A limited forum for student expression // Volume 106 // Issue Nine // 105 7th St. SW Puyallup, Wash, 98371 // June 8, 2018
‘18 Senior Times
THE VIKING VANGUARD
WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER
Table of Contents News / Opinion / Features / Focus
Check It Out
A&E / Future Plans
News You Can Use // Page 4 Journalist Reflects on Journey // Page 5 Family Moves on Together// Page 7 Seniors ‘Break Free’ From High School // Page 10 Flashback: Then and Now// Page 12 Seniors’ Future Plans // Page 15
an guard The Viking
E D I T O R -I N -C H I E F.......................................H A L E Y K E I Z U R M A N AG I N G E D I T O R ....................E M I LY VA N B E RG E Y K F E AT U R E S E D I T O R .................................A N D R E W F LU R Y O P I N I O N S E D I T O R ...................................R AQ U E L A M AT O M U LT I M E D I A E D I T O R ......................H A N NA H PA L M E R A D V E R T I S I N G M A N AG E R ........................J O R Y D U VA L L S TA F F...................................................................A L E X I S H O L M E ..................................................................................G R AC I E LU C A S .........................................................................K AT H R I N E LYC H I K ...................................................................................M E G A N LY N N .........................................M AC K E N Z I E N O M A KC H T E I N S K Y A DV I S E R ................................................SA N D R A C OY E R , M J E E D I T O R I A L P O L I C Y:
The Viking Vanguard operates as a limited forum. The Viking Vanguard’s duty is to expand student perspectives, maintain community relations and act as a student publication advocating voice. Besides providing an opportunity for the exchange of viewpoints, The Viking Vanguard serves as an academic tool by which students can voice opinions as well as highlight issues facing today’s students. L E T T E R P O L I C Y:
The Viking Vanguard accepts unsolicited copy from businesses. Only signed and dated letters with addresses and phone numbers from community members or grade level from students will be accepted. Letters must be limited to 350 words and will be published as space is available. The staff reserves the right to edit any letter without changing its content. All letters are the sole opinion of the writer and do not necessarily represent the opinion of The Viking Vanguard staff. Letters to the Editor may be submitted by E-Mailing them to thevikingvanguard@gmail.com or mailing them to The Viking Vanguard c/o Puyallup High School. A DV E R T I S I N G P O L I C Y:
The Viking Vanguard publication staff accepts advertisements for most products available to the public. However, the staff reserves the right to reject, edit or cancel any advertisement at anytime. Advertisements shall be free of implications that the staff deems offensive in light of normal public standards (WIAA 18.20.0 and 18.20.1) and will not be accepted. The staff will not accept advertising for products or groups which are racist, sexist or illegal for high school students. Advertisements do not necessarily reflect the views, endorsements and/or positions of The Viking Vanguard, student body, faculty, administration or school board.
LOOKING BACK AT YEAR Looking back on the year, the Vanguard has faced a lot of changes, while remaining strong in tradition. Not only did we cut a few inches off the dimensions of our paper but we also focused on a more newsmagazine-type layout and released our first web-exclusive issues. There were countless long weeks, late nights and stressful class periods. As a staff we ate numerous pieces of cake, drank gallons of coffee and consumed a lot of garlic bread. And all that food fueled well-written stories, excellent broadcasts and some of the best page designs our publication has ever had. Aside from that, the Vanguard staff played a role in the leaps and bounds made in the legislature. Bill 5064, a law that recognizes freedom of expression in school-sponsored media as a fundamental principle derived from the First Amendment went into effect June 7. We look forward to the opportunities the bill will allow to help our publication grow and strive. Throughout the year, we have kept our mission statement close at hand, in hopes of producing interesting content while sustaining professional and journalistic principles. “Viking Student Media is a news organization that upholds
professional standards while reporting truthfully and giving a voice to the voiceless.” This statement has guided our brainstorming, our publications and every other piece of content that has been produced. Despite mistakes and mishaps and the stories and videos that never got written or filmed, the Vanguard aimed to be an outlet to the student body and live up to the legacy that has been established over the past
WE WISH THE CLASS OF 2018--THOSE THAT WROTE FOR THE PAPER AND THOSE THAT READ IT--THE BEST OF LUCK AS THEY HEAD INTO THE FUTURE. OU R V I E W
105 years. This year, our three main goals were to report the news, be an outlet for students’ views and maintain professional standards. In reporting the news, we have taken advantage of our News You Can Use section and made it more engaging to readers. Our website and social media accounts have also grown and helped the Vanguard become a more reliable and consistent avenue for students and
Editorial Cartoon Check out additional news, stories and photos on our website:
vikingvanguard.com Instagram: @thevikingvanguard Twitter: @phsvanguard Facebook: Viking Vanguard
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community members to find news. To expand our coverage, we have featured new students and teachers and covered countless different topics. Staff members also contacted senators and representatives, encouraging them to vote yes to bill 5064, in order for student publications to give a voice to the voiceless. While reporting news and giving students a voice, we strived to produce content worthy of professional publications and uphold journalistic integrity. As a result of their quality work, many students on Vanguard staff have been recognized, whether for their writing, knowledge of AP style or skills with broadcast. This year, some students experienced Vanguard traditions for the first time, while others took part in them for the last time. We wish the class of 2018--those that wrote for the paper and those that read it--the best of luck as they head into the future. And to the Vikings that remain, thank you for being and continuing to be a part of the Puyallup community to make our job possible. The Viking Vanguard is excited for what the upcoming years have to offer.
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EVERYTHING WILL BE OKAY
O p i n io n / / June 8, 2018
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News June 8, 2018
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The Viking Vanguard brings you a brief summary of the news you may have missed throughout this school year. ART BREAKS RECORD
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D O M A N
A 500-year-old Leonardo da Vinci painting, once owned by King Charles I of England who died on the chopping block, sold for $450.3 million after a 20-minute bidding war at an auction the evening of Nov. 15, 2017. The painting entitled “Salvator Mundi” is one of fewer than 20 authentic Da Vinci paintings in existence.
SCHOOL SHOOTING
A school shooting ravaged Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018. Gunman Nikolas Cruz killed 17 people with an AR-15 rifle after pulling the school’s fire alarm to get people out of class.
EAGLE CREEK FIRE
LAS VEGAS SHOOTING
The Eagle Creek Fire near the town of Cascade Locks, OR was reported Sept. 2, 2017 at 4 p.m. and turned into the nation’s largest wildfire. By Sept. 3, the fire had spread across 3,000 acres. The fire ultimately reached 48,861 acres and was 100 percen t contained by Nov. 30.
The deadliest mass shooting in U.S. modern history occurred in Las Vegas, NV, Oct. 1, 2017. Gunman Stephen Paddock opened fire and killed a total of 59 people while 527 people were injured.
WOMEN’S MARCH
AMTRA K DERAIL MENT
Amtrak train 501 was traveling 50 mph faster than the speed limit the morning of Monday, Dec. 18, 2017 when it derailed from the tracks at a curve just before an I-5 crossing near Olympia, WA. The crash that occurred at 7:38 a.m. killed three people and injured dozens more.
Thousands of people filled the streets across the country for the second annual Women’s March, Jan. 20, 2018. The goal was to protest Donald Trump and his administration policies on immigration, healthcare, racial divides and the #MeToo movement.
FREEDOM OF EXPRES SION Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee signed Bill 5064 into law March 21, 2018. This bill supports freedom of expression for student journalists and gives them First Amendment free press rights. The bill also gets rid of prior restraint for student journalists.
VOLCA NO ERUP TS
‘INFINITY WAR’ RELEASES
“Avengers: Infinity War” landed the biggest global opening ever with $630 million worldwide April 27, 2018. Disney poured in $300 million to make the movie and an additional $150 million to market it. This movie is the first half of a two-part finale. Disney now holds nine of the top 10 domestic openings of all time, with this one reaching $250 million. Six of those films are part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The Hawaiian volcano Kilauea is one of the world’s most active volcanoes. The volcano erupted May 3, 2018 after the Big Island experienced a magnitude 5.0 earthquake. Lava has been spewing all over the big island causing mandatory evacuations.
MASTERPIECE V. COLORADO
The Supreme Court case Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado was a civil case that dealt with First Amendment rights. The baker of Masterpiece Cakeshop refused his services to a same-sex couple based on his religious beliefs in June 2012. The Supreme Court made a decision June 4, 2018 that ruled seven to two that state antidiscrimination laws must evaluate cases with religious neutrality and respect the individual’s rights to free exercise his/her beliefs.
JOURNALIST REFLECTS ON JOURNEY THE URGE TO USE MY VOICE TO SHARE STORIES THAT MATTER AND ADVOCATE HAS BECOME SO DEEPLY ROOTED WITHIN ME AND HAS BECOME MY MOTIVATING FACTOR IN EVERYTHING I PRODUCE. H ALE Y K E I Z U R C H I E F
published in The Seattle Times. I am pleased to say that Washington’s student expression bill goes into effect this month. After testifying in front of the House Judiciary Committee this February, I found out that the bill passed not only the committee but the entire House. The following month, I had the opportunity to stand by Gov. Jay Inslee’s side as he signed the bill into law. The day the bill went to a vote, the staff and I were in a frenzy of
sending e-mails, so the news that it passed was one of relief and joy. That moment will forever be engraved in my high school experience. However, my most notable memory comes from finding out I was the winner for not just the state high school journalist of the year competition but also the runner-up for the national award. Having the Vanguard staff cheer me on the entire time and constantly encourage me to do my best, a staff made of not just friends but family, proved to me that I needed each and every one of them to get to where I am. And the hugs, the endless, big hugs from Coyer, each time I received an honor and each time I needed a bit of motivation. It made walking up on stage to receive the award that much more special, getting to see her happy face, reminding me how far I have come. From a little 12-year-old taking on the challenge of interviewing Steve Pool for a project, to an eighth grader making a powerpoint on censorship, unknowing of the impact that very topic would have later in life, from a sophomore entering an introductory journalism class to a runner-up for a national journalism award. The urge to use my voice to share stories that matter and advocate has become so deeply rooted within me and has become my motivating factor in everything I produce. As I head off to the University of San Francisco next year to earn a degree in Media Studies and Journalism, I hope to use my voice to share stories that matter.
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am a freshly-sharpened pencil and a bluelined notebook. I am a zoom lens camera and a reporter’s badge. I am a journalist. Walking into journalism as a meek little sophomore was both exciting and intimidating; I was entering a 104-year-old tradition, taking on the challenge of giving life to numerous stories that would be printed on a page for centuries to come. But as I entered the world of frantic typing, distressed scribbling and countless interviews, I learned that being a part of Vanguard is much more than seeing your stories in print. It is being a part of something so much bigger than yourself, being a part of a never-ending family, being a part of history. Over the past three years, Vanguard has stamped itself into my high school experience and truly the rest of my life. When I enrolled in journalism, I thought it would be a fun class with a renowned teacher but it ended up influencing the career I intend to go into. Going into junior year, I took on a role as an editor, social media editor, and was finally able to join the newspaper class. It was definitely a learning curve but I welcomed the challenge with bright eyes and open arms. Most significantly during junior year, I was able join the New Voices movement and testify against censorship in student newspapers across Washington. While the bill died in the House that year, I was determined to leave behind a legacy of free press before I graduated. As I headed into senior year as Chief, I knew I had big shoes to fill. But there is something about being on the Vanguard staff that urges you to try new things and step up your game as a leader. Over the past two years, I have learned a lot more than the benefits of ‘Ctrl Z,’ how to get into the courtyard when the gate is locked and how to stay awake doing homework after a late night at deadline; I am a stronger writer, I have been taught about the importance of responsibility and having an open mind and most importantly, I know when not to use a Harvard comma. This year on staff has been filled with long days and nights, stressful weekends and a lot of work but also numerous laughs, memories and prideful moments. A
majority of my year was spent focusing on two things: fighting for free press and preparing a portfolio for the high school journalist of the year competition. In between, I was managing my own deadlines and responsibilities for the Vanguard and working to get a column
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Above: Adviser Sandra Coyer hugs Haley Keizur after she is named Washington State High School Journalist of the Year.
O p i n io n / / June 8, 2018
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R . A M AT O O P I N I O N S
You and I have known each other since first grade and been close since about sixth. You have been with me through my mom’s marriage, numerous heartbreaks and a million things in between. Everything we go through together helps build who I am. You make me laugh and you make me cry. You have even made me laugh so hard I wet my pants...more than once. The countless videos of us enjoying life together on my phone, most from sophomore year when we really clicked, constantly remind me of how many great memories we have. You help me through many difficult decisions and frequently show me of why you are one of the most important people in my life; you are the person who understands me the most. Through my depressive episodes where I do not show up to school for weeks to the days where all I want to do is catch up on work, you are consistently there for me. A lot of people talk about going back in time and doing things differently, especially when it comes to relationships. I do not think I would change anything about our
friendship or what we have been through together. Through every argument and disagreement, our friendship just grows stronger. The happy moments we have together are my favorite moments. When we are driving around through Puyallup listening to songs and singing along even when we do not know the words. Every long night of just sitting up in my room laughing for hours on hours and even the quiet moments when the silence is anything but awkward. Those are the moments I cherish the most because those moments are the ones that people take for granted. Every moment with you makes me a better person, good day or bad day. One thing I have learned about friendship is that the real kind--the kind of friendship that means saying “Chicken Donald’s” instead of “McDonald’s” will be a long-running joke, can come and go but is never lost. I love you, Savannah. Thank you for always being there for me and never giving up on me no matter what choices I make.
With our greatest gratitude, The Viking Vanguard would like to thank the following: Interviewees,
For giving up your time to allow us to share your stories. We have loved hearing about your passions and insight and getting to recognize you and your knowledge. We could not write without you and we truly value your voices, which we believe deserve to be heard.
Sandra Coyer,
For being not just our adviser but our mentor, our teacher, our secondmom and our biggest supporter. We are so grateful for all the opportunities you have given us, for all the lessons you have taught us and all the hugs you have given us. Your time and dedication has not gone unnoticed and we are extremely lucky to have you as an adviser. Thank you for letting us spend hours a day with you and answering our unrelenting questions. None of us would be the journalists we are without you. Never forget how much we love and support you.
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John Kolano,
For donating all of the equipment you did, which has made a tremendous impact on our broadcast program.
The Class of 2018,
For aiming for greatness throughout high school. We appreciate your willingness to take part in interviews and surveys. Thank you for reading our paper and being our most consistent and important audience.
Friends and Family,
For giving up your kids, siblings and friends for numerous hours a week. Thank you for relieving our stress, feeding us and making financial donations. Thanks for being our biggest fans and number one supporters.
Mr. Coyer,
For giving us your wife for late nights and weekends. We would not be capable of doing our work without her guidance and knowledge and we are so grateful for your patience and allowance of us pestering her, although not past 9 p.m.
Opinio n // June 8, 2018
Vanguard Staff,
For spending hours working for the paper, writing, filming and designing. Thank you understanding our purpose as a publication and continuing our legacy for another year. Thank you for allowing us to be a family and making room 162 feel like home.
Our Advertisers and Donors,
For helping fund our publication. We appreciate your generosity in keeping our paper alive and allowing us to network with a wide audience.
Freelancers,
For giving time to our program, despite not being enrolled in the class. Thank you Megan Jamora for continually coming back to us.
Brian Fox and the Puyallup School District Communication Team,
For being the connection between our program and the district office. We appreciate your confidence in us, which has strengthened our journalistic abilities.
Sen. Joe Fain,
For being a champion for student press rights and helping Washington become the 14th state with New Voices legislation.
Richard Fazakerley and Pacific Publishing Company, For making our paper possible. We are so grateful for your hard work and constant support of us, despite our mistakes.
Dave Sunich and the PHS Administration,
For supporting us, along every step. Thank you for working with us during prior review and being understanding and helpful while going over our content. Thank you for helping us schedule meetings and letting us run around PHS to capture moments and news.
Teachers,
For allowing us to miss class to work on the paper and dealing with our stressful deadlines. We appreciate you.
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A N D R E W F L U R Y F E A T U R E S
orking, studying, playing and learning in classrooms that students pass by every day, the members of Puyallup High School’s Special Education program are a family built on experience rather than blood. This year 10 of their students will walk at graduation and move on to the next phases of their lives, whether they join other programs in the district or enter the workforce. Special education teachers Peggy Haskey and Lisa Gimmestad sat down to discuss their seniors. “I am excited for kids that are moving on to the Gateway program,” Haskey said. “I think it will be a fun change for them; they get to [have] some really cool off-campus work experiences. They will not really be totally leaving. I will still see them, so I am happy about that [and] happy for them.” Gimmestad shares Haskey’s excitement but also feels a degree of sadness in the graduation of her seniors. “Several of our [students] are going to the adanced program downtown...it will be different because we are losing a lot this year. We only lost one last year [and] this year we are losing quite a bit, so it will be different. It will be bittersweet,” Gimmestad said. “Because you are sad to see them go but you are excited for them to move on. We do have a couple who will be returning. But...I am excited for them.” Haskey and Gimmestad describe their seniors as both nervous and thrilled L I SA G I M M E S TA D about their upcoming T E AC H E R graduation. “Just like everybody else,” Haskey said with a laugh and Gimmestad added, “[They are] having a hard time focusing because they are scared of the unknown.” Both teachers have nothing but love for the students they fostered. “I am proud of Nick [Bychkov], how much he has grown academically. He has gotten much better with his
WE THINK OF OURSELVES AS A FAMILY...[WE] REALLY LOOK OUT FOR EACH OTHER.
Left to right: Seniors Cameron Heival, Nick Bychkov, Helen Widman, Kaitelyn Magin, Connor Ray, Zion Tualatai, Frank Brockey, Sarah Ormiston, Anastasia Cooper and Emily Gray share jokes and a laugh. Not pictured: Peter Labrash.
math skills and his money skills and when he got here he did not have any of those. So, I am really proud of him for that,” Haskey said. “Cameron [Heival] has become a lot more independent. He makes his own lunch and he does more than he used to do independently, so that is exciting. He is always happy, he is fun to be around but it is fun to see him act a little bit older. And Zion [Tualatai]...is so much more independent. He is walking around a lot more than he used and he is interacting with other kids more.” Gimmestad is particularly proud of the family bonds that have been forged between her P E G G Y H A S K E Y T E AC H E R students. “They spend a lot of time together so we think ourselves as a family,” Gimmestad said. “They really look out for each other and I like that camaraderie that they have with each other...they have really matured and grown a lot. Learned a lot. And it has been nice to see.” Haskey emphasized her students’ positivity. “They are all really special people and they should never forget that,” Haskey said. “I want them to just to keep their happy dispositions going and not let things get [them] down.” Gimmestad focused on the potential for greatness in every one of her seniors. “I would probably want them to know if they set their minds to it, they can do whatever they want to do. Do not let their disability hinder them from things that they know they can do,” Gimmestad said. “I am just really proud of them. I think they have accomplished more than a lot of times they think they can. I just want them to know that they are good kids and they will go far if they really work at it.”
I WANT THEM JUST TO KEEP THEIR HAPPY DISPOSITIONS GOING AND NOT LET THINGS GET [THEM] DOWN.
Features
FAMILY MOVES ON TOGETHER
June 8, 2018
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To read more about these seniors, turn to page 8.
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Frank Brockey
Anastasia Cooper
Emily Gray
Plan for next year: “Get a job. I will work at fast food for a while and hopefully...move up to what I want to do.” Career goal: “Go into welding; it keeps my hands warm.” Favorite memory: “Hanging out with my friends.” Proudest accomplishment: “I am better at math than I was before.” Advice to new students: “Do not worry about [high school]; it will pass by. Four years are pretty quick.”
Plan for next year: “Graduate and get a job.” Career goal: “I might get a job as a vet. Animals are my specialty. Dogs, cats, hamsters, horses.” Favorite memory: “Spending time with [my] teacher, Mr. Thiessen and my best friends who have been there for me since my junior year. [PHS] is like a second home to me.” Proudest accomplishment: “I have worked so hard to [get] where I am now.”
Plan for next year: “I am going to stay here. I will be taking culinary arts. I like cooking because it [really] is a...fine art. I like being artistic.” Career goal: “I am not really sure about that; I need to see where I go.” Favorite memory: “Spirit assemblies.” Proudest accomplishment: “Finishing my whole school year and high school career.”
Peter LaBrash
Emily Magin
Sarah Ormiston
Plan for next year: “[Go] to advanced [program], probably get trained in a job site. I am open to Charlie’s.” Career goal: “Welding, it pays well.” Favorite memory: “[Joe] Loring and my teachers. [Loring] is the one who helped me...not be so scared of kids. [PHS] is a nice place to...be with friends. [I] think of it as being with family.” Proudest accomplishment: “Doing good with Thiessen’s teachings and... language arts, math, reading books...[and] history.”
Plan for next year: “[Go] to advanced [program]. I want to work at a nursing home.” Future goals: “Work with little kids in elementary school, hang out with my family and my best friends.” Favorite memory: “Having fun with my friends and going to the talent shows and football games. Proudest accomplishment: “Having good grades and graduating.” Advice to new students: “Find someone to show you where things are because sometimes [new students get] lost.”
Plan for next year: “Staying...one more year and then going to Highline Community College.” Career goal: “Work with sports teams [and] do sports medicine.” Favorite memory: “[Scoring] a winning basket at my basketball games or getting to know the people here at school.” Proudest accomplishment: “Winning the Top 20 Seniors Award.” Advice to new students: “Just be yourself. Do not let people bring you down and try to work hard. You will always have your friends by your side.”
Eleven seniors from Puyallup’s Special Education Program will be walking at commencement June 16. Some will enter the workforce, some the advanced program downtown and others will attend college. Three seniors--Nick Bychkov, Cameron Heival and Zion Tualatai were unavailable for comments.
Connor Ray
Helen Widman
Plan for next year: “Continue working at [the] job I have now. I work at a restaurant called Mrs. Turner’s.” Career goal: “Continue doing a job that is easy for me that is good money.” Proudest accomplishment: “[My] drawings.” Advice to new students: “Do not do what I would do on bad days.”
Plan for next year: “I am coming back as a super senior and I am only doing three classes.” Future goal: “I want to go to beauty school, maybe Clover Park or BJ’s Beauty School. I am very good at doing makeup.” Favorite memory: “Having good friends and the support of everybody.” Proudest accomplishment: “Graduating” Advice to new students: “Do what you see is right for your future.”
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Features // June 8, 2018
S E I D O L E MAKING M T
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he class of 2018 is in the midst of saying final goodbyes--some regretful, some joyous--to the glories and pitfalls of Puyallup High School. For the hundreds of musicians in PHS’s multitude of musical ensembles, one of these bittersweet goodbyes is their final adieu to the stage on which they enthralled many an audience. Yet long after they have gone, the echo of their music will reverberate in the auditorium. Senior violinist Daniel Zielke and senior band member Ethan Ross, who have both been musicians since fifth grade, describe their experiences in Puyallup’s musical groups: how they have grown in their skill and appreciation for music, how the program has impacted them and how they have been able to impact it. “When I was in fifth grade, I was super into Sherlock Holmes,” Zielke said. “Sherlock plays the violin, so clearly the only course of action was that I, too, would play the violin. I also just like the idea of doing an instrument; I like music, I like listening to music, so having a piece of that be mine is good. The third reason I joined way back then was that orchestra kids got to skip class in the morning and come in a little late because of practice. Going on adventures instead of class was always fun. I thought it was cool.” Ariana Arnold, senior Norselander and soprano, recalls her introduction to music. “When I was young, my parents encouraged me to get into something that I enjoyed doing, so I got into piano lessons and then I started singing… I remember hearing about a choir group for fifth graders and I showed up, little second-grade Ariana with my backpack like ‘I am here to sing.’ I was very intimidated by the bigger kids,” Arnold said. Now that he has been a part of an orchestra for eight years, he has moved far beyond the realm of playing music just to skip class, Zielke says. “I could not T THA R even hold W the bow OU NO O K AVE Y OVE properly T E H L KE when I NIC PLE A WE
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started… I can play real music now, so [it is a] huge improvement. I still come into class everyday [with the mentality] ‘I want to make music.’ That is my objective,” Zielke said. Ross has also found that his musical abilities have been drastically improved by involvement in high school band. “In fifth grade I played ‘Hot Cross Buns’ and thought it was the coolest thing in the world but now I am playing pieces like ‘Ride’ and ‘Pilatus,’” Ross said. “Every piece of music pushes me one step further. That is one thing [I like] about band; I keep getting better and better and better. It is not stagnant.” Ross’s musical abilities are not alone in their
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expansion over the years; his repertoire of instruments has also grown. “Originally, I just wanted to be a drummer but right before Winter Break my fifth grade year the band director brought out a tuba and told me, ‘Ethan, take this home over break. You are going to learn how to play it.’ It was terrifying,” Ross said. “[The tuba] was the same size as me back then but it was also really cool and exciting to play something new…I also learned to play sax and clarinet because my band director was willing to let me take stuff home and try it out.” According to Arnold, the intensity of high school musical groups is far greater than that of introductory groups. “I have definitely gotten more serious about choir. Back in elementary school, I kind of just did it for fun but for norselanders you have to get really serious about it and practice at least two hours a day,” Arnold said. The numerous instruments he plays increase his ability to understand the “big picture,” Ross says. “I play tuba, clarinet, saxophone, euphonium, trombone and string bass,” Ross said. “Because I have played a bunch of different instruments, I have a deeper understanding of the band and how all the different parts fit together, how to pay attention and listen to the entire band, not just your section.” According to Ross, the music itself is only part of the high school music experience; the community of musicians is what truly makes PHS musical ensembles unique. “Everyone in the PHS band is really close-knit. I transferred here last year and did not really know anybody but immediately in the first couple weeks Dan [Vitt] and [the tuba section] welcomed me and we became really close,” Ross said. Arnold also stresses how the bond between musicians in choir improves them as musicians, students and human beings. “We all share pain and we all share happiness… if one of us is going through something, we all go through it with them and if one of us is celebrating we all celebrate,” Arnold said. “Having that bond between 16 totally different high school students fills me with love. It is so nice to know that those 16 people have your back. As a family, we love each other and try to make each other better, musically and otherwise.” According to Arnold, pressure from fellow choir members has improved her academic engagement. “I think choir has made me a better student,” Arnold said. “If you are failing a class, [George] Guenther will not let you go to [choir events] because it is more important that you have
good grades…I try harder in school because I do not want to let my choir buddies down.” As a senior, Ross has also had many opportunities to extend this welcoming environment to underclassmen and share his knowledge. “The sophomores and juniors in band kind of look up to upperclassmen… I tell them ‘if you do this or this or this, it might sound better, if you bring your slide out a bit or bring it in a bit, it could could help,’” Ross said. “ I want to teach, so [helping underclassmen] is allowing me to see how I can help without seeming pushy or micromanaging.” One benefit of school musical groups according to Arnold is the opportunity they provide to build community relationships. “Choir gives us great opportunities to be involved in the community; we have a lot of events that we go to out in the community and when people see us they know ‘those are the PHS Norselanders.’ That is very important because you start to learn more about the community and you expand more. It also just feels really good to get to know your community,” Arnold said. “I have been introverted all my life so [choir] has really brought me out of my shell and helped me grow relationships with the community.” According to Zielke,
OF ON THAT T .A G IS.. OWIN MENT IN E U R A H THE RCH S INSTR CERT EA AN LOP YOU RES YING DEVE AKES D. PLA YOU ND M ROUN A PS -A HEL KILLS R ALL KE S TTE EL BE ZI R DA
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L O IE NI SE
musical groups can also offer much-needed relief to a busy schedule and the stress of a heavy class load. “Orchestra is my escape…now that I am taking multiple AP classes. It is one of the only times during the school day I can decompress and do something else. It is a change of pace from sitting at your desk writing,” Zielke said. “The community you get from that is also different from anything you get in another class. It is almost like the camaraderie you get on a sports team, that idea that you are working together to put something out there. There is also a ton of research showing that playing an instrument helps you develop certain skills and makes you better all-around.” According to Ross, the most important quality of his musical involvement at PHS is the freedom it gave him to express himself. “School music groups offer a chance for high school students to express themselves… to discover your passion,” Ross said.
F eat u r es / / June 8, 2018
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SENIORS ‘BREAK FREE’ FROM HIGH SC
|
V A N G U A R D
Kobe Feist
Pi
Trey Vanderkinter
N er ext ce S Co tep t h W Ce en lleg : a n e, Un shi tra l iv ng er to si n ty
B Y
Ne
x W Ce t St a n e Un shi tra p: iv ng l er to si n ty
H A L E Y
K E I Z U R
A N D
A N D R E W
F L U R Y
: tep of S t Nex ersity on t v Uni shing Wa
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Focus // June 8, 2018
H A L E Y K E I Z U R A C H I E F A N D
Micaela Nomakchtein
CHOOL N D A N D R E W F E A T U R E S
F L U R Y
Each senior in the graduating class of 2018 has a unique story and has left a unique mark on PHS. The Vanguard decided to share the stories of these six seniors. Some of them were chosen for academics, some for leadership and others for sports or musical ability. This is a quick look on where they are headed after graduation. For each of these students’ full stories, head to the back of this issue for our web exclusive content. To check out the plans of the rest of the senior class, turn to page 15.
Paulo Barerra
nsky
Rimpal Bajwa
p: e t f S xt sity o n e N er o iv ingt n U sh Wa
Jen Rhee
Next Geor Step: ge Univ town ersit y
Next S tep: Centra Washin l Univer gton sit Berkle y, then e Colle of Mus ge ic
F o c u s / / June. 8, 2018
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A&E June 8, 2018
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PAST -The Incredibles -The Toy Story -Lion King -Finding Nemo -High School Musical
-PokĂŠmon -SpongeBob SquarePants -iCarly -Hannah Montana -Juicy Couture -Track Suits -Miss Me -Silly Bands -Gauchos -Nintendo Wii -Facebook -DVR -Gamecube -VHS -Britney Spears -Taylor Swift -Jonas Brothers -One Direction -Justin Bieber -The Black Eyed Peas
FLASH B Y K A T E LY C H I K A N D M A C K E N Z I E N O M A KC H T E I N S K Y S T A F F
T H E N.
..
The early 2000s: the turn of the millennium and the start of our childhoods. Though the trends and icons of a decade ago are long gone, they still remain strong in our memories.
PRESENT -Black Panther -Avengers : Infinity War -A Quiet Place -Finding Dory -Moana -La La Land
BACK .
S E I V M O
-Stranger Things -Game of Thrones -Riverdale -The Office -Shameless
W O N D N A ..
SHOWS
-Birkenstocks -Vans -Jumpsuits -Supersized Sleeves -High Waist
As we move into adulthood, here is a look at some of the most popular artists, movies and trends of our childhoods. The favorite artists, TV shows and movies were polled from the student body.
-Virtual Reality -Augmented Reality -Drones -XBox 1 -BeyoncĂŠ -Twenty One Pilots -Post Malone -Ed Sheeran -SZA
FASHION TECHNO LOGY
MUS IC
P H O T O S F R O M G O O G L E W I T H M O D I F I C A T I O N F O R V A N G U A R D
A & E // June 8, 2018
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B Y
O
A L E X I S H O L M E S T A F F
n average, 13 years of a child’s life are spent within a classroom. Some leave high school and never return to the all-too-familiar bells and desks. However, there are a few who find themselves back in the classroom to teach the next generation.
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Features // June 8, 2018
Spanish language. This statement could be true for She says many teachers have two seniors who have decided to inspired her chasing her dream of pursue a career in education. being a teacher, most notably her Melissa Borrayo and Javier Teaching Academy teacher, Cassie Bautista are both currently in Mueller. Teaching Academy. “Mrs. Mueller is probably my This pathway through high school number one,” Borrayo said. “She has is generally completed within three made me want to be a teacher. I want years and teaches the students to be like Mrs. Mueller.” how to create lesson plans, have a As for Bautista, he wants to teach presence in a classroom and many 6th grade math in the future, mostly other important aspects of teaching. because Borrayo of the grew up in work he a Spanish[I TUTORED MY SISTER] FOR has done speaking A WHOLE ENTIRE YEAR [AND] over the home, but past two I WOULD GET COMPLIMENTS began in years with Spanish I her ON HOW GOOD MY SISTER his sister freshman WAS DOING IN CLASS. THOSE and in the year. COMPLIMENTS WOULD MAKE classroom. She says MY DAY 10 TIMES BETTER. Bautista this year says is what JAV I E R BAU T I S TA that his inspired her SE N IOR routine, to become a which teacher. starts “I was in after noon, is impacted by the ninth grade and I walked into my relationships he forms with the Spanish I class and during the time, students in that classroom. Señora King did not really let me “My day officially starts at 12:25 participate because she thought p.m., I [go] to my car to head to [the participation in the class] Karshner Elementary,” Bautista said. was...cheating, I usually observed. “The teacher I help is Mrs. Ellis; she Watching how Señora King teaches a 6th grade math class. I interacted with the students and the sign in and head to the class. When I games she played made me realize this is what I want to do; I want to be come in, the students greet me with ‘Hey, Javi!’” a Spanish teacher,” Borrayo said. A big motivation for career paths Bautista’s desire to become a is often money and teachers are teacher came from helping his sister thought to not make very much. with her homework since junior Borrayo believes that the impact year. and importance of teaching goes Joining the education pathway above and beyond the monetary only fortified his goal of becoming gain. a sixth grade “I really math teacher. want to be “During MRS. MUELLER IS PROBABLY a teacher my junior MY NUMBER ONE. SHE HAS because year, I did not MADE ME WANT TO BE A it is such know what I TEACHER. I WANT TO BE LIKE a cool was going to [HER]. profession. do with my Everyone life or what M EL I S SA B OR R AYO has been pathway I SE N IOR with a was going teacher in to choose. their life, During that like some people have never met a that time, I was helping my little biochemical engineer, but everyone sister with her homework. My has had teachers,” Borrayo said. mom works until 7 p.m. and by It is because of the role that that time it is already too late to teachers have had on her life that begin homework and my dad does Borrayo says teaching stands out as not know how to read very well,” a future career path. Bautista said. “We did that for a “No matter what you want to be in whole entire year [and] I would life, you have to go through school get compliments on how good my and you have a teacher and I think sister was doing in class. Those compliments would make my day 10 that is kind of cool,” Borrayo said. times better,” Bautista said. Borrayo says she has wanted to use her native tongue to teach kids who have never been exposed to the
SENIORS’ FUTURE PLANS
V A N G U A R D |
Andres, Jerell C Intended Career: Media Editor Aquino, Jhan Khazer Esquivel Armitage, Sophie Louise Arnold, Ariana Yolanda Next Step: Central Washington University Intended Career: Music Performance Arntsen, Allysen Victoria Aubrey, Austin James Next Step: Pierce College Intended Career: Business Augustine, Joshua Michael Autry III, William Price Next Step: Army Intended Career: Computer Programming Auvaa, Jonah Telemu Next Step: Central Washington University Intended Career: Business Avery, Natalie Breanna Mae Babic, Katie Diane Bagley, Robert Michael Bainter, Alexander William Next Step: Workforce Intended Career: Elevator Mechanic Bajwa, Rimpal Kaur Next Step: Georgetown University Intended Career: Civil Rights Lawyer Baker, Brandon Michael Next Step: Fire Academy Intended Career: Firefighter/ Paramedic Bakken, Luke Intended Career: Computer Science Barbee, Sarah Rachelle Next Step: University of Portland Intended Career: Physician Barnes, Sierra Marie Next Step: University of California, Los Angeles Intended Career: Mechanical Engineer Barrera, Paulo Andres-Stevens Next Step: University of Washington Intended Career: International Business Bautista Gonzalez, Javier Next Step: Western Washington University Intended Career: Elementary Education
L Y N N
Abel, Baylie Victoria Aidoghie, Jade Rennee Intended Career: Physical Therapist Alden, Grace Rita Next Step: University of Washington Tacoma Intended Career: High school Counselor Alemayehu, Zoe Brianna Alghanmi, Suleman Kaled Alino, Adrianne Francoise Lopez Allen, Nicholaus George Coller Next Step: Pierce College Intended Career: Communications or Automotive Allums, Alyssa Joelle Next Step: University of Washington Alonzo, Dayanara Alvarez, Milagro Guadalupe Next Step: Pierce College Intended Career: Social Worker Alway, Blake Donald Next Step: Central Washington University Intended Career: Attorney Alway, Dylan Eric Next Step: Central Washington University Intended Career: Law Enforcement Amato, Raquel Imani Next Step: Western Governors University Intended Career: Barista Anaya, Johnny Rolando Next Step: Workforce Intended Career: Real Estate Broker Anderson, Keagan James Next Step: University of Washington Intended Career: Computer Science Anderson, Laurel Renee Anderson, Mitchell Staton Next Step: Whitworth University Intended Career: Biologist/Forensic Scientist Anderson, Sara Marie Next Step: University of Washington Seattle Intended Career: Computer Scientist Anderson, Tanner Jay
M E G A N
A-B
The following pages contain the names of each senior in the Class of 2018. The Vanguard also gave surveys to each student, requesting their plans for next year and their intended career. Just the names are published for students that did not provide information. The plans begin on this page and go through page 19.
Sen io r Times / / June 8, 2018
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Beamish, Sophia Beverly Next Step: University of Washington Intended Career: Pediatrician Beavers, Tanner Ashley Beelitz, Gabrielle LaThayre Benning, Sydney Morgan Benson, Cole Ryan Bergstrom, Kyle Alexander Next Step: Navy Intended Career: Physicist Bernal, Sergio Bieber, Sunny Jeanne Next Step: Evergreen State College Intended Career: Protect Environment Binder, Emma Gale Binford, Joshua Robert Binkley, Allison Nicole Next Step: University of Washington Intended Career: Medical Field Bjerk, Sophia Nikel Next Step: University of San Diego Intended Career: Physical Therapist Blair, Alexander Cornelius Bland-Harris, Brandon Ramon Blocker, Carolyn Victoria Next Step: Pacific Lutheran University Intended Career: Lawyer Bodwin, Nicole Christine Bolin, Olivia Louise Bolton, Joanie Stoddard Next Step: Central Washington University Intended Career: Nurse Borovich, Jocelyn Noel Borrayo, Melissa Samahi Next Step: Washington State University Intended Career: Spanish Teacher Bosshardt, Piper Star Botelho, Grayson Merritt Next Step: Workforce Intended Career: Technician Bowers, Emma Christine Bowman, Cameron W Bowman, Garret Michael Next Step: Pierce Community College Braddock, Caden Brian Next Step: University of Idaho Intended Career: Firefighter Brauen, Andrew Murray Next Step: University of Washington Intended Career: Mechanical Engineer Brendle, Samuel Keagen Briones, Julian Felix Next Step: Workforce Intended Career: Electrician Britto, Cheyenne Marie Next Step: Culinary School Intended Career: Restaurant Owner Brockey, Frank Allen Brookens, Thomas Daniel Brown, Clare Arminda Brown, Geneva Ann Brown, Lily Grace Bruce, Samuel Robert Next Step: U.S. Army Brunner, Chloe Morgan Buckner, Logan (Emily) Rose (Roy) Intended Career: Environmental Conservationist Bullard, Michelle Lynn Intended Career: Work
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with Animals Bundy, Payton Odell Next Step: Internship Intended Career: Heavy Equipment Operator Burden, Andrew Fox Next Step: Pierce College Intended Career: Archaeologist or Actor Burns, Ian Austin Burton, Ruby Sky Buse, Claire Margaret Next Step: Pierce College Intended Career: Dairy Queen Owner Bychkov, Nick Y
C-G Cairney, Tyler Michael Camacho, Juan Alfonso Next Step: Navy Intended Career: Chiropractor Campbell, Nala Sujonna Next Step: University of Maine Intended Career: Forensic Scientist Canales, Zant William Intended Career: Auto Mechanic Cannalla, Elijah Matias Carey, Britney Rose Next Step: Pierce College Intended Career: Physical Therapist Carlson, Ethan Michael Next Step: Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Intended Career: Aerospace Engineer Carlson, Jake Anthony Carlson, Taryn Christine Next Step: Pacific Lutheran University Intended Career: Elementary School Teacher Carretero, Joselyn Next Step: Navy Intended Career: Cryptologic Technician Castillo-Meza, Edgar Castro, Rozano John Next Step: Gap Year Caudill, Emma Kathryn Rose Cepeda, Li’Ana Dela Cruz Next Step: Pierce College Intended Career: Crime Scene Examiner Chappell, Bryan Alexander Chavez-Zuniga, Reyna Verenise College Psychologist Chilcott, Chloe’ Anne Childres, Ryan Michael Chlipala, Andrew Falk Christel, Codie Next Step: University of Washington Intended Career: Architectural Design Chung, Jesse Next Step: Pierce College Intended Career: Designer Church, Austin Lawrence Edward Next Step: Army Clifton, Casey James Next Step: Washington State University Intended Career: Construction Engineer Coe, Elyse Christine Cohen, Amanda Jane Next Step: Creighton University
Senior Times // June 8, 2018
Intended Career: Neuro-Research Scientist Coker, Collarre Marie Next Step: Community College Intended Career: Police Officer Cole, Noah Jeffrey Collier, Christian Daniel Scott Next Step: Beauty School Intended Career: Makeup Artist Cooper, Anastasia Nicole Cooper, Cortney Cope, Sandra Kathleen Cornelio Barriga, Blanca Vanessa Next Step: Pierce College Intended Career: Registered Nurse Cornelius, Isabelle Marie Cornyn, Gryfn Hunter Corpus, Giselle Rapiza Next Step: University of Washington Intended Career: Producer Costa, Alexander Micheal Coulter, Harley Cecil David Next Step: University of Washington Intended Career: Psychologist Courneya, Lisa Nicole Coyle, Emily Rose Next Step: Grand Canyon University Intended Career: Registered Nurse Coyle, Keiran Michael Next Step: Universal Technical Institute of Avondale, Arizona Crocker-Smith, Jade Crystal Cronk, Cameron Wesley Cruz Hernandez, Adrian Cruz Rincon, Carlos Andres Next Step: Airforce Intended Career: Mechanic Cruz-Ruiz, Clarissa Verania Next Step: Central Washington University Intended Career: Physical Therapist Cueva, Belen Estefania Culpepper, Jordan Luisa Next Step: Washington State University Intended Career: Vineyard Manager Culver, Logan Dain Next Step: Commercial Driver’s License Intended Career: Trucker Cummings, Abigail Brooke Curnow, Hannah Marcellina Cutler, Nathen Lee Next Step: College Intended Career: Veterinarian Dahl, Eric Matthew Dale, Kaila Raeann Next Step: Beauty College Intended Career: Esthetician Dalrymple, Justin James Daniel, Brady Alexander Daniels, Charles Jordan Daniels, Jordan Freddy Davidson, Amaya Pilar Davis, Jacob Christopher Next Step: Washington State University Davis, Olivia Next Step: Washington State University Intended Career: Registered Nurse Davis, Zachary Michael Dayton, MacKenzie Angelina Deaguero, Jenifer Nataly
Decker, Tristen Charles DeCosta, Kaitlyn Mae Dela Cruz, Jayda I Dela Rosa, Alyssa Grace Next Step: Pacific Lutheran University Intended Career: Biologist Depping, Sean Damien Detweiler, Isabel Nicole Dillon, Timothy Michael Domingo, Lorenzo Dornan, Madelyn Renae Next Step: Washington State University Intended Career: Dentistry Douglas, Arianna Auna Lisa Duck, Malcolm Next Step: University of Providence Dungca, Jullian Dungca, Jullian Duvall, Jory Rachel Shy-Marie Next Step: Pierce College Intended Career: High School English Teacher Easley, Kasidy Jean Next Step: Workforce Intended Career: Business Owner Eberle, James Darrin Ebner, Owen Timothy Next Step: California Lutheran University Intended Career: Teacher Echeverria, Andres Isaac Elamparo, Kristabelle Mae-Lee Next Step: Central Washington University Intended Career: English Teacher Emery, Brett Alexander Next Step: University of Washington Intended Career: Materials Science Engineer Engstrand, Julene Dharma Next Step: Seattle Central Community College Intended Career: Filmmaker/Musician Ericksen, Jens Kensler Next Step: University of Northern British Columbia Intended Career: Anthropology Ernest, Albina Lynn Next Step: Workforce Intended Career: Dance Teacher Ernst, Caleb Kekoa Next Step: Workforce Ernst, Haley Dawn Next Step: Seattle Pacific University Intended Career: Molecular Geneticist Espindola, Alyssandra Next Step: Missouri Valley College Intended Career: Business Espindola, Micah John Estrada, Emily Grace Next Step: Fashion School Intended Career: Business Owner Estrada, Erik Agustin Estrada, Luis A Eubanks, Kaylie Elizabeth Intended Career: Veterinarian Eutin, Savanna Rae Intended Career: Lawyer Faaumu JR, Sioeli (Joey) Fatafehi Otulau Faccone, Isabella Marie Faley, Ryan Thomas Farthing, Carter Joseph
Feist, Kobe Kris-Worth Felton, Pheonix Magius Fink, Emily LeAnne Fisher-Evans, Deja Leilani Fitzsimmons, Joseph Junior Next Step: Concordic University Irvine Fladager, Halle Ann Renee Flindt-Wisch, Kasondra Rose Flores, Angel Espana Flores, Wayne Steven Flury, Andrew Edward Next Step: University of California Berkeley Intended Career: House Husband Foley, Donaven Robert Fowler, Justin Douglas Next Step: Western Washington University Intended Career: Automotive Design Fragoso, Alana Richele Frazier, Jocelyn Duprice Intended Career: Labor and Delivery Nurse Freeman, Dustin Tyras Next Step: Apprenticeship Intended Career: Indoor Electrician Freeman, Patrick Ryan Frey, Taylor Fricks, Savannah Dellarey Gao, Qingyuan Next Step: Pierce College Intended Career: Biomedical Scientist Garcia, Hunter Michael Next Step: Technology School Garrett, Brooklyn Nicole Next Step: University of Washington Intended Career: Math Teacher Gelston, Seth James Geros, Shaelynn Alexandra Intended Career: Occupational Therapy Gilbert, Jackson Aaron Gilbert, Madeline Mirinda Gill, Ireigh Seanne Next Step: Washington State University Gilliland, David Scott Glihsmann, Kaci Rae Goldsmith, Victoria Evelyn Next Step: Tacoma Community College Intended Career: Nursing Good, Ryan Andrew Next Step: Workforce Intended Career: Computer Software Engineer Graham, Ethan Jacob Grant, Gavin Mathew Graves, Makaylah Jane Gray, Emily Nicole Griffin, Matthew Bryant Next Step: Pierce College Grimoldby, Andrew Joseph Next Step: Gonzaga University Intended Career: Business Owner Gutierrez, Ricardo A
H-K Haddock, Justin James Hager, Donovan James Next Step: Navy
Intended Career: Nuclear Engineering Hague, Mason Anthony Next Step: University of Montana Halford, Hannah Melissa Halford, Joseph Xinh Hamilton JR, Todd Jason Next Step: Truck School Intended Career: Police Officer Hamilton, Madison Leigh Next Step: Attend Pierce College Intended Career: Professional Singer Hamman, Lauryn Nicole Hanby, Gage Douglas Handley, Colby Rose Hansen, Trevor Michael Next Step: Pacific Lutheran University Intended Career: Professional Singer Hanson, Cy Edward Next Step: University of Washington Intended Career: Business Hardiman, Jacob Allen Harris, Jacob Tanner Harris, Shane Jeffrey Next Step: Toyota of Puyallup Intended Career: Muster Technician Hassan, Halima A Next Step: Central Washington University Haven, Kaylie Lynn Next Step: Clover Park Technical College Intended Career: Nurse Hawley, Matthew James Next Step: Eastern Washington University Intended Career: Mechanical Engineer Hedman, Calvin John Next Step: High Point University Intended Career: Athletic Training Hedman, Michael Connor Heidal, Cameron Christopher Henrick, Nicholas John Next Step: Oregon State University Intended Career: Software Engineer Hensley, Tayven Andrew Noel Next Step: Navy Intended Career: Nuclear Engineer Hernandez Fuentes, Joshua Next Step: Community College Hernandez, Victoria Alexandra Herrera, Margarita Next Step: Enter Workforce Intended Career: Nursing Herrera, Sarah Elizabeth Heseltine, Matthew Sidney High, Isaac Matthew Intended Career:Automotive Technician Hill, Caleb Robert Hinkle, Brady Robert Hoenhous, Jericho Hawkins Holman, Nathaniel John Holme, Alexis Christina Next Step: University of Arizona Intended Career: Criminal Justice Lawyer Homer, Kaley Ann Horton, Gabrielle Nicole Housman, Leo (Bailey) Lynn Next Step: Pierce College Intended Career: Trauma Counselor Hoy, Justin Nimol Next Step: Pierce College Intended Career: Music Education
Hubach, Rhiannon Rose Next Step: Central Washington University Intended Career: Surgeon Huddleston, Allison Jean Hugdahl, Mackayla Lucinda Hummel, Lucas James Jonah Next Step: Workforce Intended Career: Diesel Mechanic Hunter, Dawson Kini Ihlen, Rian Alexis Irvin, Railen Mackenzie Next Step: Central Washington University Intended Career: Criminal Investigator Jacobus, Cameron Shane Jellison, Hailey Christine Jenkins, Samantha Raeann Jennings, Sophia Frances Next Step: Western Washington University Intended Career: Graphic Designer Jernigan-Brown, Zoe Isabella Jimenez, Shayna Marie Guieb Next Step: University of Washington Tacoma Intended Career: Department of Homeland Security John, Anne Katherine Johnson, Alannah Mae Johnson, Hallie Joelle Next Step: Central Washington University Intended Career: Nursing Johnson, Nicholas Napolean Johnson, Reilley Fisher Next Step: University of Washington Tacoma Intended Career: Physician Johnson, Thomas Eric Next Step: Study Intended Career: Marine Biologist Johnston, Aaron Isaac Johnston, Brooke Taylor Johnston, George William Jones, Donovan Eric Kacalek, Lane Cynthia Kaipainen, Isaac Charles-Michael Kaminski, Alexus Kathleen Kapelski, Dustin Wyatt Next Step: Workforce Intended Career: Carpenter Karl-Galvan, Gabriel Alexander Next Step: Johnson and Wales University Intended Career: Pastry Chef Karplyuk, Andrey Kaur, Jasmeen Kaur, Kalwinder Keath, Kayla Adelle Next Step: Workforce Intended Career: Dog Groomer Keizur, Haley Elizabeth Next Step: University of San Francisco Intended Career: Journalist Keizur, Lucas Cameron Next Step: Central Washington University Intended Career: Actuary Kelly, Jordyn Elizabeth Next Step: Pacific Lutheran University Intended Career: Marketer Kemmer, Christian Thomas Intended Career: Engineer
Kemmer, Paris Cheri Next Step: Washington State University Intended Career: Business Kerley III, James Roland Next Step: U.S. Marines Intended Career: Computer Engineer Kerrigan, Christian Marc Next Step: Full Sail University Intended Career: Computer Programmer Kierney, Faith S Next Step: University of Washington Killian, Nicole Christine Kim, Elizabeth Yaelim Next Step: Pacific Lutheran University Intended Career: Surgeon King, Audrey Taylor Meadows Intended Career: Esthetician Knierim, Matthew Erik Knopp, Matthew Lynn Kohn, Chase Vincent Kollars, Po’okela Kekoa-Akoni Next Step: Workforce Intended Career: Paleontologist Koonce, Zachary Edward Next Step: University of Washington Intended Career: Software Designer Korum, Blake Wyatt Kosakoski, Brandon Michael Next Step: Pierce College Intended Career: Business and Communication Kraus, Noa Leigh Next Step: Pierce College Kruse, Dylan Tyler Next Step: Pierce College Intended Career: Film Director Kurpius, Sarah Elizabeth
L-N LaBrash, Peter James Labrash, Robert Tyler Lalap, Darren Isip Landoe, Rhiannon Nicole Next Step: Mission Trip Intended Career: Linguist Landsperger, Brianna Marie May Lane, Bailey Michael Lappin-Wise, Austin Taylor Latta, Samantha Marie Intended Career: Director LaVergne, Hannah Elizabeth Lawber, Jaelyn Elizabeth Leach, Alexis Ana Lee, Dylan Jacob Lee, Marshall Colton Next Step: University of Washington Intended Career: Engineer Leland, Emily Sue Lemos, Brandy Marie Next Step: Pierce College Intended Career: Student Psychologist Leonard, Trent Edward Next Step: Workforce Intended Career: Businessman Lerma, Laleesha Joy
Sen io r Times / / June 8, 2018
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LeVeque, Jennifer Vera Next Step: Western Washington University LeVeque, Rebecca Victoria Next Step: University of Washington Intended Career: Japanese Translator Lindgren, Adam Taylor Lindstrom, Elizabeth Marie Lingley, Tatum James Alexander Next Step: Central Washington University Intended Career: Education Little, Samuel Elliott Next Step: Central Washington University Intended Career: Businessman Loomis, Brynli Faith Lott, Tiana Monet Lowney, Colin William Next Step: University of Washington Intended Career: Business Lowney, Colin William Lucas, Gracie Suzanne Lucero, Joshua Rey Luckman, Ivan Stewart Next Step: Community College Intended Career: Med Tech Lumb, Katelyn Marie Next Step: Beauty School in Philadelphia Intended Career: Cosmetologist Luong, Michelina Thao Huong Ly, Heng Next Step: Workforce Intended Career: Journeyman Lychik, Kathrine I Next Step: Pacific Lutheran University Intended Career: Anesthesiologist Lyons, Elijah Joseph Mackley, Annika Elise Madrigal-Garibaldo, Cassandra Lizbeth Magin, Katelin Elizabeth Maguire, Collin Neil Mahoney, Nicholas James Next Step: Central Washington University Intended Career: Foreign Service Officer Makepeace, Delilah Rose Mangosing, Nicholas Andrew Martinez, Amy Marie Next Step: College Intended Career: Urban Developer Martinez, Nolan N Mason, Katilyn Jolene Next Step: Pierce College Intended Career: Accountant Mathis, Angel Regin Maxwell, Ryan Chase Mayes II, John Glenn McCabe, Alexander Edward Next Step: DigiPen Institute of Technology Intended Career: Game Designer McCabe, Lauren Elizabeth Next Step: Gap Year McCaffity, Hannah Jane Next Step: Pacific Lutheran University Intended Career: Teacher McCready, Ethan Joseph Next Step: Military Intended Career: Mechanic McCrevan, Katrina
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Next Step: Pierce College Intended Career: Dermatoligist/ Esthetician McDonald, Isaac Edward Next Step: Whitworth University Intended Career: Business Accounting McDonnell, Amy Elisabeth McEwen, Kaeli Mae McGinnes, Alyson Marie Next Step: Saint Martin’s University Intended Career: Elementary Teacher McLean, Brady Easton Next Step: Pacific Lutheran University Intended Career: Physical Therapist McNaughton, Steven Edward Next Step: Central Washington University Intended Career: Mechanical Engineeer Medley, Madelyn Meints, Emily Rose Next Step: San Diego State University Intended Career: Business Administrator Mendoza, Dakota Next Step: Move to New Orleans Messineo, Tabitha Ann Next Step: Pacific Lutheran University Intended Career: Physical Therpaist Messing, Hayden Renee Next Step: Eastern Washington University Intended Career: Nursing Mestas, Mckenzie Renee Mildenberger, Ellie Helene Next Step: Central Washington University Intended Career: Elementary School Teacher Miller, Kristina Anne Min, Chloe Arum Mintenko, Ruvim I Misenar, Andrew Jeffery Mitchell, Anna Kaye Mitchell, Isabella Jade Mitchell, Savannah Danielle Moberly, Payton Edward \Next Step: Western Kentucky University Intended Career: Attorney Moe, Levi James Next Step: Pierce College Intended Career: Building Classic Cars Moeller, Kindal Jordan Molinero-Esquivel, Heriberto Monaghan, Colin Lee Next Step: University of Puget Sound Intended Career: Computer Animator Morgan, Brittany Lynn Mueller, Sidney Claire Mullins, Brooke Shyanne Next Step: Central Washington Intended Career: Sports Medicine Munizza, Ellie Reagan Mee Hong Next Step: Pierce College Naber, Faith Lauren Lee Naber, Trinity Aaron Lyn Next Step: Johson and Wales University Intended Career: Executive Chef Nagel, Austin Hodge Navarro, Ethan Adriel Next Step: Travel the Coast
Senior Times // June 8, 2018
Intended Career: Freelance Photographer Neff, Landen Dale Nelson, Iain Allen Ivan Next Step: Technical College Intended Career: Electrician Newkirk, Heather Brianna Ng, Amanda Reiko Next Step: Western Washington University Intended Career: Physician’s Assistant Ngotel, Brendon Marley Sablan Next Step: Central Washington University Intended Career: Own Food Truck Nigh-Rakes, James Carter Next Step: College Intended Career: Electrician Niswonger, Lillian Kay Next Step: Washington State University Intended Career: Flight Attendant/ Management Nomakchteinsky, Mackenzie Renee Next Step: Washington State University Intended Career: Fashion Buyer Nomakchteinsky, Micaela Raquel Next Step: University of Washington Intended Career: Veterinarian Nowacki, Hailee Janelle Next Step: College of Southern Nevada Intended Career: Nurse Nuon, Chenuary Next Step: Pierce College Intended Career: Early Childhood Educator Nusbaum, Emma Renee
O-S Obeid, Ezzat Ibrahim Obligacion III, Neville Adrian Next Step: University of Washington Intended Career: Medical Microbiology in Immunology Oflaherty, Liam Reilly Evans Olsen, Alexis Korinne Next Step: University of Washington Omri, Malcolm Joseph Next Step: Pacific Lutheran University Intended Career: Music Education Orlandi, Sara Next Step: College Intended Career: Psychologist Ormiston, Sarah Eliza Orozco, McKinlee Renee Osborn, Calon Cole Next Step: U.S. Navy Intended Career: State Officer Oslin, Andrew Joseph Next Step: Saint Martin’s University Ostenson, Alexis Nicole Pablo-Fuerte, Jennifer Pabloff, Julian Thomas Next Step: Move to Colorado Intended Career: Professional Freestyle Skier Packnett, Tiana Cherie
Next Step: Clover Park Intended Career: Makeup Artist Page, Jade Victoria Next Step: Workforce Palmer, Caleb William Palmer, Hannah Lynn Next Step: Washington State University Intended Career: Director Park, Lina Next Step: University of Washington Intended Career: Medical Data Scientist Parker, Amanda Ann Next Step: Pierce College Intended Career: 9-1-1 Dispatcher Parker, Caden Stuart Next Step: Coding Bootcamp Intended Career: Programmer Patsula, Zachary Isaiah Next Step: Workforce Intended Career: Amazon Flex Pence, Taylor Ann Peterson, Eric R Peterson, Gabriele Elana Next Step: Pierce College Intended Career: Theater Teacher Pichette, Hallie Mae Next Step: Central Washington University Intended Career: Social Worker Pietzke, Samantha Rose Next Step: College Intended Career: Nursing Pittman, Dana Christine Platt, Dakota Leigh Intended Career: Artist Platt, David Carl Next Step: Commerical Fish in Alaska Intended Career: Electrician Ponce, Michelle Augustina Pontsler, Melanie Elizabeth Poteet, Kevin Gene Pudists, Spencer Andris Next Step: University of Washington Intended Career: Computer Science Pugh, Rachael Nicole Next Step: College Qualls, Thomas Joseph Rabiyevskaya, Viktoriya V Ramos, Casali Rubi Rang, Seth Frederick Rasmussen, Julia Nicole Next Step: Travel Intended Career: Teacher Ray, Connor Anthony Joe Reaveley, Brandon Richard Next Step: Tacoma Technical College Intended Career: Radiologist Reed, Rachel Lynn Next Step: Work Force Reich, Jay Henry Next Step: Move to Texas Intended Career: Mortgage Broker Reimers, Christian Richard Lee Reiter, Ole Christian N Reyes, Jesus Jonathan Rhee, Jennifer Jaehee Next Step: Central Washington University Intended Career: Elementary Music Teacher and Studio Musician Ricker, Spencer Jeffrey Next Step: Army Intended Career: Medical School Riemer, Brayden James Next Step: Build Race Cars
Intended Career: Automotive Robinette, Alexis Brianna-Monique Next Step: Pierce College Intended Career: Cosmetology Rodriguez, Froylan Rodriguez, German Romero, Francesca Maree Ross, Ethan Robert-Nathan Next Step: Shift Supervisor at Starbucks Intended Career: District Manager for Starbucks Ross, Katelyn Leah Ross, Kimberly Nicole Next Step: Arizona Western University Intended Career: Doctor Roundtree-Echols, Baltimore V Next Step: Move to Las Vegas Intended Career: Event Promoter Rouse, Madisen Marie Ruiz, Mark Anthony Rutger, Ron Einon Gana Next Step: Washington State University Intended Career: Mechanical Engineer Rutherford, Taryn Lynn Saelens, Anna Michelle Next Step: Northwest University Intended Career: Business Administration Salesky, Nikolas Anthony Next Step: Travel to Europe Samuelson, Brynleigh Joy Sandlian, William Keith Next Step: Navy Sanesi, Gabrielle Anela Ku’ Olino Santamaria-Urbano, Vanessa Next Step: University of Washington Seattle Intended Career: Accountant Sauer, Lauryn Madison Saum, Jaycob Joseph Savo, Joseph Edward Next Step: Online Schooling Intended Career: Firefighter Schmidt, Justin Troy Next Step: Advanced Program Schmitt, Carly Free Schmucker, Jay Thomas Schneider, Faythe Next Step: College Intended Career: Counselor Schumock, Nathan Michael Scott, Matthew Manuel Next Step: Washington State University Intended Career: Business Owner Scott, Noah Matthew Scott, Sydney Jewel Sehlin (Crosswy), Emma Hope Seiberlich, Kaitlin Marie Severo, Carl Vincent Obngayan Next Step: Marine Shaw, Madison Denae Sheehy, Zane Thomas Sheets, Nathan Eric Next Step: Brigham Young University Intended Career: Dentist/Physiatrist Shelstad, Joshua Raymond Next Step: Navy Intended Career: Engineer Shirley, Brandon Jeffery Shirreff, Jace William Next Step: College Intended Career: Computer Scientist Shouse, Hunter Joseph
Next Step: College Intended Career: Engineering Simmons, Carson Reece Simmons, Erin Michelle Next Step: Northern Arizona University Intended Career: Interior Designer or Event Coordinator Slevin, Matthew Thomas Smith, Sydni Aaron Next Step: Pierce College Intended Career: Primary School Teacher Smith, Jade Next Step: Clover Park Community Intended Career: Cosmetology Smith, Wyatt James Sokso, Nathan Ryan Solis-Bruno, Jocelyn Next Step: University of Washington Intended Career: Nursing Souphommanichanh, James Next Step: Pierce College Sprague, Samantha Marie Next Step: Pierce College Stachofsky, Andrew Michael Next Step: College in Costa Rica Intended Career: Criminal Investigation Stansbery, Bryson Dewain Next Step: Gap Year Intended Career: Veterinarian Steever, Ashleigh Chantel Next Step: Central Washington University Intended Career: Business Woman Stevenson, Desmond Xavier Steveson, Sadie Elizabeth Stockslager, Emmah Kaitelynne Stone, Shannon Alexandra Next Step: Gap Year Storti, Michael Francis Stretch, Rudy J. Strobl, Renee Lynn Next Step: Central Washington University Intended Career: Business Management and Global Wine Studies Stutz, Abigail Grace Next Step: Central Washington University Intended Career: Interactive Web Design Artist Subiel, Roxan Jade Batajoy Next Step: Pierce College Intended Career: Registered Nurse Sugai, Kaitlin Mitsue Sutherland, Jacob Warne Next Step: Northwest Nazarene University Intended Career: Mechanical Engineering Swanson, Katielee Rose Next Step: Tacoma Community College Intended Career: Computer Programmer
T-Z Taggart, Aaron James Taylor, Brandon Anton Next Step: College
Taylor, Chase Nicholas Taylor, Elysia Kaye Templin, Robert Lee Next Step: Washington State University Intended Career: Computer Scientist Tennent, Noah Tave Intended Career: Electrician Thiel, Aron Lee Next Step: Workforce Intended Career: Artist Thomas, Austin Michael Next Step: College Intended Career: Art Teacher Thompson, Alyssa Elaine Thompson, Jessica Marylee Tilzer, Kameron Zane Next Step: Apprenticeship Intended Career: Electrician Tiscenco, Ana Next Step: University of Washington Tacoma Intended Career: Neurosurgeon Tomal, Kamren Andrew Next Step: Eastern Washington University Intended Career: Politics or Teacher Toomey, Daniel Jay Next Step: Western Washington University Intended Career: Physical Therapist/ Sports Trainer Torres, Issaiah Nathaniel Torres, Joshua Orlando Tran, Brendan Paul Next Step: University of Washington Intended Career: Computer Science Trebilcock, Ave Rose Next Step: St. Joseph’s College Brooklyn Tribble, Tyler Nelson Tualatai, Zion Teiaro Anofia Turlak, Maria Anna Next Step: Tacoma Community College Intended Career: Social Worker Turner, Asia Shannon Next Step: Central Washington University Intended Career: Photogropher/Blogger Turner, Owen Patrick Tvedt, Adrianna Renae Uba, Shannia Fe Urban, Kearah Lani Urbano-Vazquez, Natividad Next Step: Pacific Lutheran University Intended Career: Midwife Utley, Tatyana Renea Van Bergeyk, Emily Susanna Next Step: Azusa Pacific University Intended Career: Physics Professor Vander Hoek, Astrid Clementine Next Step: Washington State University Intended Career: Medical Field Vanderkinter, Trey David Next Step: Pierce College Intended Career: Teacher Vanderville, Danielle Simone Vargo, Jacob Alexander Next Step: Pierce College Intended Career: Athletic Trainer Vazquez-Cruz, Sissy Next Step: University of Washington
Intended Career: Nurse Visco, Dena Michaelyn Vitt, Daniel Michael Austin Vogt, Kellen Michael Next Step: Portland State University Intended Career: Film Industry Waits, Xander Thomas-David Next Step: University of Washington Tacoma Intended Career: Business Waldherr, Alex Jt Walker, Jason Intended Career: Police Officer Walker, Yawkal David Walker, Zachary Sayer Walters, Grace Catherine Next Step: Pierce College Intended Career: Elementary School Teacher Ward, Ashley Nadine Ward, Bryce Cody Dalton Washington, Ivan Kenneth Next Step: Bates Technical College Intended Career: Mechanical Engineer Watts, Sunshine Mae Next Step: Pierce College Intended Career: Nursing, Traveling or Zoologist Webb, Jeffery James Welch, Chandler James West, Kiyuana Nikole Westling, Paige Erika Whitaker, Elizabeth Ann Next Step: Internship Intended Career: Tattoo Artist White, Bryson Nicholas Whitehead, Virginia Elisabeth Lynette Whitman, Samuel Ryan Widman, Helen Rose Williams Jr, Edward Kyle Williams, Bailey Marie Next Step: Pacific Lutheran University Intended Career: Forensic Psychologist Williams, Carson Robert Andrew Next Step: U.S. Marine Corps Intended Career: Firefighter Williams, Kaylin Michelle Next Step: Pierce College Willis, Erin Elizabeth Next Step: Pierce College Intended Career: Vet Tech Wilson, Jacob Alexander-Montoya Wilson, Keanu Intended Career: Longshoreman Witham, Beatrix Anne Wolf, Madison Grace Wood, Allyson Louise Wood, Annalena Ross Wray, Mackenzie Lee Yaguchi, Dalen Samuel Yakimets, Vadim Yaroslavavich Yates, Darrian Da’Marr Next Step: College Intended Career: Help Others, Gaming Yeras, Aedyn Young, Brenden Lee Young, Rylee Robert Next Step: Jobcorps, Military Intended Career: Welder Zielke, Daniel K Next Step: Pierce College Zylstra, Kieran Evan Krieger Next Step: University of Colorado
Sen io r Times / / June 8, 2018
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SPORTS SUCCESS IN REAR MIRROR
to be an intense game,” Chilcott said. “After having newbie, even though I was one of the oldest people a rough season of struggling to find our groove and there, so I fell under the wing of people like Carson play together, this game was when we all shined. [Braddock] and Levi [] who are sophomores. I The muffled swish of a racket connecting with a We all just played basketball and had so much fun. followed their leadership when I first joined the ball. It was a game filled with laughter, smiles and team,” Fitzsimmons said. The echoing splash of water as a swimmer lots of yelling-- so much that I lost my voice. The PHS swim team placed much executes a perfect flip turn. We ended up beating South Kitsap 53-35, more value on relationships and The roar of the student section as a ball swishes which was the cherry on top. It was an enjoying the sport than the club flawlessly into the net. amazing way to end the season and teams he had swum for in the These sounds are familiar to the many seniors my basketball career.” past, Fitzsimmons says. TEAMMATES BECOME A PART who were involved in athletics during their time at But according to Chilcott, “The one thing that really PHS. OF YOUR LIFE AND SPORTS teammates, not wins, were what made me stick with the Senior Chloe Chilcott, one of the many who chose ALSO BRING COMMUNITITES made her season memorable. team was that everyone to participate in high school sports, describes how TOGETHER. “The thing that I will definitely welcomed me and was just she was determined to be an athlete from a young B R E N DA N T R A N miss the most about the team, and there to have fun with the age. S E N I O R what I miss already, is all the girls sport. The swim club I am in “Growing up, I have always played basketball and the connections we made from will have fun here and there through the school team as well as for a select team; playing together. I will definitely miss but at that level that we swim I played year-round. Playing in high school was the feeling after winning a tough game at it gets more serious and it can always something that I was just going to do, there and celebratory Red Robin a lot too,” Chilcott also be pretty frustrating. It can break was never really a question about it. I was also said. you down, mentally. High school swim is motivated because I knew I would get the chance Tran, too, expresses gratitude for the relationships not like that; you just swim hard and have fun. If to make new friends from playing on a new team,” PHS tennis helped him build. you go to state, great, if you do not, it is nothing to Chilcott said. “Teammates become a part of your life, and sports worry about,” Fitzsimmons said. Despite her desire to join the team, Chilcott says also bring communities together. The tennis team Fitzsimmons, who has been swimming since age that first day was nerve-wracking. is a weird collection of kids from a lot of cliques five, says his venture into high school swimming “I remember I was a little scared and intimidated throughout our school and I am not sure if I would helped him rediscover his enjoyment of the sport. of the team at first because they all seemed to know be friends with all those kids if it were not for “When I was younger, I viewed swimming each other and I knew nobody but...when I joined tennis,” Tran said. as a hobby, as a fun thing to do outside of practice, all of the girls were super welcoming. “It is hard to name the most important thing school. I had a lot of fun with it when I was The upperclassmen... really took me under their that basketball has taught me because it has really younger. As I grew older, I got into it more wing and we all became great friends right away,” taught me so much. One of the biggest things serious and I now have a more competitive Chilcott said. I learned was definitely how to be disciplined outlook on swimming,” Fitzsimmons said. Senior Brendan Tran, who played for the in everything I do as well as the importance of “For the last three years, I have been super PHS tennis team all four years, emphasizes teamwork,” Chilcott said. “Basketball also taught focused on swimming. the importance of the me leadership skills that I do not think I could I have been trying to relationship between have learned any other way. Another be the best and not teammates. expecting anything less “Strong relationships from myself but then I are built over time. On the THE THING I WILL DEFINITELY joined the high school team team this year we had a MISS MOST ABOUT THE TEAM, and now I want to do well but core of seniors who were AND WHAT I MISS ALREADY, IS at the same time have fun. I always there for each other, ALL THE GIRLS... found balance between the always having a good time two: being competitive but with each other,” Tran said. C H LOE C H I LCO T T not being too competitive and “The teammates are what SE N IOR having fun while not getting I will miss most. Having lazy.” everyone around you is the The more easygoing approach is not the only most important thing. The sport itself is fun but the benefit of joining a school sport, Fitzsimmons says. people around you, who you are always around, Left: Brendan Tran “My favorite memory from being on the PHS always practicing with, are the most important serves a ball at the swim team was the bus ride back home from state. piece. Those are the things I will miss the most PHS Tennis courts. Since we were all stuck in one car it caused all kinds when I graduate. In a team sport, we all suffer major thing that I learned is of fun conversations and some really inappropriate together; everyone feels the pain and we do it all as that if you want something, jokes. It was hilarious and so much fun. When you a team so it bonds us. Because we practice together you have to work for it. All of are stuck in traffic for 45 minutes, there is nothing every day, we get really close.” these lessons are things that I to do other than joke around and bond with your Unlike most seniors, swimmer Joey Fitzsimmons will carry with me throughout teammates. That is something I really enjoyed. only joined the PHS swim team his final year at school, my career and anything When we are in the pool we are doing a set and PHS. else in life. I think school sports are too busy to talk but on the bus we can really “I came in not knowing what to expect. I have are really important because of get to know each other,” Fitzsimmons said. been swimming with my club team for a while and all the lessons you learn and the Many seniors will carry fond memories of their my initial thought was that the PHS swim team connections you make from it. years of high school sports with them as they move would be like that, except maybe a little less serious I am still friends with some of on to next year’s plans. and more fun. That was definitely the case. I had the girls I used to play with “My favorite memory was the last game, at home a great first impression of the team and I really and against in elementary against South Kitsap. South Kitsap was a team that enjoyed swimming with them the first week and school! The basketball we all wanted to beat really badly since we lost then throughout the whole season,” Fitzsimmons community is like no other. against them the first time... Going into the game, I said. It is something that was super excited because it was senior night and According to Fitzsimmons, his situation as both a never goes away.” we got a second chance to prove that we were better senior and new team member was unusual. than when we played them last. I knew it was going “Because I joined my senior year, I was kind of a E M I LY VA N B E R G E Y K M A N A G I N G
MARCUS WINDHAM | VANGUARD
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V A N G U A R D | F L U R Y A N D R E W A N D K E I Z U R H A L E Y
As these six seniors graduate and head off to college next year, they will be leaving behind lasting legacies. They were chosen from different social groups to be recognized for leadership, academic accomplishments and school involvement. As a group, they represent the excellence of the class of 2018.
Senior Times
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THE VIKING VANGUARD
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NOMAKCHTEINSKY AIMS TO BE VET B Y
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become a veterinarian. affodil Princess, animal-lover, flutist, “As a vet, you have not only pets but their volunteer. owners that you need to create relatiohships Micaela Nomakchteinsky’s high school with,” Nomakchteinsky said. “And being in life has been one of diversity, hard work and Daffodil has given me a clue of what that will be service to her community. A member of PHS wind ensemble, Key Club and like.” Nomakchteinsky has grown up with animals, Young Life, Nomakchteinsky has excelled in a including cats, birds and even guinea pigs. variety of environments. She has volunteered both at the humane society Among her experiences, she says being selected and the Point Defiance Zoo. as Daffodil Princess was “I have always loved animals and I just want her favorite. them to have “I have the best life met a lot of that they can,” people through Nomakchteinsky [Daffodil] said. “I have and it has shadowed a vet a helped in the couple [of] days, social aspect,” I [showed] kids Nomakchteinsky said. the importance Among the of animals and many things conservation [at Nomakchteinsky Point Defiance says being part of Zoo] and the court has taught volunteered her included realat the humane world skills she society. My acknowledges will favorite help later on. memories was “How to talk visiting cats in the to people, how to morning at the network, how to create SENIOR MICAELA NOMAKCHTEINSKY humane society friendships that will [and] watching a last. I was chosen in surgery--it was October and between then just a neuter.” and February I [went] to other selections and The veterinary field is as diverse as princess trainings before doing community Nomakchteinsky and she sits on the edge of two service,”Nomakchteinsky said. focuses: house pets and wildlife. The 23 Pierce County princesses completed “If you go back through my old writings, I more than 200 hours of community service, from always said I wanted to be a vet. I do not know visiting people with disabilities and elders to if I really wanted to be a vet but it was always in decorating crowns with young kids. the background,” Nomakchteinsky said. “I know Though happy with the experience, I wanted to be an engineer at one point and then a Nomakchteinsky admits to being challenged by math teacher but...right now it is all vet.” the social aspect. Looking back at her high school career, “One of things I struggled with was going Nomakchteinsky is equal parts nostalgic and noup to people and starting a conversation,” nonsense. Nomakchteinsky said. “I think being in Daffodil “Do things early in the scholarship and college has helped me make that more comfortable.” application season. Do not slack off. Try and join Nomakchteinsky credits this part of Daffodil with helping her future career; she hopes to study a lot of things you enjoy,” Nomakchteinsky said. “Senior year was the most stressful but also one of biology at the University of Washington and
I HAVE MET A LOT OF PEOPLE THROUGH [DAFFODIL] AND IT HAS HELPED IN THE SOCIAL ASPECT. HOW TO TALK TO PEOPLE, HOW TO NETWORK, HOW TO CREATE FRIENDSHIPS THAT WILL LAST. I WAS CHOSEN IN OCTOBER AND BETWEEN THEN AND FEBRUARY I [WENT] TO OTHER SELECTIONS AND PRINCESS TRAININGS BEFORE DOING COMMUNITY SERVICE.
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BAJWA HOPES TO EMPOWER S
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enior Rimpal Bajwa is leaving high school with much more than a 4.0 gpa and a transcript crammed with a plethora of AP classes; she has a determined mindset that will drive her path toward a successful career. She heads off to Georgetown University in Washington D.C. next year to begin the pre-law track. “After college, I want to become a civil rights lawyer and so I plan on doing internships in D.C. I also want to maybe become an international lawyer so I can practice civil rights law in other countries,” Bajwa said. Bajwa is motivated to become a civil rights lawyer to fix societal issues and bias that she saw affect her family. “My parents immigrated here from India and growing up, I saw how difficult it was for them to be in American society because they were so different and they did not know how to speak English. I saw how people stared at them and how unfairly they were treated when they first moved over here, even hearing about their experiences in India, being a minority religion in India. There was this entire genocide in India while they were there, which is part of the reason they decided to come over here,” Bajwa said. “Hearing about their experiences as minorities, both in America and India, kind of motivated me to become a lawyer so I could give voices to those who do not necessarily know how to speak up and stand up for themselves. I feel like everyone should have the same rights and enjoy the same freedoms. It is unfair that in multiple societies, some people cannot express themselves freely.” While Bajwa has many plans and hopes for the future, her ultimate goal is to make a difference and change at least one person’s life. “I know it sounds cliché but I truly do want to make the world a better place. Even winning one case for one individual, that is all that I really need: to know I made a difference in at least one person’s life and helped make their future brighter,” Bajwa said. Throughout high school, Bajwa has taken part in numerous clubs and organizations. She has been involved in Debate, DECA, Key Club, Viking Ladies, FCCLA, Honor Society, HOSA, CIS March Gladness and Young Sikhs, a churchbased club in Kent. Of those, she feels as if Debate and DECA have really set her up for later success. “Debate has really helped me prepare for my future because before I joined debate I was not very comfortable speaking in front of other people, especially my peers. Going into debate, it really helped me cultivate my speaking skills and develop how to work with other people and listen to different sides of arguments and formulate a case. I think debate definitely helped me,” Bajwa said. “Also, being in DECA has helped me learn how to cooperate with other people and get into a professional mode and learn how to best prepare for interviews, as well as take advantage of opportunities that I do not think I would have [had otherwise]. DECA and debate have definitely prepared me for what is going to come in the future.” As a result of competing in Debate, Bajwa has had the opportunity to travel and compete nationally. “This past weekend, I was an octa-finalist at a tournament I went to. It was the national
H A L E Y K E I Z U R C H I E F
individual events tournament of champions. My speech was on conformity and I talked about how my dad, when he moved to America, he felt pressured to get rid of his turban, cut his hair and fit the American image,” Bajwa said. “I spoke about something that was very dear to my heart and so it meant a lot that I succeeded in telling his story, telling my story. It meant a lot that they thought it was good enough for me to become an octa-finalist at a national tournament. I just felt proud because I knew that I had made a difference and that people had heard my parents’ story.” Additionally, Bajwa was a part of the Debate team that planned PHS’s walkout, regarding gun control and remembering the victims of gun violence in Parkland, FL. Bajwa was one of many that planned the event, ran the event and spoke at the event. “A lot of time and effort [went into planning the walkout.] We did not expect the walkout to be as big as it was. We expected like ten kids to walk out but as we started talking about it with other kids, we realized that there were a lot of
Watching the students of PHS arrive to Pioneer Park, where the speeches were taking place, was one of Bajwa’s best memories while in high school. Realizing the importance and large scope of the event, as well as the impact it could have, nearly brought Bajwa to tears. “My best memory has to be the walkout because Sarah [Kurpius] and I were sitting up on the stage because we went there before to see everyone walk in. [Kurpius] and I were just standing there and we saw all these students streaming in,” Bajwa said. “It looked like a massive amount of students and I remember some adults came out of the coffee shop and started clapping and that honestly, almost brought me to tears. I was just so proud that something we thought would just be a small group of students had turned so big and we were getting involved in a national movement.” Aside from her involvement in Debate and the walkout, Bajwa’s community involvement sets her apart from the rest of the student body. Over the past few years, she has earned three Varsity letters in community service through the Puyallup School District and three through United Way. Bajwa hopes that her involvement inspires not only other students to get more involved but also prove to the adult population that high school students are still engaged with their community. “I also want to leave behind [a legacy of] becoming involved in the community more because membership in service clubs, such as Key Club, has been dwindling and that sets a precedent that high school students do not care enough about their community. That is completely wrong because individuals we do have in clubs have become so involved in the community and they have tried to leave their mark,” Bajwa said. “I know other people have been trying to but I think we need to get more involved in activities outside of sports. Clubs need to start reaching out to potential members because being involved in a club really helps an individual know what they are going to do in the future, as well. HOSA, debate and DECA are very career-oriented clubs and I feel like that is a really good thing to have as an individual, to just be involved and start making friends in that club and developing skills that they need.” As Bajwa heads across the country , she is taking with her the ability to see different viewpoints and recognize not just similarities between people but differences, too. “[One thing I am taking away from my high school experience is] to hear different people’s perspectives and to think about topics not as one-sided, not as black and white, because there is always a gray area,” Bajwa said. “Also [I have learned] to appreciate the differences we have between one another because too often we obsess with what we have similar to other people and we try just be associated with that group. Being involved with so many clubs has taught me to branch out and try to be friends with other people as well because you always learn something new when you talk to someone different.” While her feet will leave, Bajwa’s footprints will be engraved in Puyallup. Her involvement within the community and within the school has set a precedence of dedication and diligence, which she hopes the rest of her class will remember.
BEING INVOLVED WITH SO MANY CLUBS HAS TAUGHT ME TO BRANCH OUT AND TRY TO BE FRIENDS WITH OTHER PEOPLE AS WELL BECAUSE YOU ALWAYS LEARN SOMETHING NEW WHEN YOU TALK TO SOMEONE DIFFERENT. SENIOR RIMPAL BAJWA kids that were for the idea of walking out. We decided to go all the way out to the park, which just took more time and effort because we had to contact the park and make sure it was okay that we were there,” Bajwa said. “We also had to make signs that we thought honored the victims. We knew other people would bring signs but we wanted to make signs ourselves to show that this walkout was to remember the lives lost in Parkland, mainly. Making 17 signs and making sure they encapsulated the students’ spirit and what they left behind in the world [was important to us].” At the walkout, Bajwa honored each of the 17 victims by reading their names and reminding student protesters that those students are not just names. Each of those 17 people had bright futures waiting on them, she said. Crafting her own words as well as sophomore Sara Sprague’s speech was one of the challenges of planning the event. “We also had to make a speech that we thought was more about remembering their lives and not as divisive because we wanted it to be a moment when everyone came together. [Other tasks included] organizing all the kids walking out, getting planned absence forms out, contacting community members to see if anyone else wanted to join, such as the club we had there registering voters,” Bajwa said. “It was just a lot of communicating and getting the word out, then just organizing to make sure nothing went wrong as we walked out.”
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FEIST THROWS HIS WAY TO CWU A
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including football, water polo, swim and dive and s senior Kobe Feist heads off to Central track and field. Washington University next year, he looks Another proud moment for Feist has been qualifying with confidence toward his future. Feist says he already has specific plans and goals as he enters his for Districts in javelin for three years in a row. “[When I found out I qualified for Districts] I was freshman year. just really happy. And excited,” Feist said. “Academically, [I plan] to major in sociology and At the District meet this year, Feist took 14th. criminal justice. Athletically, [the plan is to] to walk Two weeks before Districts, May 2, Feist took first on for Central for track and field and do javelin,” Feist place at the all-Puyallup track meet, while setting said. a lifetime personal record of 161-3. Feist holds the After earning his degree, Feist will begin as a police second place school record for javelin and has the officer, then work up to detective, mostly in the sophomore record. homicide field, he says. Feist would not have had the athletic or academic In high school, he has taken Medical Terminology and a business law class to prepare him for his studies accomplishments without focus and dedication. “Hard work definitely defined my high school next year. experience. There [were] a lot of times where I took Feist’s says his values have been shaped by his classes that I was childhood unprepared for but I experiences was able to pass them and what he and get good grades by experienced when studying and putting in he was young. hard work,” Feist said. “I grew up As Feist crosses the in a rougher stage of graduation, he neighborhood and leaves behind not only I saw police change the records of hard work way our neighborhood and javelin throws but looked and I wanted to a legacy of kindness, he be one of those people says. who changed lives. “I hope I have set a And I feel in today’s standard for how kids age, police officers are SENIOR KOBE FEIST should treat others at school. underappreciated in all of the I strive to be one of those work they do,” Feist said. people that anyone can come As for his ultimate goals and talk to and have a good in life, Feist says he hopes to conversation about, without feeling underappreciated change a few lives along the way. or judged,” Feist said. Actually, he has already made a start with that in Selflessness and an open mind are takeaways from high school. Feist’s community and family, he says. One of Feist’s proudest moments over the past few “Growing up, I had very young parents and I years was raising $2,000 for kids to go to Young Life watched them go through the struggle of life with me, camp last summer. so I saw that in life, you should not judge people by “[I had to do] a bunch of work around the Young what you see, rather than have them hang out with Life house, helping out the Young Life staff, being you so you get to know them personally,” Feist said. there for the yard sale,[fundraiser] barbeque, all that “I feel like I am one of those people that can go to any stuff. [The money] went towards kids that could not group or crowd and make a difference.” afford to go to Malibu, which is a Young Life camp in Feist will be taking his javelin with him to Central Canada. It helped change some of their lives,” Feist next year, along with his study skills and positive said. reflections with his friends. Attending Malibu the summer after junior year was “[I am taking with me] friends and the memories one of Feist’s favorite memories. because those will help me a long way. And probably Not only were there a lot of people but he was able all the studying tools that my teachers have taught me to witness a lot of changed lives, he says. along the years. They will help a lot at Central,” Feist “[I loved it because it was] just doing selfless work said. with others, including good friends. It was just a big bonding experience,” Feist said. Apart from being involved in Young Life, Feist also competed in many athletic programs at PHS,
I HOPE I HAVE SET A STANDARD FOR HOW KIDS SHOULD TREAT OTHERS AT SCHOOL. I STRIVE TO BE ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE THAT ANYONE CAN COME AND TALK TO AND HAVE A GOOD CONVERSATION ABOUT, WITHOUT FEELING UNDERAPPRECIATED OR JUDGED.
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RHEE EXCELS THROUGH MUSIC B Y
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7-year-old girl visits a music shop with her mother. They go for the woodwind section, where the girl holds up a shiny silver flute, just like the one she heard at her cousin’s wedding--only for an attendant to tell the girl her hands were not big enough to play it yet. After two years of waiting and growing, the girl picked up the instrument again and since then, hardly ever set it down. Jen Rhee has quite literally been playing flute since she was physically capable. “It is my baby,” Rhee said. Though flute has been her focus throughout high school (it is the main instrument she plays in both the PHS Wind Ensemble and Tacoma Youth Symphony), Rhee also sings and plays saxophone, piano, piccolo and ocarina. But according to Rhee, the list needs to grow longer. “I need to figure out how to play clarinet because for most woodwind musicians, Hollywood likes it when you play most woodwind instruments,” Rhee, who plans to go into studio performance and music education in the future, said. “[Next year] I am going to Central [Washington University], studying performance and music education but I am going to be filling a lot of liberal arts prerequisites because I am going to Berklee College in fall 2019,” Rhee said. “I really want to be an elementary school music teacher and a studio musician. I want to perform. I want to do movie music and commercial jingles, put my own flair to [things].” Music has remained and will remain a constant in Rhee’s life, she says. “Music is honestly the love of my life. My heart and soul [are] in music and I cannot think about doing anything else. It is what makes me happy and if I am not doing music I would probably genuinely be depressed,” Rhee said. “So when I get sad and my passion starts to die away, I need to figure out how to rekindle that. [Music] is the one thing I truly find joy and passion in. And so it means life to me. I find happiness in music.” Rhee credits her experience with music for helping her better understand the world and be better understood. “I learned how to communicate with others, [which] was one thing I struggled with. I had a hard time communicating and expressing my thoughts...in words and with music I was able to express my emotions. I have been playing since I was nine, it took me through those awkward years when I [did not] know how to express myself,” Rhee said. “I was put in leadership roles quite early, as the principal flutist for for Tacoma Youth Symphony. I was given the responsibility of taking care of my section, making sure they know how to play all their parts, being the person that communicates what the director wants to the rest of my section. I learned leadership skills and [how to be] confident in my own words.” Leadership has taken up a big section of Rhee’s life in the past year, as she was elected senior class vice president in what she considers an upset. “My favorite high school memory was last year when I was elected,” Rhee said. “It was a complete shock. You had me, the little band nerd; I had no clue I was going to win. I remember being in [Lorraine] Hirakawa’s office and hearing my name come out of her mouth. It was one of the best days, to know that I had put some work into something and made it happen even though a lot of the odds were against me.”
As senior class vice president, Rhee has attended leadership conferences and worked on leadership events such as Winter Wishes and Teacher Appreciation Week. Currently, with mere weeks left in the school year, Rhee is lobbying the school district for water bottle filling stations as part of an attempt to help PHS go green. The process is slow-moving and reveals the conflicted emotions Rhee has toward leadership. “Bringing new concepts to the school is so hard,” Rhee said. “[And] high school is not a positive experience for a lot of kids. I relate to those kids a lot more than I relate to [leadership kids]. I try to bring their perspectives because they exist in this school too; it is not just us.To make it a positive experience to those kids and to bring their perspective into the classroom, we should change school to be like this so we can adapt to the kids who are feeling like this so that everyone feels welcome at school.” Rhee’s entire leadership experience has been a step into the unfamiliar but she has made the best out of her ‘outsider’ status. “Leadership was a completely different realm. I was one of those kids who hated on the leadership kids--I had [Jamie] Mooring’s class right after leadership. I would walk in and it smelled like paint, there was literally trash all over the table, there were kids filing out of the classroom--it was complete chaos. I knew it was all the popular kids. I wondered what made them think they were so cool. I thought about crashing their class. And then I crashed their class,” Rhee said. “The performing arts and visual arts [students] never got a lot of recognition in my opinion. I wanted to spark something when I got into leadership. We exist and have a lot of good kids in our classes. Norselanders won state the last two years. Did the school know? Mackenzie [Nomaktcheinsky] got third in state this year for tenor sax. Did the school know? There are so many kids going to state and winning titles and you do not really hear [but if] you win a league championship, the entire community knows about it.” Through both leadership and music, Rhee has had to push through outside pressure and internal conflict. “There has been times when I genuinely wanted to quit. I had this weird slump in my life where I did not do any schoolwork, I did not want to get up, I did not want to anything. I would practice the hour before my lesson. Everything was just frustrating,” Rhee said. “[But] I found inspiration from other people. Just watching other people around me [made me] think about myself. This is what I want to do but I am not going to get there unless I practice or get my butt up. That was the kick in the face of reality and that is how I would be motivated again.” Though her mother supports her musical ambition, Rhee has faced backlash from her father. But the opposition has only added to Rhee’s drive. “[That] is something that fires me up even more. Seeing them both [my parents] not be completely happy with their careers made me pursue something I was passionate about. I am going to be successful and happy,” Rhee said. “My dad especially is really worried I am not going to make it as a musician. [He says] ‘you might be broke for a while and you might never be successful’ but at least I know I will be happy. And I feel that will make me feel fulfilled.”
MUSIC IS HONESTLY THE LOVE OF MY LIFE. MY HEART AND SOUL [ARE] IN MUSIC AND I CANNOT THINK ABOUT DOING ANYTHING ELSE. IT IS WHAT MAKES ME HAPPY AND IF I AM NOT DOING MUSIC I WOULD PROBABLY BE GENUINELY DEPRESSED. SO WHEN I GET SAD AND MY PASSION STARTS TO DIE AWAY, I NEED TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO REKINDLE THAT. SENIOR JEN RHEE
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BARERRA LEAVES HIS MARK AT PHS B Y
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ew PHS students would fail to recognize the name, face or Moana-inspired antics of senior Paulo Barrera. As senior class president and member of the varsity soccer squad, Barrera has involved himself in activities across the school. Barrera’s community experience, coupled with the connection he has to his family back in Mexico, have shaped him into the leader he is today. Now approaching his final weeks as class president, Barrera looks back over his work with pride. Outside of a failed Tolo dance, he considers all the events a success. “The first big thing was Senior Sunrise, which went very well [as] we had a big turnout. A lot of people had a lot of doubts with prom; they thought tickets would be super expensive but we planned around Tolo being canceled [and] still had enough from other fundraisers to get to the point where prom tickets were starting at $25,” Barrera said. “We also ordered [about] 300 grad caps from our own funds [for Decision Day], so seniors [could] decorate their grad caps. On the 15th [of June], we are trying to rent out a whole movie theater for Incredibles 2. We can watch that together as a class and then go to a location to watch the sunset, the farewell for the year.” Barrera has dedicated hundreds of hours to various community service groups, volunteering for the Spanish and National Honor Societies and working as a counselor at Camp Yougottawanna. His favorite experience, though, took place far outside the community, in Arizona. “Jostens [Leadership] Conference in Arizona [was] probably the most memorable [experience],” Barrera said. “When you walk around the halls of high school or life, a lot of the times you do not see people you feel you can go up to and talk to. It is almost like when you walk around you see competition. [Jostens] had the biggest influence on me because you got to see people not…as competition, you see them as friends and you can go up to them and just start a conversation with someone. You can have a positive interaction...I got to meet a ton of incredible people who had ideas on how to change their school for the better, who I [could] have heart-to-hearts with that I did not know. We could talk about life, we could talk about the future and I did not even know them.” Barrera also credits other experiences with having a huge influence on him, most notably his work as a counselor for Camp Yougottawanna with the Puyallup Parks and Rec department. “My eighth and ninth grade year I was a counselor-in-training through the parks and rec at Camp Yougottawanna, those hours went into a varsity letter for community service and that became a job when I turned 16. I have gotten to work with kids aged five through 13,” Barrera said. “Now that I am a counselor I have full control of my group and it has definitely helped me lead others and help the kids at the camp. It gives me a better view of society, I think, because there are kids from all over: kids who are not well off, kids who are well off, kids who need more attention, kids who per se would not have a good summer if they did not go to the camp. That definitely has helped shape me.” As Barrera prepares to head off to college next year, he also is simultaneously planning
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on returning to his roots. After attending the University of Washington for a business degree, he hopes to start a business selling his family’s avocados. “My family has avocado orchards in my dad’s hometown and I want to export them all around the world,” Barrera said. “My family grows [them] down in Mexico and I go every year. It is an agriculture-based town, miles and miles of orchards, the largest exporter of avocados in the state of Michoacan. The reason I want to start a company exporting is because [the workers] are paid, in my view, criminally low. The benefits are not there; they are kind of being robbed. My dad, when he was a kid, would go work on the orchard he would go to school then come home and work. My grandpa [too], he did not go to high school because he was working in the orchards.” Barrera also hopes to continue his leadership activities while in Seattle and is joining the fraternity Sigma Phi Epsilon. He acknowledges the negative stereotypes tied to fraternities but believes them to be just that: stereotypes.
Away from the leadership classroom, Barrera has sunk hours into the soccer pitch. “I have played since I was four years old, [starting] in an indoor league,” Barrera said. “[Later] I joined an academy team...called PSPL, Puget Sound Premier League Surf Academy. After my second tournament with them I was named captain of the team and that was an awesome experience.” Barrera’s review of his high school team is more mixed. Though he loves the team and his teammates now, it has not always been that way. “For high school soccer I had a pretty positive experience. My freshman year I played at junior varsity but then junior and senior years I was solid varsity and I enjoyed a lot of that. The best year was at my senior year,” Barrera said. “There is a lot more camaraderie this year and just the bond between every person was a lot stronger. There was not anyone like in years in past there have been people who have kind of stood out, to be outliers who felt like they could do everything. They did not have a team mindset, they had a very individualistic mindset. And this was the year we actually went the farthest; we got to the second round of state.” But early on, Barrera’s perception of the soccer team was decidedly more negative. “My freshman years there were two guys on the team, they were seniors, who...were definitely bringing down the team as a whole. They were very individualistic and they thought they were better than everybody,” Barrera said. “Even though I was on JV I still saw that and it kind of shaped the way I saw the whole Puyallup soccer program. My freshman year I really did not like that and it kind of made me question how my high school experience would be.” By Barrera’s sophomore year, the team had a different look and feel. “Junior year, senior year were definitely the most positive for me. This year was the best because there was no one that dragged the team down in the sense that they thought they could do everything, they thought they were better. Because as a whole team we could just joke around, mess around with each other and it was fun,” Barrera said. “I enjoyed going to practice every day and I remember freshman year I did not enjoy going to practice every day. But now that it is over I miss going to practice and hanging out with all my teammates. We all miss being with each other and being able to have fun, have a good time.” Barrera sees his legacy as a culmination of his leadership, on and off the field. “I think they way people remember you is very important and I want to be seen as a positive influence, someone who was able to leave a positive mark on the school,” Barrera said. “I just want to remembered as someone who would go out of their way to help others, someone who would talk to the people who needed to be talked to and [be] a helping hand. Someone that people wanted to be around. Not necessarily the smartest person but someone who...will leave a positive imprint.”
I JUST WANT TO BE REMEMBERED AS SOMEONE WHO WOULD GO OUT OF THEIR WAY TO HELP OTHERS, SOMEONE WHO WOULD TALK TO THE PEOPLE WHO NEEDED TO BE TALKED TO AND [BE] A HELPING HAND. SENIOR PAULO BARERRA “When I become a senior I want to become president of the fraternity, give the Greek system a better name. It definitely has a stigma around it, sororities do not have it as much, which is interesting. But I think [for] the whole Greek system on the boy’s side, the stigma comes from schools who are not necessarily prestigious. At [the University of Washington], at least what I have noticed going into the whole rush process, everyone I have met has been intelligent and I have been able to have a conversation with them,” Barrera said. “I was skeptical going into it but I just wanted to try it because I had been told by teachers, advisers and family friends that they think the Greek system would be a good fit for me. One of the people...was [Dr. Brian Lowney]. He was a Beta at UW and just seeing his success made me want to look into the whole Greek system. And I really think that the stigma around it, at least from my experiences, [is] not true.” Much of Barrera’s experience in the rush process has mirrored that at Jostens: an open, friendly and welcoming environment. “Everyone I have met has been super nice, everyone I have met has come up to me to talk to me. I have not had to go to them, which is a good feeling,” Barrera said. “Walking through the street or through a high school, people do not usually come up to you. You are the one who usually has to go to them for an interaction. But when people come up to you it is a game changer because I guess it is...a feeling of belonging because they want you there. That definitely has been a big influence on wanting to go Greek.”
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enior Trey Vanderkinter is often seen around the school in a complete suit and tie but his high school experience has been much more than that. Next year, he will begin his first of two years at Pierce to complete his GER’s before transferring to Central for a Bachelor’s in psychology and a Master’s in education. “I want to teach high school psychology or I will get my endorsement in social studies,” Vanderkinter said. “It has always been a dream of mine to be a teacher, ever since [I joined the teaching program] last year.” Vanderkinter was inspired by the educational careers program and Teaching Academy at the high school, as well as teacher Cassi Mueller. “I really like working with kids and helping them. Just helping kids with their future plans [motivates me] and giving them the skills that they can use later on, after high school,” Vanderkinter said. Because of his involvement in the Teaching Academy, Vanderkinter feels ready to enter his career path. “All of the CTE courses that I took for my pathway honors that I will get through health and human services in education [prepared me]. For example, Relationships and Human Development, Child Development, Ed Careers One and Two, then Teaching Academy One and Two,” Vanderkinter said. He felt that his participation in those classes truly defined his high school experience. “I think the CTE courses I took helped shape my high school experience and I think the motivation to become a teacher defined who I was. I had a clear
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happens [was important to me], as well as giving them the knowledge of what can actually happen and getting them out of that sense of ‘oh, nothing can happen to me,’” Vanderkinter said. Some of Vanderkinter’s favorite memories come from doing the shows, especially Our Town. “[Our Town] was very interesting because we had very little set, very little costumes and the audience could see into the back. It was definitely interesting doing that show because if you were backstage, you had to be very, very quiet and try to not be seen,” Vanderkinter said. “It was a lot of fun doing that show because it took away from the glamor of what a show is with the lights and sound and the props and it got down to the raw emotion of what this show was really meant to be about.” As Vanderkinter says goodbye to high school, he will take with him the friendships, which he hopes will continue on for a long time. SENIOR TREY VANDERKINTER Vanderkinter also aspires to leave a legacy of understanding and home for our casket, through Gene’s perseverance. “Seeing all of the struggles my towing for the demolition cars mom went through when I was and getting the guest speakers,” younger truly made me respect Vanderkinter said. “We had two everything I had. I tried hard not guest speakers that spoke at the to take things for granted because event. Just getting everything put I know other people are not as together, having Jostens sponsor us by putting the banner together [took fortunate,” Vanderkinter said. Throughout high school, a long time]. I started in December Vanderkinter was motivated to keep and it took about about five or six pushing through any hardships, months.” which ultimately led to his success. Being involved in the planning “I want to leave behind the idea of was important to Vanderkinter because he was able to play a role in never giving up. Things can seem tough for a while but once you push educating students, preparing him past anything toxic in your life, for his future. you will see the light. Always keep “Helping educate kids on the striving for what you believe in and consequences of driving under the go outside your comfort zone to get influence of any substance and the job done,” Vanderkinter said. giving them insight on what really goal and wanted to strive for that,” Vanderkinter said. Aside from teaching, throughout high school Vanderkinter served as president of Viking Knights and Ladies and performed in five PHS theater productions. His proudest moment, however, came from coordinating the mock DUI crash. “[I had to do] a lot: finding sponsors, people that would help out from the fire department and the police department, as well as getting sponsors through the funeral
I WANT TO LEAVE A LEGACY OF NEVER GIVING UP. THINGS CAN SEEM TOUGH FOR A WHILE BUT ONCE YOU PUSH PAST ANYTHING TOXIC IN YOUR LIFE, YOU WILL SEE THE LIGHT. ALWAYS KEEP STRIVING FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN AND GO OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE TO GET THE JOB DONE.
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WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER