Photo by Jay HemphillOn Sunday, May 15 at 1 p.m. at the WNMU Old James Stadium nineteen seniors in the Aldo Leopold Charter School (ALCS) class of 2022 were honored in an outdoor graduation ceremony. The graduates honored were: Bella Blaxland, Colin Casler, Joseph Castello, Logan Dunlap, Corbin Erickson, Mia Estrada, Marin Farley, Heather Hillyer, Anna Leadbetter, Jesusita Mesa, Felix Morones, Sylvia Myers, Mauri Nelson, Naomi Norris, Tyler Ortiz, Molly Pendleton, Sophiana Read, Jaedan Trujillo, and Tigerlily Warner.

The ceremony was marked by senior speeches by Molly Pendleton, Anna Leadbetter, Sylvia Myers, and Sophiana Read where they recounted a number of memories and congratulated the class for their accomplishments. The class selected Aldo Leopold Charter School alumna (Class of 2010) Madeline Alfero as their keynote speaker. Ms. Alfero had taught at ALCS for several years and is now the rising program director of Kitsap Life Academy, a hybrid homeschool in Pulsbo, Washington for children ages 7+ with a focus on sustainability.

Director Wayne Sherwood states, “Studies have shown that on-line education is not as beneficial as in-person. Aldo Leopold Charter School has a mission and vision that supports interactive learning, teaching collaboration, high achievement, and responsibility, through experiential education. We strive for our students to CARE when they graduate. These seniors have had to live up to these expectations to graduate today. 

 Our students have met the school and state requirements. Our graduation ceremony that is somewhat different from a traditional high school graduation. The staff recognize each student with a unique, heartwarming graduate tribute. Congratulations to the class of 2022.”