Summer is finally here. It feels so nice to be typing that sentence out. Though the weather may not be so great right now, the plus side is that there is no school for fifty-nine days.
The graduating class of 2009 had their ceremony on June 13 at North Kitsap School District Stadium. The weather had been perfect and the ceremony was just the right length. The speeches made were inspirational, classy and amusing in ways. They showcased what seniors thought about graduating and what was in store for them in the future, but reminded them to never forget their past. Throughout the whole ceremony you found seniors tossing beach balls and blowing bubbles. We even had some audience members with air horns.
Teresa Nguyen was elected as the valedictorian and Rachel Daniels was elected salutatorian. Each of their speeches was filled with compassion and a sense of realization that, for the class of 2009, one short, but memorable, chapter in all of their lives had just ended. Sitting in the bleachers watching with my family and friends, I know it definitely touched students and especially family members. On both sides of me I had some of my closest friends crying and laughing while the seniors received their diplomas. The former seniors are now about to embark on their own paths but their family and friends will always be not too far behind for support.
Summer practices for fall sports have begun. If you thought all we do over summer vacation is relax, you were wrong. The boys football team had a scrimmage against Bremerton and held victory over them that day. Volleyball, cheerleading, cross country, and even boys and girls basketball for the winter season have begun practicing for the upcoming year. We are looking at some great teams in the making. By the time fall rolls around, each sport will be prepared to kick some major “booty.”
A golf tournament was held on June 19 at White Horse Golf Course to raise more money for field lights. Kyla Jorgenson explains, “I think it will be great to be able to have practices later in the evening because it will be a lot cooler and we won’t have to worry about having less practice time just because it got dark so early. And we are grateful that the community is helping us achieve those lights.” Sports teams, students and staff are grateful and thankful for all of the town’s contributions in raising money.
The Fourth of July is coming up. We have fireworks, the Kingston parade, family and friends holding barbecues, and some of us are traveling to celebrate our independence. ASB is helping out with setting up Tiny Town while other sports and student groups will be helping out with other activities around town. Hoping for hot weather, all will be celebrating the entire time.
In the great words of Daniel Webster, “May the sun in his course visit no land more free, more happy, more lovely, than this our own country.” Happy Fourth of July, Buccaneers.
