Diplomas for Class of '24 on Thursday

The countdown is on for La Conner High School seniors.

Having wrapped up four years of classes, some of which were held remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Class of 2024 will participate in the school's 130th annual commencement exercises at 5 p.m. Thursday, June 6, at Whittaker Field.

Nine graduates received National Honor Society recognition for their scholarship, character, leadership and service: Class President Josi Straathof (school board student representative), valedictorian Brogan Masonholder, salutatorian Samuel Williams, Kailey Carlson, Morgan Huizenga, Kiona Kaubin, Natalee Koch, Abigail Udlock and Hallie Walls.

Principal Christine Tripp will formally recognize the Honor Society students midway through the Commencement.

Carlson and Kaubin will receive Associate of Arts degrees with their diplomas, along with Taylor-Rae Kayou. Carlson earned an AA at Skagit Valley College. Kaubin and Cayou earned theirs at Northwest Indian College. Cayou also served as a student school board representative.

Cayou will open the ceremony with a welcome address and lead the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Swinomish Canoe Family will salute the class with a special honor song.

Masonholder and Williams are tabbed for speaking roles, as are Huizenga and Walls.

La Conner School District Superintendent Will Nelson will present the class, whose members are slated to receive their diplomas from high school counselor Eric Crinklaw and representatives of the school board.

Staff members Ryan Hiller and Josh Hanstad will provide audio/video coverage of the graduation proceedings, with Erica John and Katie Cayou-Lockrem handling still photography.

Thirty-seven seniors from B (Joseph Beebe) to Z (Kenai Zimmerman) are scheduled to walk up to receive their diplomas.