It was a cold afternoon with a threat of rain, but that didn’t dampen the spirits of the 340 Bainbridge and Eagle Harbor high school students at Memorial Stadium for the 2023 Commencement Ceremony June 17.
Graduates filled the stadium with colorful leis and decorated mortarboards. They listened to class speakers talk about the power of community, the lessons of failure and seeking challenges.
Class speaker Mayzie Carleton encouraged her classmates to create a community wherever they find themselves. “When you pour kindness into people, they will pour it back into you. And eventually, you will build trust and be able to lean on each other when you’re going through a tough time or just missing home,” Carleton said.
Colin Black shared his lessons from failure, “You can’t let somebody else define your limit. You figure that out for yourself because only you know what you want and how much you want it.” He warned that worrying is infectious and does nothing, but a confident smile encourages others around you. “Failure is inevitable. It happens to everyone. The most important thing is getting back up afterwards, even if it’s more comfortable to sit down—don’t quit. As you all strike out to new places realize that failure can create ideas that are out of the park.”
Bruno Delfino said small things could lead to new exploration of life and spoke about preparing to step into the unknowable future. Rather than seeking comfort, Delfino suggests taking risks and leaning into conflict. “A truthful discussion is better than an untruthful peace. Untruthful peace holds us back because we avoid what is essential conflict and confrontation.”
Superintendent Peter Bang-Knudsen said he’d seen this class do incredible things, especially during the COVID pandemic when they were isolated. He said they found ways to connect with friends via video games or by taking a socially distanced walk around the track with a friend. “You’ve comforted each other through tragedies and celebrated with one another over victories. Even during isolation, you learned the power of two, the importance of connecting with others. Your resilience during those formative years will carry you far in life,” Bang-Knudsen said.
By the numbers
•105 BHS and six EHHS students were members of the National Honor Society.
•29 students received Washington State Honors Awards, given to the top 10% of seniors statewide based on grade point average.
•17 valedictorians earned the Washington State Principals Scholar Award given to the top 5% of students in the graduating class at each high school statewide.
•28 students earned the Washington State Seal of Biliteracy.
•6 National Merit Commended students scored in the top 3% on the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test in 11th grade.
•1 National Merit Scholar finalist scored in the top .5% on the PSAT of all test takers nationwide.
•8 students earned an Associate of Arts degree through the Running Start program.
