Maria Smith
Whitworth University
Class of 2020
#EverythingIsFine
What will you remember most about 2020?
Hard to say. At the moment, everything is cancelled, I can’t see my friends, and my life feels like it’s been put on hold, so it’s really easy to be pessimistic. But at the same time, there are so many things to look forward to, like graduation weekend being rescheduled to the fall, and beginning my career as a softball coach. It’s a lot of mixed feelings.
Campus Memory:
The art building on my campus never closes, so my friend and I would pull all nighters to finish our projects - and I’m talking blankets, pillows, snacks, How I Met Your Mother streaming on Hulu, the whole get-up. The best part? We’re both graduating with honors from the art program. Worth it.
Describe a moment of growth or a life lesson:
Being a part of the Whitworth softball team was one giant life lesson in itself. From resilience to growth, to holding each other accountable, we have all supported each other and helped each other grow into better athletes and better people. I find it fitting that we chose “respond” as this year’s motto, given that we’ve been thrown into a situation that we can either sulk about, or push through to make the best of it.
Caspian Svenson
Bellevue High School
Class of 2020
#Canceled
What will you remember most about 2020?
I will remember all the time I have gotten to spend with my family. During quarantine, we have all been staying at home and this has led to much more time with my brothers and parents.
School Memory:
In my freshman year biology class we had a substitute teacher for two weeks that didn't know anything about biology, and didn't understand how to work a Smartboard. Now whenever I watch Game of Thrones I think of this class because I watched the entire first season during this two weeks in class.
What is your superpower?
My superpower is the ability to sleep anywhere and anytime.
Do you have a plan or a vision for your future?
My plan for the immediate future is to attend Duke next year. When it comes to life after college, I think I will be working in the NFL as a scout with aspirations to become a general manager.
Describe a moment of growth or a life lesson:
I failed the first test I took in pre-calc. I've always been a competitive student so this really made me mad and discouraged. Mr. Gehrig was super supportive and met me nearly everyday before school to help me study and make sure that I would be ready for the next test. I ended up doing well in the class and didn't fail another test. Taking this class helped develop my work ethic and taught me the importance of learning from failure rather than dwelling on it.
Jackie Doud
International School
Class of 2020
#RISE
What will you will remember most about 2020?
Graduating in the middle of a pandemic is not something I'm going to forget!
Who or what inspires or motivates you?
I am inspired by my parents who both work tirelessly to make their dreams come true. Their hard work and dedication to everything they put their mind to makes me want to be a better person.
School memory:
Going to a small school has been fun because by the end you know everyone really well. Nights like senior takeover are extra memorable because spending time with my class just means spending time with all my friends.
What is your super power?
My super power is always being able to find a new alpine lake to hike to!
Do you have a vision or plan for your future?
I am going to Boston College next year to study political science and pre-law. I am hoping to get my JD and be a lawyer some day.
Describe a moment of growth or a life lesson:
I am student body president, but getting on student government was not easy and I lost a lot in middle school before I finally got the chance to be on ASB. This experience taught me to never give up because as an 8th grader I genuinely thought where I am today was not in the cards for me, so being able to live out my dream and persevere to make it happen has had a huge impact on my life.
Austin
Sammamish High School,
Class of 2020
#UnforgettableGRIT
What will you remember most about 2020?
2020 is the year of unforgettable things, I refuse to let COVID-19 be the only unforgettable thing this year.
School Memory:
One thing I will remember most about my school experience thus far is all the friends I have made and how much I have grown. I have made a crap ton of mistakes and I will always remember the lessons I learned from those mistakes. Just as a take away, don’t procrastinate. It just makes school harder than it needs to be.
What is your superpower?
My superpower is being able to put a smile on someone’s face when they are down. I know not everyone likes me or will agree with everything I do, but I will do whatever I can to brighten someone’s day.
Do you have a vision or plan for your future?
My family has been through some tough times. We always come out on top, but having 4 siblings and a single mom, I never really got to experience things with my family as much as some of my friends had. I spoke to my mentor about my goal to major in Mechanical Engineering and how I planned to be the best engineer wherever I end up working, and he replied “No, you’re going to be the best Mechanical Engineer in the world if you keep working like you do.” I want to get to a point where I can take my family on a nice vacation without really having to worry about how expensive it will be.
Akhsar
Odle Middle School
Eighth Grade
#WeirdRollerCoaster
What will you remember most about 2020?
I will remember the struggles I have had because I can always grow from them and do way better.
Who or what inspires or motivates you?
My positive attitude always motivates me. my passion to succeed in school and out of school. I always dream big, so my open mind and positive attitude will always motivate me.
School Memory:
At lunch I would always hang out with some of my friends and it would always be fun, full of laughter and enjoyment. I miss that and it will always make me smile!
What is your superpower (or talent)?
I mean, I can sing. I don’t know if that’s a talent, but yes, I sing
Do you have a vision or plan for your future?
I have huge plans for my future. I want to be the best person I can be; independent, strong, and awesome! I wanted to become an obstetrician, but now I want to be a pediatrician. I also want to become well-known, you know, famous!
Describe a moment of growth or a life lesson:
Most past friendships have taught me to become independent. Not everyone is going to be there for you, so the most important thing is to always be there for yourself. Take care of yourself first, before you take care of anyone else.
Gavin Wong
Rosa Parks Elementary
Fifth Grade
#canceled, #TheEnd
What will you remember the most about 2020?
I'll probably remember this lockdown the most. Being stuck at home. Doing remote school. Not being able to see my friends.
Who or what inspires or motivates you?
I'm motivated by the reward of free time or freedom when my school work is done. I'm inspired by Dave Faloni. He's a Star Wars guy. He created Clone Wars. George Lucas hand picked him for the project. He directs the Mandalorian.
School Memory:
My top 3 memories are being on crew for our school's drama productions. This was my most fun experience! I got to do the sound board for our last production. We made all the sets and changed them out during the show. My other favorite memory was the chaotic 5th Grade Camp. It sucked, but that's what made it fun. And this lockdown. It's definitely memorable. Other things I remembered when my mom told me to dig deeper: earning a party one year but then a bear came onto the school playground so we had to stay inside. That was a bummer.
What is your superpower?
Making people laugh! Helping others with social problems. Can I say video games?
Describe a moment of growth or a life lesson:
I grew the most with Ms. Zink. I had her 2nd and 3rd grade. I struggled with multiplication. She taught me good tips and math clicked for me! Multiplication became a breeze! Also, learning to do the coffee grinder in hip hop. My dance teacher gave a few pointers and then I was able to ace it, it's hard to learn from righties!