Submitted by Lopez Island School District
A unique Lopez High School Graduation was held on Saturday, June 10, as the smallest graduating class since the 1960s was honored by special guest and speaker Governor Jay Inslee.
The shining sun and resonant tones of bagpipes welcomed the community and the five graduates; Ani Sanburn-Bill, Dakota Cline, Dylan Moore, Austin Reinmuth and Henry Skorny processed into the school gym to cheers and applause from the lively crowd.
The unusually small class (next year’s class will number closer to 20) allowed each senior to take a larger part in the ceremony. Moore opened with an electric guitar rendition of the national anthem. Each student took to the microphone to speak about their time at Lopez School and Lopez Island. They highlighted their gratitude for the community support each had received. Newcomer Cline brought tears to many when he said that Lopez is the first place he’s truly found a home, “I’m so glad I found it here.”
Teacher Richard Têtu, speaking at the request of the graduates, shared a profile of each student with the audience highlighting each of their unique gifts and strengths.
Sanburn-Bill introduced Inslee, admitting that when she wrote him a letter asking him to speak, she knew “it was a long shot!”
Inslee took the stage with a welcoming smile and commended Sanburn-Bill for her courage and excellent letter writing skills. Beginning his speech the governor surprised the audience (and earned a standing ovation) by showing off his new blue button-up shirt just acquired from the Take It or Leave it.
Inslee took a more serious tone when he acknowledged each of the graduates, taking note of qualities like boldness, bravery, compassion, and creativity, and how each of those gifts will be of service in today’s world. He encouraged them to “take your shoulder to the wheel” to provide what the world is so in need of the compassion and the spirit of friendliness that Lopez Island is known for.
He also remembered his father who spent the final happy years of his life on Lopez. He thanked the caregivers and community for taking such wonderful care of his father, “Lopez Island has a special place in my heart.”
He finished his talk encouraging all to work to protect Lopez Island, stating facts about ocean acidification off Spencer Spit, and that we must work together to ameliorate the damage of climate change.
After the governor’s speech, the school band’s rendition of “Free Bird” earned his praise, “That was worth the trip in and of itself!” Then each graduate received their diploma, shook hands with the governor, and in keeping with tradition, rang the school’s 100-plus-year-old bell, set up especially in the gymnasium for this year’s graduation. After concluding remarks by Principal Dave Sather, the newly confirmed graduates were presented to the community and mortar boards took to the sky.
Lopez Island School thanks all involved for making Saturday’s ceremony such a memorable event.
