Welcome to summer! Feels good outside, right Kingston? Yeah, I know … not really. It still feels like beginning of spring. But that is OK because I have faith that someday it will be sunny and hot for more than two days in a row.

Even though the beginning of our summer break isn’t top notch yet, the end of our school year was. Sports-wise, pretty much everyone came out on top. Boys’ soccer made it to quarterfinals in state. With seven athletes competing in state, the track team had three of them place in the top five and even one, Ruby Roberts, won a state title. Girls’ tennis sent a double team to state to compete as well. Boys’ baseball wasn’t far behind the mayhem either.

On June 14, Kingston High School had its very first graduation. I helped pass out the programs and got the opportunity to hear the valedictorian and salutatorian speeches, which by the way not only impressed me but also made me laugh a little. So once again, congratulations and good luck seniors. Even though we won’t miss you, maybe your parents will. You guys did a great job and achieved a lot in the classroom academically and I’m sure next year we will be able to pull together a win in boys’ basketball and football to make you guys happy.

Now that finals are over and the pressure of school is off of us a little, we can relax some, but not that much. Do you want to play a fall sport? You need to get your paper work in a.s.a.p. Practices have already started and summer league is well on its way. Boys’ and girls’ basketball is active; contact Tim Olsen or Kevin Strozier. Girls’ volleyball is practicing every Tuesday and Thursday at 4 p.m. in the KHS gym. Girls’ soccer is participating is a tournament held in Blaine July 11-13; contact Craig Smith. Also, and of course, football has finally begun. Our boys’ headed to Eastern Washington University June 23-27 to train there. Don’t forget the weight room will be open all summer every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 7-10 a.m. Coach Dan Novick can be contacted for information on all sports, specifically football and questions about the weight room.

Even though you are free, don’t get too carried away. To all Kingston students, try to do one productive or helpful thing this summer. There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer. With the Fourth of July coming soon (my favorite holiday), you can start there. To find out how to help, contact Ms. Albers from KHS. With the parade and all the activities that day and and before, lots can be done and help is needed. Also keep your mind active with all the camps and athletic programs here in Kingston, Kitsap County and even the state.

Last but not least, have a terrific summer!

Kayla Campbell will be a sophomore next fall at Kingston High School and participates on the soccer and track teams.