Presenting the class of 2017

The Landy James Gym was packed to the maximum to celebrate La Conner High School’s 49 newest graduates.

An evening of applause and awards greeted the Class of 2017 last Thursday, June, 8.

The beaming graduates in Braves’ blue caps and gowns filed into gymnasium through an archway, giving proud parents and family plenty of photo opportunities.

Administrators and students gave commencement speeches and handed out numerous scholarships, describing the student’s achievements and plans for the future.

Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Chairman Brian Cladoosby said the full-ride scholarships the tribe provides to native youth is an investment in the future.

District Superintendent Peg Seeling also addressed the graduates. This is the last crop of La Conner students she will help launch into their futures as she is retiring at the end of this month.

Seeling has been an educator, principal and athletics coach with the district for 34 years and has mentored generations of students.

Graduates Briana Porter and Hector Hernandez thanked her in a speech of their own, pointing out how many roles in the district Seeling has filled in her time here.

Graduates Biruktawit and Tsedenya Hasenbalg, daughters of Dean and Angela Hasenbalg, received the George and Lillian McMillan Memorial Scholarship, which awarded them full rides to Washington schools. Biruktawit Hasenbalg will attend Washington State and Tsedenya Hasenbalg will attend University of Washington.

The two-hour ceremony was accompanied by music by the school band and a song by Swinomish Tribal members.

As is tradition, the graduates finished the night by tossing their caps high in the air before dispersing to thank their friends, family and teachers who supported them in their path to graduation.