Top graduating seniors look back, dream forward

They’ve worked hard for their accomplishments, and now the South Whidbey High School class of 2025 is ready to turn their tassels and graduate June 7.

The South Whidbey Record asked ten seniors at the top of their class about their fondest memories, advice for underclassmen, post-graduation plans and more.

Thea Williams

Besides her high school diploma, Thea Williams will be receiving her associate’s degree in June thanks to the Running Start program, which she enrolled in during her upperclassmen years.

The busy senior has been involved in the community with sports (volleyball, soccer, tennis), clubs (ASB, Spanish Club, Student Section Club, National Honor Society) and over 200 service hours, all while pushing herself academically.

Her greatest accomplishment during her high school career, other than her good grades, would be the time she spoke to the school board a few years ago about an issue with not eating on buses during sports trips.

“It was really scary because I had to get over any fears I had of public speaking, but I truly believe my contribution helped make change at the school, and that’s all I’ve ever really wanted to do, make change,” she said.

Her favorite memory is the trip to Costa Rica she took in the summer of 2023. She advises younger students to take a step back sometimes and breathe.

After high school, Williams plans to go to Washington State University to study nursing. She wants to work as a travel nurse before getting her master’s degree and becoming a nurse anesthetist. The goal is to get her PhD in nursing, and she hopes to contribute to medical research on Type 1 diabetes.

Baylie Kuschnereit

Though attending a high school as small as South Whidbey may have limited classes and resources, it has also allowed Baylie Kuschnereit to form tight-knit friendships and bonds with others around her.

She’s proudest of her time as yearbook editor, when she was responsible for spearheading the creation of the cover design, page layout and overall book theme for the 2024-2025 edition.

Over the past four years, she played soccer, basketball and tennis and participated in a few clubs, including the Student Section Club, the Ecology Club and the National Honor Society. She took on the role of vice president in the National Honor Society this year, and has also been a member of the senior ASB as the public relations officer.

One challenge she faced was struggling to balance her coursework, athletics and a job during her junior year. Fortunately, she relied on her coaches, friends and family to keep her on track and push her to succeed.

“Get involved with your school and community,” she advised underclassmen. “You never know who you’ll meet through volunteering, attending community events and branching out. I’ve met some amazing friends and found unique opportunities through things as simple as community soccer matches and elective classes.”

Her post-high school plans consist of attending Western Washington University in the fall as part of the Honors College. Though she hasn’t chosen a major yet, she’s interested in communications, journalism and education.

Emmett Racicot

For Emmett Racicot, his fondest memories of high school come from lunchtimes spent in teachers’ classrooms.

“It has been so fun watching the group of people I eat lunch with change over the years, and we have all shared so many hilarious moments at lunch,” he said.

Racicot has been extremely grateful for his high school experience on Whidbey Island, where he said the teachers care deeply for their students and the quality of his education was amazing. He enjoyed participating in sports (tennis, soccer, golf) and school activities (the National Honor Society) with all of the kids he has grown up with his whole life.

He recommended finding a healthy balance between work and relaxation. He found success in his most challenging classes by always finding time to spend outside with family, or relaxing, in between the long days of schoolwork. It’s good to take breaks, but just as good to stay “locked in” and get the work done.

Come fall he will be attending California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo to study computer engineering.

Molly Nattress

Molly Nattress described her high school experience as “atypical.” She’s grateful to have had the opportunity to go on an 11-month cultural exchange in Colombia her junior year. She finished her senior year working three jobs and taking college classes at Everett Community College.

On South Whidbey, others might have recognized her as part of United Student Leaders, advocating for social justice, specifically for immigrants in the community and around the country.

Nattress earned her diploma with a Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish.

“I am proud to have learned a second language and am so grateful for all of the people and places I have met as a result of speaking Spanish,” she said.

Though she may have struggled in the beginning of her high school experience, she found she was able to succeed much more when she found a path that suited her. She encouraged younger students to not be afraid to take risks and to be open to new opportunities and possibilities.

She plans to take a gap year before going to university in Spain, where she plans to study international relations.

Andrew Mellish

Like many other high school students, Andrew Mellish cited procrastination as one of his struggles, especially now as the year is coming to a close.

Luckily, graduation is right around the corner.

Mellish participated in both the Wind Ensemble and the Jazz Ensemble, and this year joined the cross country team late into the season. He continued running through the winter for track.

To him, his greatest accomplishment wasn’t anything related to academics, but rather shaving his time in the 1600 meter dash from 10:30 to 5:37 in the course of one year. Earning his Eagle rank is up there too.

“I advise my underclassmen to always try their best,” he said.

After high school he is headed to Washington State University to study electrical engineering.

Carlie Kuschnereit

For Carlie Kuschnereit, her greatest accomplishment in her busy but rewarding time at South Whidbey High School has been becoming the 2025 class valedictorian.

She juggled soccer, basketball and tennis every year. She’s been in the National Honor Society and is the president of the chapter this year. She also participated in ASB this year as the senior class secretary.

“It’s been challenging to balance multiple sports along with AP classes and working part time, but I’ve been able to prioritize important deadlines and use my spare time wisely to keep up with my classes,” she said.

One of her favorite memories from high school was playing her senior year of soccer with two of her best friends, Maya and Baylie.

Her advice for underclassmen is to get assignments done early, and don’t put off the local scholarship applications until the week before they’re due.

After graduation she will attend Western Washington University with hopes of eventually becoming a librarian.

Sierra Muller

Sierra Muller ended her high school career on a high note, with a recent trip to the state track meet, where she placed fourth in the pole vault (10-6). She also competed on the team as a sprinter.

In fact, she considers her greatest accomplishment to be placing in state all four years for the pole vault and setting the new school record at 11’3”.

Like many of her fellow top seniors, Muller maintained consistently high grades while taking challenging AP classes and Running Start courses.

“I would advise underclassmen to explore the different opportunities offered in high school,” she said. “Try new sports, join fun clubs and choose electives that interest you.”

After graduating, she plans to attend San Diego State University to study nursing.

Oliver Ehlers

For Oliver Ehlers, one of his fondest high school memories is the very first dance he attended. It was outside in the dimly lit courtyard because of COVID protocols, which contributed to what he described feeling as “incredibly atmospheric emptiness.” He recalled hanging outside of the main tent where dancing occurred, and making new friends that night hanging out in the cool darkness together.

Ehlers was unafraid to try new things in high school, like joining the choir when he had never done anything related to music before and participating on the golf team when he had never touched a club before.

“Golf has been surprisingly fun (I thought it would be horrifically boring) and I’ll pick it up again if I have money burning a hole in my pocket in the future,” he said. He also wants to continue singing in college if possible.

Ehlers was also part of ASB. He expressed appreciation for South Whidbey’s chill, laidback environment that was not too stressful.

Of all the things he’s done in high school, Ehlers is proud of the study on typing he conducted. He discovered that of the 66 people who participated, only thee to five could touch type – type using all fingers and without looking at the keys – and the median words-per-minute was 37.5.

In the fall he’s headed to Washington State University to get his bachelor’s degree in computer science. He likes math and enjoys the problem-solving element of coding.

Arthur Donham

Arthur Donham is proud to have only had two A-’s during his entire high school career.

Whether it’s 15 minutes or four hours, he advises underclassmen to study a little bit every day and to turn in their homework.

“During high school, I didn’t face many challenges from the school itself,” he said. “However, I’ve had many health issues ranging from simple colds to almost dying being hospitalized for 16 days, and having months of recovery during my junior year.”

Donham persevered, participating in basketball for three years and track for one year. He also did Running Start for two years. Along the way he built an amazing group of friends he can rely on.

After high school, he will go to Everett Community College to finish his associate’s degree. He’s currently undecided between going to college to get a master’s and doctorate degree or going to a trade school or an internship.

Natalie Olson

“Formative” and “insightful” were two words Natalie Olson used to describe her high school experience.

She played volleyball and tennis every year on the high school team and became a member of the National Honor Society her senior year. One of her funniest memories involves the celebratory chest bump she shared with her tennis doubles partner during their one and only district match after winning a game. They ended up losing both sets but it was a fun experience.

She overcame challenges throughout high school by taking time for herself, directing her thoughts and energy to schoolwork or other work and by finding activities to keep busy or stay distracted.

“I would consider my greatest accomplishment in high school to be having my name inscribed on the fume hood my freshman year in Mr. Patterson’s physical science class,” she said. “It’s unfortunately no longer there, but it lives on in my heart.”

In the fall she will attend the University of Washington to major in statistics.