South Whidbey High School, South Whidbey Academy graduate 118

South Whidbey High School graduate Spencer Fee knows that while one chapter in his life is finished, another one is just beginning.

Fee and 101 other seniors received their diplomas in front of a large crowd in the high school’s main auditorium on Saturday afternoon. Sixteen graduates of South Whidbey Academy were also honored the day before on Friday, June 9.

Fee said graduating was one of the great steps a person makes in life, and that he’s going to cherish the memories. But, like many graduates, he’s already looking ahead to the next chapter of his life.

“It’s there, it’s a milestone,” Fee said. “But, it’s a piece to a puzzle.”

Fee said he didn’t know any of his classmates when he moved to South Whidbey his freshman year, but now considers some of them to be close friends. He thought his high school experience was “great,” but is looking forward to getting off the island. Fee was in the Running Start program and will graduate from Everett Community College with an associate’s degree soon. He plans to transfer to Washington State University to study hospitality business management.

Saturday’s graduation ceremony included performances by students in the high school jazz ensemble and show choir, and even one graduating senior, Katyrose Jordan. Jordan performed “Make You Feel My Love” by Bob Dylan. Sprinkled in between performances were speeches by students and administrators.

The class choice speaker and faculty choice speaker were Cory Ackerman and Bailey Forsyth, respectively. Seven valedictorians also spoke about their experiences at South Whidbey, which included Thandeka Brigham, Fiona Callahan, Tyler Heggenes, Amelia Hensler, Chloe Hood, Kari Hustad and Emma Kerr. Following the presentation of diplomas by Superintendent Jo Moccia and the South Whidbey School Board, senior class president Collin Burns talked about his fears growing up and how his classmates helped him grow out of his shell.

“The men and women seated here in caps and gowns have the incredible power of erasing fear from themselves and from others,” Burns said. “That power changes lives. It certainly changed mine. Without your companionship, I would never be giving this speech or any speech for that matter. Being chosen by you to be this class’s president was the greatest honor I’ve ever received.”

The graduates and their family and friends gathered in the high school commons area following the ceremony. Two graduates who were thrilled about graduating were friends Chloe Edwards and Dakota Williams. They both plan to attend Edmonds Community College together and then transfer to another school.

“I’m excited,” Williams said. “I’m gathering up all my little trinkets so that I can build my own life. I’m ready to be independent. This is just the first step toward that.”

Another graduate was Chase Barthlett. He said there were a few times over the past four years where he wasn’t sure he would make it.

“But, I did,” Barthlett said. “It feels really great.”

Barthlett, who plans to play football for The College of the Siskiyous in Weed, Calif., said he’ll miss the friendships he’s made.

“There’s so many kids who I didn’t talk to freshman year, and now they’re my best friends,” Barthlett said. “I’m just going to miss them so much.”

The academy’s graduation ceremony was slightly different from years past, as teachers took turns sharing their favorite memories and moments with the students. They also described students’ characteristics and outlined their accomplishments. Charlie Davies, case manager for the academy, said it was about personalizing the graduation for each student. Davies thought it was inspiring to watch the students overcome hardships, but still graduate.

“It’s just exciting to see them succeed,” Davies said in an interview Saturday afternoon.

Davies noted that the academy’s 2017 class is the first to graduate from the new program that was set up in the north wing of the high school for the first time this year.

Among the South Whidbey Academy graduates was Grace Lee, who was also the student speaker. Lee felt relief more than anything else,

“I’m just so glad I’m done,” Lee said.

Lee said she also feels a little bit of fear about moving on to a new phase in her life.

“For me, school was always just a constant,” Lee said. “…Now the world is just a big question mark.”

Lee’s plans for the future include a road trip with a friend for a few months, followed by community college. Lee said she hopes to attend the University of British Columbia someday.

Tylar Riebel, another academy graduate, said she’d made it through plenty of struggles over the past four years.

“I feel like it’s kind of a new chapter for me,” Riebel said.

Riebel said she plans to take some time to figure out her next move and won’t jump into college right away. Eventually, Riebel plans to be a counselor who can help other kids who are struggling to make it through high school. Riebel said she’ll miss her classmates from the academy and South Whidbey High School.

“I’ve grown up with them since preschool and up,” Riebel said. “It’s definitely going to be an adjustment not seeing their faces every day, but I hope to stay connected with a lot of them.”

South Whidbey High School, South Whidbey Academy graduate 118

Evan Thompson / The Record — South Whidbey Academy graduate Grace Lee, third from the left, smiles as she listens to a story about her classmate. Lee was among 16 others in the 2017 graduating class of South Whidbey Academy.