Print
E-Mail
tool name
closeAwards go beyond the academic
Eighteen seniors in the Sumner School District are honored for their efforts, leadership qualities
Roxanne Cooke
Every May, teachers and staff at the two high schools in the Sumner School District select a number of seniors who are representative of their graduating class.
“They are very unique,” said Ann Cook, district spokesperson. “You get a mix of everything.”
The students are awarded by the Sumner School District Board of Directors this month. Eight students from Sumner High School and 10 from Bonney Lake will be honored.
The Senior Showcase is different than the traditional senior awards night, which focuses primarily on scholarships and academic awards, Cook said.
“The intent is to go beyond just recognizing kids that reach the highest academic achievements,” she said. “There are a lot of opportunities for (those students) to be recognized.”
Instead, the showcase is meant for students who have demonstrated that they can utilize their education in an effective way as they move beyond high school and into other endeavors, Cook said.
This year, the criteria for Sumner High School focused on initiative and leadership, and Bonney Lake High School concentrated on excellence of mind and strength of character.
“They try and leave it pretty wide open so that we can include a bigger group of people,” Cook said.
Two students selected this year include Carly Fitzpatrick at Sumner High and Ashleigh Duckett at Bonney Lake High.
Fitzpatrick, who has attended school in the Sumner School District all her life, chaired the school’s community dinner and benefit night earlier in the year.
She’s a leader who involves a variety of students, said Sumner High Principal Bill Gaines.
“Carly really steps out from the crowd,” he said.
She’s also the Associated Student Body activity coordinator, a member of FFA and National Honor Society and part of nomination-based Spart Crew, a transition program for freshmen students. Fitzpatrick participates volleyball and track as well.
Though she feels honored by the award, she also said it’s “kind of weird.”
“I don’t feel like I’ve been better than anyone else,” Fitzpatrick said.
Accepting everyone as they are has been her mantra this year, inspired from the school’s ASB advisor.
After high school, she plans to attend Washington State University and eventually join the Peace Corps or another organization that helps other countries.
Duckett, Bonney Lake High School senior, has been in the district for 10 years. She’s a cheerleader, student ambassador, Homecoming Queen and a mentor for younger girls.
“It’s an honor,” she said. “I’m honored that people can see the footsteps I’ve taken.”
For her senior project, Duckett helped raise funds for breast cancer research. It’s part of her love of helping people, she said.
“She just has a heart of gold,” said Bonney Lake High Assistant Principal Brian Scheerer. “She’s pretty humble.”
Duckett plans to attend Pacific Lutheran University for its nursing program.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SENIOR SHOWCASE
At the May meetings of the Sumner School District Board of Directors, selected high school seniors who exemplify this year’s graduating class are honored. Students are nominated by school staff members using criteria developed by the staff. Each school has selected a theme for the 2008 showcases. Students are introduced in a multimedia presentation and the showcases are hosted by school principals, Daffodil princesses and fellow students. The Bonney Lake High School Showcase begins at 7 p.m. May 14 in the Bonney Lake Commons at Bonney Lake High School, located at 10920 199th Ave. Court E. The Sumner High School Showcase was on May 7.
Bonney Lake High School Showcase Seniors
> Laura Anderson
> Travis Christian
> Emily Davidson
> Ashleigh Duckett
> Ashley Herrington
> Casey Knowles
> Michelle Nemetz
> Caleb Robinson
> Kristin Scribner
> Caitlin Sellers
Sumner High School Showcase Seniors
> Katie Billings
> Jordan Daniel
> Carly Fitzpatrick
> Emily Greene
> Keon Javanshir
> Nick Larson
> Chris Pankalla
> Erik Swanson