Three More Orcas Graduates

— by Margie Doyle —

OASIS graduates from left, Ashanti Ellyson, Zonia Darnell and Danny Hodges

Orcas Alternative Student-Initiated Studies (OASIS) High School celebrated three more students achieving their Graduation Equivalency Diplomas (GED) on Monday evening, July 11.

Zonia Darnall, Ashanti Ellyson and Danny Hodges donned the traditional caps and gowns (well in Zonia’s case it was the tassle on the cap), processed from the entrance to the podium of the Eastsound Fire Hall, and received their diplomas before a large group of parents, siblings, family and friends.

Following the event, Zonia said she plans to travel extensively in Asia, Danny said he hope to study in art school, and Ashanti said she hopes to learn from all life experiences.

Superintendent Eric Webb introduced the students saying, “How exciting to have you here, everyone supports you going forward.” He commended the OASIS teachers and staff: Jill Sherman, Bob Dash, Maurice Austin, Phil Comito, Laurie Mayhew, Tom Tillman, Gena Krein, Karen Schalka-Turner and Anne Ha, many of whom were in attendance. Other teachers present included Kari Schuh, Paula Towne, Brett McFarland, and administrative staff Cathy Ferran and Sara Morgan.

Jill Sherman congratulated the students for their hard work as they pursued their GEDs.She recapped the GED 70-year history, starting after World War II with those whose schooling had been disrupted by war. The GED credential documents proof that the student has attained the High School level of academic skills as diploma equivalent. In 2014, the testing system changed to all-computer testing of reasoning skills and  problem solving,  in four separate testing areas: Language Arts, Science, Social Studies and Math. The three OASIS students passed those tests, amounting to 7.5 hours in Oak Harbor and Mount Vernon.

Sherman likened the students’ “unusual path” to driving to Seattle and not using the I-5 freeway. “You’ve encountered, unique, unknown opportunities and made a million decisions along the way, mostly on your own.”

Parents and grandparents spoke of their gratitude to OASIS and the Orcas Island School District for supporting alternative education for those students who “have taken a different path.” Teacher Bob Dash said, “Standard High School isn’t for everybody. It’s a pleasure to empower that.”

Teacher Phil Comito addressed the group saying the students have demonstrated “grit — the secret to success —  being challenged and fighting through the challenge to find success.”

Orcas Island School District Chair Tony Ghazel presented the three with their diplomas. Board member Janet Brownell was also there to congratulate the students.