Sun shines on Braves' Class of '24

After four years of struggles and challenges, most notably isolation and remote instruction imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Class of 2024 capped its high school experience with a picture-perfect day.

La Conner High School's graduating seniors, an accomplished group comprised of talented scholars, artists, musicians, public speakers and athletes, received their diplomas during seamless and briskly paced commencement exercises held in warm, sunny conditions at Whittaker Field Thursday afternoon.

The class boasts nine National Honor Society members: valedictorian Brogan Masonholder, salutatorian Samuel Williams, Kailey Carlson, Morgan Huizenga, Kiona Kaubin, Natalee Koch, Josi Straathof, Abigail Udlock and Hallie Walls.

Walls, who with Huizenga offered closing comments, received the coveted Lea McMillan Diacos Memorial Scholarship, which provides four-year funding support for a graduating senior enrolling in a state college or university.

Walls will attend the Western Washington University Honors College this fall. She was among the tribal-affiliated La Conner graduates donning traditional cedar hats adorned with eagle feathers for the 130th commencement.

Huizenga, who will attend and play volleyball at Skagit Valley College, pointed out that several La Conner faculty members and staffers also marked June 6 as their final day on campus.

"We want to recognize our district retirees who made a difference in the lives of many and wish them the best in their future endeavors," Huizenga said.

Taylor Rae-Cayou, who along with Straathof served as school board student representatives, opened the 45-minute ceremony by paying respect to ancestral tribal traditions. She also referenced her personal memories of La Conner school life and expressed optimism for the future.

"There are many memories that I'll cherish," said Cayou, adding the bittersweet note that "after today, we will no longer be classmates. I can't wait to see what the future holds."

Masonholder, who is off to the University of Michigan, expressed thanks to La Conner faculty and staff and paid tribute to late coach Rich Watkins, who died earlier this year.

Masonholder, Huizenga, Carlson, Udlock and Kenai Zimmerman earlier in the week had each received from the La Conner Volunteer Firefighters Association a scholarship award in honor of Watkins, who coached middle school basketball and high school baseball.

Masonholder said he was likewise grateful for the unwavering support of his family, including that provided by his late grandmother, Dixie Otis, a longtime La Conner teacher.

"I hope I'm making her proud," he said.

Masonholder, like Cayou, cast an optimistic gaze toward the future.

"I'm excited for us to embark on our next adventures," he said.

While appreciative of the instruction received at La Conner High School, Masonholder said what he'll remember most is time spent with his class and the bonds forged with schoolmates.

Williams, recently saluted for his many contributions to the school's music program, spoke of the marks left on La Conner by those who came before the Class of '24 and how they influenced this year's seniors.

"They all had a hand in molding us," he said. "And now, as we graduate, we have our own marks to leave for future classes."

Principal Christine Tripp, a La Conner graduate herself, formally presented the class prior to their receipt of diplomas.

Counselor Eric Crinklaw, completing his first year at the high school, called graduates' names.

Special features of the La Conner commencement were an honor song performed by the Swinomish Canoe Family and presentation of roses by class members to parents and family.

"It's an honor to be here and share in this important moment," said Swinomish Director of Cultural Events Aurelia Bailey, another La Conner alum who introduced the canoe family singers and drummers.

A large crowd attended the graduation program, with people still arriving several minutes after its scheduled 5 p.m. start. The ceremonies were delayed until all had taken their seats or found a place to stand on the Whittaker Field playing surface.

The level of attendance came as little surprise.

It was an opportunity to help usher the graduates "on to the next stage of their lives," Bailey said.