

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Have a Bloomin’ Good Time!

PRIDE & DETERMINATION The Winning Combination!

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Make us proud!

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and staff a staff t

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You make us proud.

We wish you well!

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Senior Pride!

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Vashon Pharmacy

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Williams Heating

Alex, Bob, Brett, Don, Logan, Jona, Logan S, Loren & Spencer Congratulations and good luck!

From the crew at

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– Beth

We’ve enjoyed watching you grow up.

Best wishes on your new adventure!

Drs. Maki & Langland Good luck – and keep smiling!

ISLAND Closing ESCROW one chapter, SERVICE Starting a NEW one!

12

Vashon Island Class of 2012

• Scholarships RECIPIENT

AWARD

Kelsey Abella Catherine Amick

Margarete Amundsen Carlie-Sue Anderson

Izak Anderson Gianna Andrews Leah Andrews Olivia Andrus

Zachary Barker Noah Baseleon-Abbott Caroline Bordner Catelyn Buxton Olivia Chesney Autumn Clark Samuel Crosby

Jessica Danzer Elliot Ellingson

Samantha Fall

Zoe Ferguson-Steele

Taz1 Flory

Kyle Gagner Courtney Gateman

Jacob Gateman

Mary Gildea

Christina Gleb Denise Griffith

RECIPIENT

Brem Sherer Memorial Gold Award Vashon Lafite Women’s Soccer Community College Nuovo Corso Scholarship Patricia B. Britz Memorial Olympic Instruments K2 Corporation Truselo Family Memorial Amiad & Associates Scholarship En Pointe Beauty Nook Award Vashon Tennis Club Peter Bruchas Memorial Music Award Sara Bremner Memorial Scholarship Beardsley Family Foundation K2 Corporation Beardsley Family Foundation Patricia B. Britz Memorial Vashon Island Soccer Club Penny Farcy Memorial Scholarship Aspiri Family Scholarship Greg Smith Memorial Garretson-Helsby Family Sir Isaac Newton Rainbow Award Kecey Britz Memorial Scholarship Thespian Troupe 4317 Award V-M Island Garden Club/Kay White Land Trust Scholarship Science and Innovation Award Fair Isle Animal Clinic Scholarship Green Award Journalism Scholarship Vashon Education Support Personnel Adam Smith Award Vashon Thriftway Vashon Rotary Club Scholarship Vashon Island Soccer Club Chris Williams Memorial

The following 107 graduates were awarded nearly $130,000 in scholarships from the Vashon Community Scholarship Foundation. The 148 scholarships given ranged from $200 to $5,000. The awards, handed out in a long and lovely ceremony on May 30, help these students continue their education.

Island businesses, nonprofits and other organizations and individuals contribute to the foundation annually.

AWARD

Casey Gripp Olivia-Rae Haines Jesse Hazzard Tylor Heit Luke Hembree Andrew Hennessey Taylor Hernandez Max Herrington Anna Hicks Rachel Hoffman Lydia Houston Veronica Jannetty Max Johnson Catherine Kappelman

Charlotte Kehoe Justine Kelly Riley Kimmel Avalon Koenig Mariesa Leone Daniel Lofland Dylan Lynch Neah Lynch Jamie Marken Odessa Martin-Morris

RECIPIENT

AWARD

Thespian Troupe 4317 Award Truselo Family Memorial Academic Award Molar Award Vashon Thriftway Adam Smith Award Vashon Thriftway Vashon Lacrosse Club Scholarship Vashon Rotary Club Scholarship Gold Award Pacific Research Laboratories Penny Farcy Memorial Scholarship Vashon Film Society Thespian Troupe 4317 Award Vashon Thriftway Academic Award Anonymous1 Vashon Community Health Scholarship Vashon Senior Center Green Award Quest Kiwanis Club of Vashon Island Vashon Allied Arts Art Hansen Scholarship Ma Joad Kindly Obliging Vashon Island Junior Basketball Aspiri Family Scholarship Beardsley Family Foundation Aspiri Family Scholarship Dedication Award The Master Rowers of VIRC Maury Island Trades Scholarship Jay Mathews Memorial Maury Island Environmental Scholarship Venture Onward Bernice Black Memorial Fellowship P.E.O. Chapter GW Wednesday Night Dinner V-M Island Audubon Society Good Shepherd Scholarship

13

Congratulations, Graduates!

RECIPIENT

Colin Milovsoroff Mariya Munsey Rosemary O’Brien

Alexia Pagliarini Kenese Parker Georgia Pearsons Helen Pendergast

Torin Perret

Lucian Pizzano

Erik Powelson

Corrine Pruett

Sloane Ralston

Danielle Richardson Daniel Ridgeway Peri Roberts Daniel Rosenberg

Maya Rose Kaydi Rosser

Victoria Scanlon Jeffrey Schmaus

Elizabeth Schoen

AWARD

RECIPIENT

Land Trust Scholarship Vashon Sportsmen’s Club Venture Onward Barnworks Arts Scholarship Le Bon Mot Journalism Scholarship Vashon Rotary Club Scholarship Class of 2000 Peter Bruchas Memorial Music Award Vashon Allied Arts Art Hansen Scholarship Kiwanis Club of Vashon Island Dr. Ann Mayeda Vashon Island Junior Basketball Environmental Studies First Student Transportation Aviation Technology Truselo Family Memorial PTSA Scholarship Vashon Youth Baseball & Softball Vashon Film Society Peace Award Aspiri Family Scholarship Truselo Family Memorial PTSA Scholarship Eagles 3144 Focus On The Future VEA Continuing Education Scholarship Frame of Mind Thespian Troupe 4317 Award Truselo Family Memorial Pacific Research Laboratories Renaissance Award Vashon Island Chorale Thespian Troupe 4317 Award Women for the Arts

AWARD

Sarah Schwarz Shannon Slater John Smith Carey Sorge-Toomey Elsa Spencer Iris Spring Lindsay Straube Daisy Sullivan Rachel Taylor Kevin Thomas Jesse Turner Joseph Wald Erica Walker Alexandrea Wall Sarah Warner Anna Warren

William West Julie Wilson Brian Wilton Kaitlyn Yelinek Orion Zick Chloe Zimberg

RECIPIENT

AWARD

Women’s Group Giraffe Award Agnes Lias Smock for Journalism Award Vashon Rotary Club Scholarship Vashon Community Health Scholarship Deanna H. Hansen Memorial Virtuoso Weightech Corporation Photography Award Briana’s Dream Garretson Family Memorial Vashon Thriftway Community College Aspiri Family Scholarship Robert Bennedsen Memorial Briana’s Dream Beardsley Family Foundation Blue Scholarship Vashon Youth Baseball & Softball Davis-Fluharty Memorial Virtuoso Vashon Rotary Club Scholarship Vashon Tennis Club Vashon Pharmacy Drama Dock Vashon Film Society Thespian Troupe 4317 Award Nihongo shou Parker Plaza Scholarship Vashon Rotary Club Scholarship The Little House Sweat Sock Award Bill Burby Wellness Scholarship Truselo Family Memorial Sara Bremner Memorial Scholarship Windermere/Vashon Island

14

Vashon Island Class of 2012

Taylor Shride Taylor Shride, the daughter of Kimm Shride, is a seventh-generation Vashon Islander. She did Running Start at South Seattle Community College, where she studied heavy diesel mechanics. Taylor is proud to have received a full scholarship to finish the heavy diesel mechanics program after graduation. Her favorite activities all involve horses, family and friends. As a junior she joined the Washington High School Equestrian Team, and this year she made it to the state competition. She is also the president of the Vashon Rock Riders 4-H group. Her fondest memories of high school are “the times spent with friendships formed since preschool, as well as the new friends I have made, which will stay with me forever.”

Hannah Sikorski Hannah Sikorski loves to work with children. She hasn’t decided what college she will attend, but she hopes to one day be an elementary school teacher. Hannah, the daughter of Carrie and Jamie Sikorski, said she loved every moment of high school. “I loved the experiences and meeting new people,” she said.

Shannon Slater

Shannon Slater enjoyed playing volleyball, basketball and fastpitch softball during high school, and she is proud to have been on the first Vashon volleyball team to win the Nisqually League championships. Shannon is the daughter of Jan and Rick Slater. She also enjoyed writing for the Riptide newspaper, and in the fall she will attend Loyola University in New Orleans.

John Smith John Smith likes to longboard, ski and play lacrosse, and he said he even enjoyed studying during high school. He has fond memories of longboarding late at night.

John, the son of Kathryn and Hal Smith, will go to Washington State University.

Julian Smith Julian Smith enjoys playing sports with friends; during high school he played for the VHS baseball team. He was named an allleague secondbasemen as a sophomore and an all-league shortstop as a junior. Julian, the son of Tony and Shasta Smith, commuted to Vashon from West Seattle and has fond memories of the Homecoming football games he went to with friends. In the fall he will attend community college.

Carey Sorge-Toomey Carey SorgeToomey enjoyed playing golf in high school as well as playing trombone in the VHS band. One of his favorite memories is of traveling to California with the band. Carey, the son of Celia Sorge and Bruce Toomey, is proud to have been accepted into Phi Theta Kappa at Tacoma Community College and the National Honor Society at VHS. In the fall he will attend DigiPen Institute of Technology in Redmond.

Elsa Spencer

Ben Stream

Elsa Spencer loves to dance ballet, write and spend time with her family. She also enjoys photography, art and theater. Some of her fondest memories of high school are of performing in theater productions, including her theater arts showcase and playing the flower girl in “The Mad Woman of Chaillot.” She is especially proud of playing Reggie Fluty in “The Laramie Project.” After graduation, Elsa, the daughter of Doug and Marla Spencer, will study photography at Cornish College of the Arts.

Ben Stream enjoys skating, biking and playing music. After graduation, Ben, the son of Amber Stream, will take a year off of school to work.

Iris Spring Iris Spring, the daughter of Wendy-jo Weston and Craig Spring, has a passion for music and playing instruments.

She plays the violin and has started to learn the piano, guitar, ukulele and upright bass. She has fond memories of being on the VHS wrestling team, participating in debate, going to tournaments and doing Running Start at Seattle Central Community College. After graduation, Iris will take one more class at Seattle Central to finish her associate’s degree; then she plans to study music education and anthropology at Western Washington University.

Lindsay Straube Lindsay Straube, the daughter of Liz and Dave Straube, will attend Willamette University in Salem, Ore. During high school Lindsay enjoyed being a part of the track and field and cross-country teams for three years. She is also proud to have been an exchange student in Germany as a junior.

You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who'll decide where to go.

• D R . S EUSS

Alex SynodisButler Alex SynodisButler enjoys dancing and was glad to have spent her junior year studying in Spain as part of an exchange program. Alex is the daughter of Janice Butler and Greg Synodis. She commuted to VHS from West Seattle. In the fall she will attend Western Washington University.

Melanie Taitano Melanie Taitano did Running Start at Seattle Central Community College and graduated with an associate’s degree. Melanie calls herself a passable violinist, advanced scuba diver and enthusiastic unicycle rider. After graduation Melanie plans to do volunteer work in the island nation of Palau. One of her fondest memories of high school is of winning the manly cookie baking contest in honors geometry. She also loved listening to techno music in Mr. Krauss’ advanced algebra class. During the climax of the Occupy Seattle movement, Melanie was on the last bus that got out of the city before streets were impassable. She was on the bus for an assignment for her physics lab, to observe the motion of a balloon. “Math never fails to amaze me," she said.

Rachel Taylor Rachel Taylor, the daughter of Roger Taylor and Lindsay Aickin, will attend Occidental College in Los Angeles.

Rachel enjoys dancing, music and snowboarding. She has fond memories of the excitement of being an underclassmen, spirit weeks at school and “lots of crazy Vashon adventures.”

15

Congratulations, Graduates!

Kevin Thomas

Kevin Thomas said his favorite memories of high school are of being with his friends and playing sports. He played football and wrestled at VHS, and he is almost finished with his Eagle Scout project. After graduation Kevin, the son of Tammy and Larry Thomas, will attend Washington State University.

Braden Timss Braden Timss, the son of Anne Timss and Tim Krieg, enjoys listening to the sweet sounds of audible jams.

He said graduating will be his greatest accomplishment, having been to five high schools. One of his fondest memories of high school is doing the sound for the VHS production of “Legally Blonde.” He said, “It was an incredibly valuable and fun experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life.”

Jesse Turner

Jesse Turner loves sports, including rock climbing, hiking, skiing and surfing. He played both school and club soccer, and some of his greatest accomplishments were summiting Mount.

Rainier and attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. Jesse, the son of Sheri and Lee Turner, enjoyed his geology and Spanish classes and said that turning in his research paper for American Studies was a good moment. After graduation Jesse will attend the University of Washington.

Joseph Wald Jr.

Joseph Wald Jr. is the son of Joe Wald Sr. and Kelli Wald.

During high school he loved to play baseball and fish. Joseph’s fondest memories from high school involve playing for the Pirates baseball team. He will attend Central Washington University.

Erica Walker

Will West

Erica Walker has a passion for music.

She has played the oboe for seven years and qualified to compete in the state solo competition twice. She also enjoyed running on the track and cross-country teams. Erica, the daughter of Eric and Mary Walker, will attend Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York. Her best memories of high school are of times spent with the track and cross country teams. “At meets in the pouring rain and the few practices we had in the sunshine!” she said. “I love my teams, and I’ll miss them so much next year.”

Will West, the son of David and Cathy West, is an athlete and an artist. During high school he studied jewelry making, woodworking and Japanese. He also enjoys cooking and played tennis and lacrosse.

Going to Japan was one of his favorite parts of high school, and after graduation he will attend Willamette University in Salem, Ore.

Alex Wall Alex Wall enjoys playing soccer, playing tennis and baking. Going to Japan was one of her best memories of high school.

Alex, the daughter of Brooks and Mike Wall, commuted to Vashon from her home in West Seattle, and after graduation she will attend the University of Washington.

Sarah Warner Sarah Warner, the daughter of Lisa Huggenvik and Cliff Warner, will attend Montana State University. Sarah has participated in crew since she was a freshman and called it an awesome experience.

“There’s a lot about the atmosphere of a regatta that is unexplainable and really exciting,” she said. “And being a part of many has been a great highlight of high school.”

Sarah also enjoyed being a lifeguard during high school and being on a soccer team for the first time last fall. She said her fondest memories are of Mr. Rees’s sophomore English class and beginning Running Start at South Seattle Community College, where she earned her associate’s degree.

to continue dancing in college. Sarah Kai, the daughter of Amy Wolff and Andy Schwarz, was co-editor in chief of the Riptide newspaper as a senior, and also enjoys rock climbing, traveling and arts and crafts. She has fond memories of traveling to Guadalajara, Mexico, to volunteer at Casa Hogar, working on the Riptide, performing with her dance family at the Blue Heron and participating in a trip to Washington, D.C., with the Anti-Defamation League. In the fall Sarah Kai plans to study journalism and international relations at Northeastern University in Boston.

Ian Wiesblott

Kaitlyn Yelinek

Ian Wiesblott loves hiking and snowboarding, and during high school he participated in the Northwest Outdoor Leadership School. Ian, the son of Neil Wiesblott and Pamela de Ryss, will attend Thompson River University in British Columbia.

Kaitlyn Yelinek is an artist and a writer and says she honestly loves math as well. One of her fondest memories of high school is of going to Disneyland with the VHS band. After graduation, Kaitlyn, the daughter of Amiee Yelinek and Cameron Metta, will work for several months to save money before applying to South Seattle Community College.

Julie Wilson Julie Wilson, the daughter of Nate and Mardi Wilson, will attend the University of Texas at Austin, where she was accepted into the honors program.

During high school Julie enjoyed horseback riding, cheerleading, wrestling, track and participating in student government. She is proud to have made it to the state wrestling tournament, and she has fond memories of planning school events such as Homecoming week with her friends.

Sarah Kai Wolff Schwarz Sarah Kai Wolff Schwarz loves dancing, has danced at the Blue Heron since she was two and plans

You cannot help but learn more as you take the world into your hands. Take it up reverently, for it is an old piece of clay, with millions of thumbprints in it.

• JOHN UPDIKE

Orion Zick Orion Zick, the son of Ken and Yvonne Zick, will go to American University in Washington, D.C., to study international relations. Orion loves to travel.

When he was 5 he lived in China for a year, and his fondest memory of high school is of spending his junior year studying abroad in Italy.

He also enjoyed spending time with friends and participating in “A Chorus Line.”

Chloë Zimberg Chloë Zimberg, the daughter of Maggie Laird and Todd Zimberg, loves to dance and paint.

Some of her best memories of high school are of American Studies class and taking a trip to Brazil during the summer of 2011. In the fall Chloë will attend the University of San Francisco.

16

Vashon Island Class of 2012

Other graduates The following students are also graduating. The Beachcomber staff regrets we were not able to obtain their information.

Dylan Basurto

Ryan Bingham

Kieran Burton

Lucas Didricksen

Elijah Dorr-Fay

Sage Everett

Audrey Figgins

Casey Gripp

Gaelan Hammond

Neil Hasugulyang

Harmony Lelouche

Dylan Lynch

Logan Malczyk

Michelle Mburu

Walker Merchant

Keegan Oswald

Conrad Pearson

Maya Rose

Kaydi Rosser

Alex Sinner

Torsten Sorensen

Daisy Sullivan

Loriah Challman

17

Congratulations, Graduates!

Not pictured: Simon DeBois, Hannah Green, Brian Gylland, Dylan Knief, Emerson Shedenhelm

Alec Vanderpool

Brian Wilton

Anna Rose Warren

Graduating seniors from the class of 2012 will attend these schools: Academy of Art University

Johnson & Wales University

Thompson River University

American University

Keele University in England

University of Alaska

Art Institute of Seattle

Kenyon College

University of British Columbia

Auburn University

Lewis & Clark College

University of Colorado at

Bellevue College

Linfield College

Cabrillo College

Loyola Univeristy

University of Hawaii at Hilo

California Polytechnic State University

Montana State University

University of New Hampshire

Northeastern University

University of North Carolina

Calvary Chapel Bible College Central Oregon Community College Central Washington University Cornish College of the Arts Davidson College DigiPen Institute of Technology The Evergreen State College Gene Juarez Academy

Boulder

Occidental College

University of Oregon

Oregon State University

University of Portland

Pacific Lutheran University

University of Puget Sound

Pacific University

University of San Diego

Sarah Lawrence College

University of San Francisco

Skidmore College

University of Texas at Austin

Seattle Central Community

University of Washington Washington State University

College

Gonzaga University

School of the Arts

Northwest University

Hawaii Pacific University

Seattle Pacific University

Western Washington University

Hobart and William Smith

South Seattle Community

Wheaton College Whitman College

College

College John Paul the Great University

Tacoma Community College

Willamette University

Congratulations Graduates & Upcoming Graduates!

Thanks for giving me the opportunity to know so many of you, your ideas and your challenges. As your tutor, it’s been my great pleasure to teach you how to improve your skills and learn strategies to tackle school (and life!) with confidence.

Can’t wait to see what you do next! Enjoy it with with everything you’ve got.

Devon Atkins www.devonatkins.com

18

Vashon Island Class of 2012

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19

Congratulations, Graduates!

Congratulations Seniors!

Congratulations!

Corrine Elizabeth Pruett

Vashon High School Class of 2012

from Puget Sound College Funding

You did it!

For many of you, this is the most exciting time in your lives. You’ve worked hard. Enjoy your successes and best of luck on your journey!

For those of you looking forward to college, it can also be a really stressful time.

Tuition? Loans? Scholarships?

Where do I go for help?

We can help, that’s what we do! We help families like yours navigate through the financial side of this major life transition. Call us for a free initial consultation.

From Uncle Tom LeeAnn Brown, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ leeann@pugetsoundcollegefunding.com LeeAnn Brown, CFP®

www.pugetsoundcollegefunding.com

r

206-567-4600

Our Mission: We are a community non-profit 501(c) 3 organization whose aim is to ensure that children to adults with disabilities are provided an opportunity to learn the skills necessary to become independent, productive, employed and involved community members.

We would like to thank our Island businesses that help us with work opportunities for our VHS grads, neighbors and friends through our Learn2Earn program.

Vashon Market Vashon Pharmacy Rock Island Pub and Pizza The Hardware Store Restaurant Pacific Research “Sawbones” Rose Edgecombe, Windermere Real Estate Red Bicycle Bistro and Sushi Bar Vashon Village, LLC RO Enterprises Vashon Chamber of Commerce

Islander Apartments Denise Katz, Windermere Real Estate Vashon Loop Puget Sound Cooperative Credit Union Gary Ragland, Windermere Real Estate The Brown Agency Frame of Mind True Value Service Center

Visit www.s4svashon.org for more information

Way to go Dan Lofland!

#ONGRATULATIONS 'RADUATES 6ASHON (IGH 3CHOOL #LASS OF

As a mom and an Islander THANK YOU to all who have supported our kids and our community.

A special thanks to these organizations directly supporting our kids: Vashon Island School District, Vashon Youth and Family Services, Vashon Community PTSA, PIE, Vashon Community Scholarship Foundation, Vashon Island Schools Foundation, Vashon Park District, Vashon-Maury Chamber of Commerce, Vashon Kiwanis, Vashon Rotary, Vashon Youth Council, Vashon Allied Arts, The Harbor School, Carpe Diem, Island preschools, dance schools, sports associations, and every Vashon taxpayer.

SUSAN LOFLAND, REALTOR® Associate Broker GRI, SRES, ASP

(206) 999-6470 susanlofland@johnlscott.com VASHON

JOHN L SCOTT VASHON 13401 VASHON HIGHWAY SW VASHON, WA 98070