Klahowya, Olympic, CK graduate classes of 2024

Three high schools in the Central Kitsap School District celebrated the graduating classes of 2024 over the span of three days, with hundreds of students at Klahowya Secondary School, Olympic and Central Kitsap high schools receiving their diplomas.

Klahowya’s ceremony June 13 was the quietest of the three with just over 100 students and was quick to become a celebration of the introvert—fitting for what salutatorian Alison Fletcher called her little school in the woods. Describing the trees and their supporting roots running underground around the campus, she compared it to the supportive network developed during the students’ time at Klahowya and even those as introverted as herself.

“Now we look back on the connections we have made and realize that those who have known us throughout our journey have seen how we have learned and grown and all that we have accomplished,” she said. “Those people that know us also know how to help us when we need it.”

Both Fletcher and valedictorian Blake Robinson reflected on their status of introverts, feelings intensified by a largely virtual freshman experience. Yet continuing to observe, Robinson said he found a key difference in what Klahowya offers its students.

“It isn’t just the teachers or administrators. It is the feeling, a sense of genuine welcome that extends beyond cliques and popularity,” he said.

Rain fell on Olympic’s June 14 ceremony. While gusts of wind blew sheet music off stands and made graduation tassels dance, over 220 students made their journey to the stage.

The cheers were rowdy from beginning to end for gradatuates, and while some achieved more than others, all celebrated the accomplishment.

“Your presence here is a testament to the struggles you may have faced and the steps to this accomplishment,” valedictorian Jerrick Castillo said. “I firmly believe that every single one of us can do absolutely anything we put our minds to.”

Castillo received the added praise of district administration after the announcement of his acceptance into the U.S. Naval Academy along with an admissions scholarship worth $200,000.

All students were reminded by faculty speaker Kristina O’Connor that as they embark on their next journey to take the power of kindness with them. “In a world that can often be harsh and unforgiving, the simple act of being kind can have a profound impact on those around you. (Kindness) is the glue that holds communities together, the spark that ignites positive change and the foundation upon which true success is built,” she said.

Central Kitsap celebrated its graduating class while embarking on how the Cougars can still impact the future.

“We have been asked by family and friends what our next steps will be and who we want to be after we graduate,” salutatorian Shayla Sutliff said. “Although looking ahead is exciting, this is a time to recognize who we are and who we chose to be.”

Sutliff mentioned that the Cougars have improved each year despite facing setbacks. She hopes her peers can continue to make everlasting impacts on CK like the century-long alumni have done so far.

“Try to leave this world a better place than you found it,” Sutliff said. “Through resilience and hard work, the Central Kitsap class of 2024 embodied this quote in every aspect of our lives. Despite our setbacks, the 100th graduating class of Central Kitsap High School will continue to dream, achieve and create. We will make this world a little bit better, and that will be our legacy.”

Salutatorian Donovan O’Neal rolled along with a 62-year-old speech from President John F. Kennedy.

“We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things not because they are easy but hard,” O’Neal said. “That goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energy and skills. The world is just as full of threats, challenges and opportunities. Whether the world has threats or opportunities depends on how willing we are to persevere.”