La Conner High School senior class graduates

The La Conner High School graduating class had to adapt during the COVID-19 pandemic and then one last time Friday evening.

The 128th annual commencement exercises were moved from Whittaker Field to Landy James Gym when forecasts predicted rainfall.

There were few dry eyes among families and friends of the graduates during the emotional 90-minute ceremony.

“COVID was not kind to this class,” stressed co-valedictorian Delaney Cobbs, one of several student speakers. “By the time we hit our junior year we’d had our fill of Zoom.”

“It was extremely hard for this class,” co-valedictorian Charity-Dakota Jordan said, “but we learned the power of resilience.”

Returning to full-time in-person instruction as seniors was a time of transition for a class that despite obstacles set high standards across the board in academics, athletics and public service.

“We had to get to know each other all over again,” Jordan said.

Cobbs and Jordan were two of 19 seniors – about one-third the class – recognized as National Honor Society members.

In addition to Cobbs and Jordan, La Conner High School Principal Christine Tripp said class members Thomas Wilme, Victoria Hayes, Erin Holder, Mari Waltner, Margaret McLeod, Spencer Olson, Aliya Neal, Ella Sicklesteel, Mia Carlton, Luke Marble, Cameron Burks, Giselle Rindy-Cox, Savannah Radlinger, Chloe Cunningham, Allison Hill and co-salutatorians Rachel Cram and Juna Swanson achieved NHS status.

“I urge every one of us to bring kindness into our actions,” Superintendent Will Nelson said. “I urge everyone to consider the part each of us can play to make our community and relationships stronger.”

As they were called forward by Lori Buher, the high school counselor, and received their diplomas, class members sported an array of personalized mortar boards. Swinomish grads wore graduation caps fashioned from cedar.

“The cedar caps are symbolic and are made with the inner bark,” explained guest speaker Aurelia Bailey, a Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Senator and tribal cultural events director. “Everything with the cedar tree has a use. Our people used cedar for shelter and medicine and used it to travel.

“It takes many years for it to grow strong,” Bailey said, “and that’s what I pray for these graduates – that they’ll grow strong.”

Bailey introduced Swinomish elder Barb James and the tribal Canoe Family, which performed its traditional Honor Song for the seniors.

James, wearing traditional dress, said her headband was a gift from a niece who survived the deadly mass shooting in Las Vegas five years ago.

“We can share together our compassion,” James offered, “and we can share our pain. Today is the day and we live one day at a time. I was happy to wake up and join you today in celebration of these young people. This is what this headband means.”

Bailey said the COVID-19 experience, which so disrupted the lives of this year’s graduates, revealed our shared humanity.

“Through the pandemic,” said Bailey, “we’ve all needed healing.”

Friday, though, was a time to share joy.

Wilme and Jay Lockrem, in closing comments, recognized Terri Cunningham for her tireless work as a parent volunteer.

Cobbs was recipient of the Megan Lisser Service to School Award. Jordan received the Vince Sellen Community Service Award. The JoAnne Self Determination and Loyalty Award was presented to Ryalyn Holt. Hayes was selected for the La Conner Kiwanis-Chuck Hedlund Community Service Award. Cram was recipient of the Jack Whittaker Achievement Award. The Varsity in Volunteerism Award was shared by Cobbs and Sicklesteel.

Hayes, Jordan, McLeod, Swanson and Hannah Cook earned Associates in Arts degrees from Skagit Valley College.