Twenty-seven walk at 138th D.H.S. Commencement

DAYTON–A full house of family and friends gathered at the Dayton Gym for the 138th commencement of Pietrzycki High School, also known as Dayton High, and heard inspirational addresses by honor graduates, marveled at the scholarships awarded and witnessed one graduate flip over receiving his diploma among the 27 who received high school diplomas here on Saturday, June 8, 2024.

Co-Valedictorian Kameryn Tupling congratulated her classmates on their accomplishments, thanked all who gave support, remembered the nervousness of joining the class in third grade and implored her classmates to keep in touch in ensuing years. Co-Valedictorian Ashley Essency also thanked and credited family, teachers and supporters, especially her mother, Ms. Kenney. She recalled striving for and reaching the goal of co-valedictorian, the fifteen seconds of adrenaline and exhilaration–then the realization that there's a sixteenth second...the "what's next?" that is likely to occur many more times in life. Salutatorian Grace Trump echoed appreciation to teachers, coaches, family and others for support and providing "the tools to get here today." Trump revisited images gleaned from her 13 years in the Dayton School system and said she's eager "to see where life takes us next."

Their speeches are included in this edition.

Following the honor speakers' talks, Interim Superintendent Rich Stewart spoke. "Last year when I was talking to the senior class here, I said I'm hoping the junior class will do better, said Stewart. "You did. You set a positive tone for the school."

Stewart noted that he attended a graduation in Arizona where $40 million in scholarships was given to 600 graduates. "We had almost a million dollars in scholarships," Stewart said, "and much fewer graduating. Per capita you hit it out of the ballpark."

The outgoing superintendent cited a poll which indicated that 80% of people are unhappy in their job, and he urged graduates to follow their passion. "Money is important, but it isn't the most important," Stewart said. "It's what you do, when you feel valued, when you feel you're making a difference and you're doing what you know you're supposed to be doing."

Stewart shared that he initially started college intending to be an attorney because other people thought that's what he should be. He decided he wanted to work with kids and has enjoyed every minute of his 48 years in education. "So please follow that inner passion...you'll do great things," he implored.

The 27 graduates were then recognized for accomplishments. Four completed an Associates Degree: Madison Richardson, Elsie Mann, Mikaylah Crawford and Ashley Essency. Eighty-nine percent of the class is pursing higher education; ten accepted at four-year institutions, nine to two-year community colleges and five to an approved technical school.

Fifty-two scholarships were awarded totaling $870,391, with local contributions at $115,575.

College in High School courses numbering 31 courses were attended by 13 students.

The Washington State Honors Award, given to the top 10% of Washington high-school graduates, went to Tupling and Essency. National Honor Society members, those who maintained a 3.6 G.P.A. or higher, were recognized, as were gold honor cord recipients, who earned a 3.5 G.P.A., or better.

Forty-six percent of the class participated in athletics this year, seven in two sports and one in three sports. Crimson and gold honor cords adorned graduates who played a sport each of the four years, and six graduates were recognized as Scholar-Athletes. Five of Dayton's teams were awarded Outstanding Scholastic Award by the WIAA.

Solomon Brenner and Luke Winkler, members of the Bulldog 4X100 Relay team, which placed seventh at the recent state meet, were given a round of applause.

Dea Wanlarbkam was Pep Band president and was received the Leadership Award for Music, also earning a red cord for four years in band.

FFA chapter members were recognized for participation with an FFA cord, and for meeting the four-year participation standard, also received a medallion. Wyntr McCauley was the sole chapter member with cord and medallion.

Seniors are required to perform a minimum of 25 hours of community service, and those graduates who did stood and were recognized.

Principal Joyce presented the Class of 2024: Justina Irene Abrahamson, Vanessa Marie Acevedo, Logan Aiden Berg, Solomon John Brenner, Parker Todd Brown, Morgan Charlotte Civilla, Mikaylah Shay Crawford, Laney Lavella Marie Crow, Cayle Jacob Davis, Cash Louis Eslick, Ashley Ruth Essency, Opal Morin, Kaelie Kathryn Jonas, Rachel Dova Klein, Elizabeth Jane Kneff, Nolan Edward Korslund, Elsie Mae Mann, Wyntr Rose McCauley, Kaylub Michael Prather, Adrian Nathanael Ramirez, Joshua James Reser, Madison Joy Richardson, Jose Edwardo Rodriguez, Grace Annabelle Trump, Kameryn Wendy Tupling, Dea Elijah Wanlarbkam and Lukas Donald Winkler.

Joyce, HS/MS principal, recognized custodial/maintenance staff left by John Delp for help with setup. High school secretaries Angie Alleman, Shannon James and Shannon Turner for their help preparing for the commencement. Suzi Tasker was thanked for her work on scholarships, and the teaching and support staff, along with Academic Advisor Sarah Reser and Class Advisor Kristie Korslund, were recognized for their contributions.