Valedictorian Kenny George

Kenny George

While his classmates are marching into the gym today to the sound of “Pomp and Circumstance,” Kenny George will be on Harsha Lake outside Cincinnati, Ohio in a four-man rowing shell called a “quad.”

He’s disappointed in the timing of the two events, but owes a debt to his fellow rowers at the Everett Rowing Association, where he’s crewed for four years.

“We have a chance to win and, though naturally graduation is important, I didn’t want to let my teammates down,” he said by phone from his hotel. “I had to make a tough choice.”

George intends to enter Brigham Young University in Salt Lake City, Utah in the fall on a full-ride scholarship.

“I’m thinking of going into the medical technology field after I get my undergraduate degree,” he said. “Math and science have always been my strong suits. I made sure I was in control of the classes I wanted to take, to be sure they fit where I needed to go in my life.”

He thanked teachers Mark Eager, Andy Davis and history teacher Tom Kramer for their tireless efforts in the classroom.

“Kenny is very low key, yet his work is outstanding,” Kramer commented. “He’s very intelligent in an understated way.”

Davis said that George is a peer tutor in his applied math class.

“It’s a perfect fit,” Davis said. “Kenny is caring, knowledgeable and courteous when he assists the students. Most times, the students in my class ask him for help instead of me.”

The one thing George will miss most about heading off to the mainland, apart from his family, is the spirit that, for him, made growing up on South Whidbey a positive experience.

“Everyone here has a friendly face, and I hope I’ll find the same in Utah," he said.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.