OASIS graduates, from left, Cassie Lindgren, teacher Marta Branch, Zach Edwardson-Coddington, Jordan Griffin and Annie Ray
On Saturday afternoon, Jan. 21, four Orcas Alternative Student-Initiated Studies (OASIS) High School students graduated from the program. Friends, neighbors and relatives came to the Emmanuel Parish Hall to celebrate the success of Annie Ray, Cassie Lindgren and Jordan Griffin, who earned Washington State High School diplomas; and Zach Edwardson-Coddington, who earned his Graduate Equivalency Degree.
School District Superintendent Barbara Kline complimented the graduates for “recognizing the strength in themselves to do whatever they need to do next. Pay attention and do your best.”
Zach Edwardson-Coddington joined musicians Macklin Blackburn and Robn Gropp to provide music following the ceremony. Annie Ray’s daughter toddled up to the podium with her mom when she received her diploma. Cassie Lindgren plans to earn a degree in social work. Jordan Griffin will pursue courses at Seattle Art Institute.
In her remarks to the graduates and guests, OASIS) high school teacher Marta Branch spoke of the initiation of OASIS High School five and a half years ago. With the help of Superintendent Barbara Kline, Counselor Nancy Wrightsman and teacher Gregory Books, Branch designed, structured and complied with regulations to make an alternative high school, recognizing that “the traditional model just doesn’t work for everyone.”
Right from the start she had the input from two of today’s graduates, Annie Ray and Cassie Lindgren, who “weren’t interested in wasting their time.”
“All of today’s graduates got a wake-up call in life studying through parenthood, surgeries and work to earn their credentials under very difficult circumstances,” said Branch.” All of you have risen above failures with true grit and determination.”
The four graduates helped the OASIS program develop access to education. “They helped grow the program in independent studies and state standards,” which resulted in OASIS School becoming one on only 52 state-approved online providers of secondary education, Branch said.
‘Thank you, each of you, for your contribution to this school. You will do great things.”
