This year’s Sequim High School graduation theme “Oh, the Places You’ll Go” rings true for the four valedictorians who are venturing out of state as they prepare for their next phases of life.

The Class of 2018’s four valedictorians: Kiara Pierson, Audrey Hughes, Grace Tolberd and Jazz Weller reflect on their memories at Sequim High as well as what made these last four years successful for each one of them. In order to receive the valedictorian honor, students had to earn and maintain at least a 4.0 grade-point-average by the time they graduated.

Tolberd, who will attend Pacific University in Oregon, said it was the teachers at Sequim High School that helped motivate her to academic success all four years.

“(The teachers) were there for us before and after school,” Tolberd said.

Pierson said her older brother Grant Pierson, who also was a valedictorian (Class of 2017), has always been a good role model for her both in academics and in extra curricular activities. She also will follow in Grant’s footsteps to attend the United States Military Academy in West Point, N.Y..

Co-valedictorians Hughes and Weller both received scholarships from Brigham Young University. Weller said receiving a scholarship from the university helped him stay motivated in his academic success and Hughes said becoming valedictorian was always a goal of hers.

As they look to the future, each valedictorian shared some of their favorite memories from their senior year as well as some lessons they hope to take with them on their future endeavors.

Weller said some of his favorite memories from this year include a month-long trip to Japan where he visited relatives and had the opportunity to see a new place. At BYU, he is excited to find out what he is interested in.

For Tolberd, some of her memorable moments come her freshman year classes at the natural resource center where she was able to gain unique learning experiences. She said when she gets to college she will continue to be welcoming to other students as she was at Sequim High.

Hughes said she hopes to expand her horizons and gain new experiences as well as explore what she wants to do in the future through her university classes. As she also looks to BYU, she hopes to put herself out there and make new friendships.

Pierson said she is both nervous and excited for her departure to New York in six weeks. She said some of her favorite memories from the last year were after Advanced Placement testing playing ultimate frisbee, badminton and spike ball. As she prepares for West Point, Pierson remains optimistic and hopes to jump into every new opportunity, meet new people and make new relationships as she did at Sequim High.

“That’s what shapes your whole experience,” she said.