To the North Kitsap High School Class of 2009:

On the eve of your commencement we wanted to take time to reflect on your accomplishments, your growth as individuals and classmates and your futures. As your parents, siblings, friends, teachers and neighbors we have watched you grow as students — and as people — through the 12 years of your education, and we have been touched by your many kindnesses, your ease and comfort in yourselves and by your collectively strong and unique voice in our community.

It seems to us, that as a group, perhaps your lives have been somewhat “charmed.” Yes, most of you have lived through one school remodel after another. But as a result you have learned adaptability and flexibility, and maybe even patience. Many of you have a calm and gentle demeanor, an easy nature that allows you to find contentment and happiness even during the typically trying and dramatic moments of young adulthood. Many of us have witnessed the Class of 2009 to be “happy-go-lucky,” “comfortable in their skins,” “focused on the future,” and “devoted to the betterment of our world.” Perhaps it is because so many of you are our “babies” – second or third siblings. In fact, for lots of us, many of you are the baby. Perhaps your parents transferred less stress to you in your upbringing because they were more comfortable in their roles as parents. Perhaps you benefitted from observing the difficulties of your siblings before you. Perhaps you simply are a uniquely wonderful group of young people that we have been blessed to know and have in our lives. Whatever the cause, our interactions with you have been alarmingly even-keeled, frequently humorous and oftentimes simply wonderful – and you’re teenagers!

What role will these characteristics play in your future? Of course, it’s always difficult to predict, but based on past experience, it would seem that your troubles will be few, obstacles will be surmounted, and your good will and good humor will be frequently employed to create calm and engender contentment in those who surround you. This is certainly our wish for each of you.

Those of us who have had the luxury of you in our daily lives for the past 18 years will be forced to look outside to see the sunshine, and perhaps watch bad television for that special laugh-out-loud humor you have frequently provided. But we know this is the way of things. And while we will miss your daily contributions to our amusement and amazement, we know the time has come to share the joy that is each of you with the world at large.

This group of graduating seniors has big plans. Many of you will be heading to universities all over the state of Washington, and some will even go outside of the state. We are proud and excited to send our honor students, athletes, thespians, scientists, writers, nurses, engineers, doctors and future leaders into the world and proudly proclaim “These are our best and brightest! They have given us great joy, tremendous pride and even more – they have given us great hope for the future. We entrust them into your care and wait anxiously for their return.”

Still others will move on to life experiences, including serving our country. To those who serve to protect us all, we say, “Thank you and God bless and protect you and all you hold dear.”

Others will join the work force, start families or simply travel to see more of this world. We hope you will find joy in your personal relationships, fulfillment in your professional endeavors, and a cause worthy to keep you engaged in your world.

Seniors, we wish you a rich and wonderful journey, full of adventure, great learning opportunities, loving friendships and tremendous success. We believe in your abilities, your drive to succeed, your commitment to each other and our world, and we believe most sincerely in the goodness of your hearts. We love you and look forward to seeing great things from each of you! It is with tremendous pride that we sign this letter,

Your parents, families, friends and loved ones.

CONGRATULATIONS on the occasion of your commencement, North Kitsap High School Class of 2009!