Photo by jill russell
MATT SHAW, LEFT, CHECKS HIS CELL PHONE BEFORE THE CEREMONY BEGAN. Also pictured – Yusef Evans, D’Vonte Ashford and Jonluke Grover.
Draped in blue gowns, blue caps and shining smiles, 37 graduates from Fife School District’s Learning Opportunity Center (LOC) prepared to receive something they once believed was impossible – a diploma.
The small, yet tight knit group of students arrived to the alternative high school with many challenges – issues with the law, full-time jobs to support themselves or their families, having children, and learning disabilities, just to name a few.
The family, friends, and educators who attended LOC’s commencement ceremony on June 3 were there to celebrate the graduates’ motivation to overcome those challenges.
“The dream for all these students was a diploma,” said Chris Carnrite, director of LOC. “Now they will bring that dream home with them.”
David Calwell is one LOC student who received his diploma.
“I’m stoked,” he said. He plans to relax for the summer before joining the Navy. He credits LOC with helping him achieve his diploma.
“I wouldn’t have graduated if I didn’t come to this school,” Calwell said.
Fellow graduate Hayley Lundin shared in Calwell’s excitement, but also admitted she was nervous. She transferred to LOC shortly after her junior year at Puyallup High School. Lundin said she plans to attend beauty school after receiving her diploma.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do.”
The ceremony’s keynote speaker was, Fife High School teacher Cheryl Brown – a familiar face to most of the graduates.
“There’s always a way to get to what you want,” Brown told the graduating class. “You all had an obstacle and you’ve come out on top.”
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