Central Kitsap High School honored hundreds of graduates in the class of 2023 June 17 at the CKHS football stadium. Although the clouds loomed over, smiles and cheers poured throughout the stadium from family and friends.

During the ceremony, the graduates discussed how they have become a part of history. The valedictorian was Tia-Jane Fowler while the salutatorians included Marcella Fischer, Maria Inoue, Skyler Jones, Michael Ramsdell and Ryan Shepard.

“In the past 18 years, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse had its first and last episode, Google Chrome was realized and electric cars were produced,” Fischer said. “We have witnessed the highest voter turnout since 1900 and other civil events. We have been a part of history before our eyes. In this changing world, it is amazing how far we have come.”

Besides battling through COVID pandemic and ever-changing world, the Cougars were eager to walk across the stage. Before graduation ended, Shepard added a few wise words to his classmates.

“Overall, it is important we reflect on our past,” Shepard said. “I encourage you to see how much you have grown as an individual, the learning experiences you endured, the challenges you overcome and successes you accomplished no matter how small they were because these experiences define who you are. I know each one of you have potential in your futures. We are pioneering our own paths.”

It was a cloudy day during CK’s gradaution.

It was a cloudy day during CK’s gradaution.