Sequim High School graduates a record 238 seniors

A little rain wasn’t going to spoil this record-setting party.

Sequim High School celebrated the graduation of 238 seniors on June 9 at the school’s annual commencement ceremony, setting a new school record for graduates to match its new record of more than $4 million in scholarships.

See a photo slideshow of the graduation here.

Sequim High School principal Shawn Langston honored the Class of 2017 for their commitment and for reasons to celebrate them.

“You should know that these are great kids who will make this community proud,” he said.

As with past graduation ceremonies, Langston noted, Sequim High’s is a student-led commencement. This year’s event was highlighted by a quartet of 4.0 grade-point-average valedictorians: Morgan Bingham, Cathy Dao, Grant Pierson and Anika Van Dyken.

Bingham, attending her fourth high school in as many years, said, “I honestly find it hard to believe that less than nine months ago I walked into SHS for my very first time and now I’m leaving with so many memories … and friends.”

Bingham, who will attend Southern Virginia University in the fall, recounted her challenges of changing schools. She noted that her classmates, who similarly are facing the prospect of being “uprooted” in the coming weeks and months, can look upon those similar situations as opportunities.

“I was once told that if you are not uncomfortable, you are not growing.”

Dao urged her classmates to look beyond the surface with others, to find compassion for those they may not agree with.

“It’s hard for us to see that for many, many others, their scars run deep beneath the surface,” she said. “You can choose to be petty or mean. Or you can choose to be remembered for the kindness, care and love that you gave. Your kindness can save a person’s life.”

Dao, who will attend Stanford University next school year, added, “Kindness isn’t a weakness. It’s a strength.”

Van Dyken, who will attend Gonzaga University in Spokane, quoted icon Walt Disney — “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible” — in her co-valedictorian speech, noting the challenges her fellow Sequim High seniors faced on the way to graduation.

“We, the Class of 2017 … are graduating today because we did not accept this idea of impossibility,” she said. “Find the thing that is holding you back from your dreams and overcome it … make all your impossibilities possibilities.”

Pierson had double duty Friday night, speaking as the faculty-elected speaker as well as delivering a co-valedictorian speech.

“Class of 2017, I am ecstatic, I am inspired, I am in awe. With all that we have achieved, why stop now? Savor this moment. Relish in it. And don’t forget the ketchup.

“Wear your cap and gown with pride. It is a symbol of our success.”

Pierson asked his classmates to be thankful for what they have, to enjoy every day “as if it’s your last” and to smile as much as they can.

Pierson will attend West Point Military Academy this fall.

Langston and fellow Sequim High faculty said this year’s class had a number of good candidates for the school’s U-Turn award, one bestowed for overcoming difficult life situations. This year’s honor went to Issaiah Madison, who completed 10.5 credits in his final year at Sequim High to receive his diploma. Madison helped mentor struggling students in the district’s Hope Academy as a senior, Langston noted.

Senior Andrew Juntilla added some light-hearted words as the class-elected speaker.

“Most of you won’t see me ever again — that is unless you tend to watch ‘America’s Got Talent’ or ‘FBI’s Most Wanted,’” he joked.

Juntilla asked his fellow graduates-to-be: “Find your treasure … I mean finding something you’re passionate about and pursuing it. Be ready to become the person you’ve always wanted to be.”

Just before Sequim School Board members Brian Kuh, Heather Short and Jim Stoffer handed out more the more than 230 diplomas, assistant superintendent Ann Renker — filling in for superintendent Gary Neal — passed along a few more words of wisdom and praise for the young students. Renker thanked the seniors for participating in the Graduation Walk earlier that day, one that saw students from across the school district line the school stadium track and high-five the graduating seniors.

“Our seniors helped to connect our elementary and middle school students to a vision of their own future, which includes high school graduation,” Renker said.

“Class of 2017, know that you carry with you our congratulations, our pride, our respect.”

Sequim High School graduates a record 238 seniors

Issaiah Madison gets a hug from Sequim High administrator Randy Hill after receiving his diploma Friday night. Madison was bestowed the school’s staff-selected “U-Turn” award for overcoming obstacles on his way to graduation. Sequim Gazette photos by Michael Dashiell

Shawn Jones, left, and fellow Sequim High School graduates give a hand to Grant Pierson, center, who gave two speeches at the SHS commencement ceremony Friday night: one as the faculty-selected speaker and a second as one of four Sequim High co-valedictorians. Sequim Gazette photo by Michael Dashiell

Sequim High co-valedictorian Cathy Dao lauds her adoptive country — and the treat s’mores — during her speech at Friday night’s commencement ceremony. Dao, who moved to Sequim from Vietnam two years ago, joined Morgan Bingham, Grant Pierson and Anika Van Dyken as valedictorians (all boasting 4.0 grade-point-averages) among SHS’s 238 graduating seniors.

SHS senior Danica Miller prepares to strike a gong as she and fellow graduates receive their diplomas Friday night.

Sequim High senior Morgan Bingham delivers her co-valedictorian speech Friday night. Sequim Gazette photo by Michael Dashiell

Sydney Balkan gets thanks from Sequim High staffers Friday night at Sequim High School’s Class of 2017 commencement ceremony. Sequim Gazette photo by Michael Dashiell