The dictionary definition of a valedictorian is "the student usually having the highest rank in a graduating class who delivers the valedictory address at the commencement exercises.GÇ¥ There's the dictionary definition, and then there are the students themselves who hold those lofty academic distinctions at local high schools for the class of 2015. All of their personal stories are unique. For instance, two of the valedictorians at Eatonville High School are twins. And at Graham-Kapowsin High, a career keeping hearts healthy is on the horizon. Valedictorians and their classmates will have their final GÇô and most important GÇô high school moment this week. Graduation ceremonies will be held by the Bethel School District for its high schools Thursday at the Tacoma Dome, and Eatonville High's big day will be Saturday at Pacific Lutheran University. In the short bios that follow on valedictorians from Eatonville, Graham-Kapowsin and Bethel, the students disclose their plans, dreams and some personal insights:
Stacey Baumes, Bethel High School With teaching in her future, this co-valedictorian plans to attend a university and major in elementary education. What she liked about high school: "The atmosphere. I enjoy being a part of the spirit and love the connection I have with teachers. Bethel is very diverse and works toward the achievement of each individual student."
Emily Boettcher, Eatonville High School The twin sister of co-valedictorian Isaac Boettcher (her motivation for academic success came from their "twin rivalry. I guess we will have to call this one a tieGÇ¥) will attend Whitworth University and possibly major in elementary education. An all-league soccer player and participant in school band trips to Florida, she thinks students should "cherish the time you have at high school, because it really does go by faster than you think it will.GÇ¥
Isaac Boettcher, Eatonville High School Next up for the twin of co-valedictorian Emily Boettcher is Gonzaga University, where he'll major in business. He's been driven by "wanting to move on to higher education.GÇ¥ A Washington and National Honor Society scholar, he also has been involved in sports, which he sees as one of the ways "to meet people and make your high school experience memorable.GÇ¥
Jordan McAllister, Graham-Kapowsin High School McAllister plans to attend Boise State University and major in biology before going to medical school to become a cardiologist. When asked what she liked about her time at G-K, she replied, "The amount of school spirit our students had. My high school experience wouldn't have been the same without this spirit."
Olivia Patterson, Eatonville High School Patterson, who has earned scholar-athlete honors and will attend Western Washington University, said her academic motivation came from within and from "my parents, who always support me and are so proud of all my successes.GÇ¥ Her advice to fellow students: "Find something that drives you to be successful, focus on it and go."
Rachel Price, Eatonville High School She will attend Whitman College and study applied sciences. Memories and honors she'll take with her from Eatonville include being a Daffodili Festival princess, winning a Poetry Out Loud contest, and National Honor Society standing. "I have always been self-motivatedGÇ¥ and believe in "doing everything to the best of my ability,GÇ¥ she said. "Never pass up an opportunity, and never believe that "good enough' is the best you can do.GÇ¥
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