“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.” – Colin Powell

It was the beginning of June. Final lessons were being wrapped up, books were completed, laptops were returned. Most students were looking forward to a nice, long break before the next school year. For the students of the Baker Charter School ‘17 class, however, it was a special time: they were graduating high school!

This year, Baker Charter School had its largest graduation class: 150 students! Because the students were spread all over Oregon, there were four separate ceremonies in Portland, Baker City, Eugene, and Bend. At each ceremony, the proud graduates, dressed in traditional caps and gowns, marched together in a processional and sat with the staff. After the initial introduction and a slideshow of the graduates, Dr. Huld – our director and the Keynote speaker – delivered a speech. Afterwards, the student valedictorians - Michael Burton, Jenna Bruce, Robert Driver, Soliel Haskell, Kenzie Slocum, and Jessica Driver - delivered speeches. The most rewarding – and most tear-jerking, in the case of many parents and teachers – was the awarding of the diplomas. Each student took their steps onto the stage to receive their high school diplomas.

For our students, graduation was more than receiving their diplomas and turning their tassels. It was a symbol of their hard work and dedication. It was a mark of transition from high school to the world beyond.

Mr. Nick Osborn, a BWA teacher, sees a bright future for our graduation students. “These students will do some amazing things for their communities and others around them,” he says. He really enjoyed meeting the students and their families; he taught many of them, but he had never met them face to face. He said the photos of the students was “a nice reminder to see how far the graduates have come from their first steps as infants to their first steps across the stage receiving their diplomas!”

Mrs. Care’e DeMoss, a BWA teacher who attended the Eugene ceremony, says, “I am really impressed by the talent, hard work and passion our students have… What a privilege it has been to work with these students and I wish them nothing but the best in their future endeavors and we as teachers, staff and faculty will always be rooting for their success!”

Congratulations to all of our graduating students! We wish you all the success in your futures!

Note: Photos of our students to come!