This year, residents were asked to make sizable investments in local education.
If you ever question the value of that continued investment, look around. We’re in the center of a vibrant and competitive economy, with the densest concentration of engineering talent in the Seattle region (source: Kitsap Economic Development Alliance) and the source of 115,390 civilian jobs in maritime, defense, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, tourism and technology. We need to ensure that no matter what talents and abilities our students have, they are able to develop them in good schools.
Our students prove to us each year that they have desire and drive worthy of our investment. Many students are excelling in the classroom as well as on the field of competition. Among the accomplishments:
In Narrows League 3A, Central Kitsap is 13-1 and in first place in baseball, 6-0 and in first place in girls golf, 13-0 and in first place in softball, 9-2-2 and in second place in boys soccer.
In Olympic League 1A, Klahowya is undefeated in boys soccer and has clinched the league title.
In Olympic League 2A, Olympic is 12-0 and in first place in girls track, 6-1 and in second place in girls golf, and 9-2 and in second in boys track.
Bremerton is chasing second place in girls tennis.
In the Washington High School Boys Lacrosse Association, Klahowya’s lacrosse team — comprised of athletes from Klahowya, Central Kitsap and Olympic — is the likely winner of the Narrows/Olympic Conference Division II lacrosse title. Three team members are on top 10 offense and defense lists — of all players in the 74-team WHSBLA.
These student-athletes are reaching these heights while maintaining grades and preparing for college.
Naval Avenue Elementary School and Pinecrest Elementary School each received the Washington Distinguished School Award for High Progress, from the state Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Central Kitsap High School, Klahowya Secondary and Olympic High School ranked highly on The Washington Post’s list of “America’s Most Challenging High Schools.”
Bremerton High School received the state Career Guidance Award of Excellence, awarded to public middle and high schools that demonstrate “outstanding high standards for development of school-wide college and career readiness.” This award is also presented by the state Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Clear Creek Elementary School teacher Barbara Bromley’s fourth-grade science class will receive the President’s Environmental Youth Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, for their efforts to raise awareness about salmon life-cycles.
See a local volunteer effort in the community, something that contributes to our quality of community life or strengthens the local safety net? You’ll likely see students lending a hand or, in some cases, leading the effort.
Congratulations to all of our students who are doing their best in the classroom and in competition — whether STEAM or sports. Your persistence, self-discipline, sportsmanship and teamwork will serve you well in college, career and life.
