55 Graduate from WestSide High School

Ceremony celebrated success with honors, awards, and diplomas

Fifty-five WestSide High School students graduated last night, June 11, 2015, in a commencement ceremony held in the Wenatchee Convention Center. See photos.

Principal Kory Kalahar dedicated the ceremony to WestSide student Anna Ventura, and teachers Steve Niccum and Sarah Moody, all of whom passed away during the course of the school year.

Graduate Dylan Yant recited a poem to the audience. Yant’s poetry recitation experience took him to regional competition in a national Poetry Out Loud program.

The keynote speaker was Diana Haglund, Wenatchee Learns Connect Coordinator. In a witty and inspirational talk, Haglund talked about having Grit—the ability to stick it out in the face of adversity.

Student speakers Jesus Torres told the gathering that WestSide doesn’t exist for what society calls throwaways. “It’s for people who need something a little different.” Torres, co-president of WestSide’s Leadership club, said he enjoyed every minute of his senior year.
“Joining WestSide is the best thing I’ve ever done.”

Student speaker Dobhran “Dobby” Day talked about being bullied in middle school and overwhelmed at Wenatchee High School. She said when she found WestSide she knew she found a home. Dobby set a goal of graduation early—a goal she achieved. She was one of three juniors graduating in the Class of 2015. Dobby also received the school’s first “Eye of the Eagle” award, a memorial award in honor of the late science teacher Steve Niccum.

Distinguished Alumnus was Tricia Sapp, an administrator with Blossom Creek Senior Care Facilities in Wenatchee.

Wenatchee School Board members handed out diplomas.

If the ceremony is an indication of the caliber of graduates, these fifty-five mature and determined young adults proved themselves ready to face the challenges of their futures.