In Spite of Everything, the Class of 2022 Excelled

The Lyle High School Class of 2022 held their commencement ceremony on June 4, 2022, in a traditional ceremony in the school gymnasium – the first class to do so since 2019. The normalcy of that simple ceremony was deceptive, because for these kids, high school has been anything but normal.  (See video of the ceremony here.)

When the COVID-19 pandemic started in early 2020, they were in their sophomore year. They have participated in remote learning for nearly one-half their high school years and missed experiences common to the 9^th-12^th graders. Athletics were cancelled and returned only on a very limited basis in the Spring of 2021. Proms and other social events were cancelled until the Spring of 2022.

Yet, this class somehow not only survived, but excelled. We say with all sincerity, the Lyle High School Class of 2022 deserves respect with a capital “R.” Here’s a little more about each student.

	Myeengan Syrette earned the rank of Class Valedictorian and the Principal’s Leadership Award. He also received Excellence in Social Studies and English Language Arts. Myeengan will attend Central Michigan University this fall to pursue a major in Environmental Science and a minor in Native Studies. Myeengan is a skilled Native dancer who shared two dances and spoke about their cultural significance with the school’s student body in November.  Myeengan has earned the Multicultural Advancement and Cofer Scholar Award of Distinction award from the university.
	Only a fraction of a point in grade point averages separated Myeengan and Sophie Kilian, the class Salutatorian. Sophie earned the Female Athlete of the Year and Principal’s Leadership Awards. She was awarded $500 for the Ron Halverson/Alumni scholarship, $750 for the Lions Scholarship and $1,000 for the Pamela Jane Oldenburg Memorial Scholarship. Sophie was recognized as the Washington State University Top Scholar based on her achievements in high school. Her academic achievements placed her in the top 10 percent of the incoming freshmen; as a result, she received the Distinguished University Achievement award for $4,000. She also received the WSU Regents Scholars award for $4,000 for four years. She plans to study nursing at Washington State University in Pullman and has already earned credits toward that degree by her participation in the Running Start program.
	Arturo Gutierrez received Excellence in Science and English Language Arts awards. He received $750 for the Lions Scholarship and $1,000 for the Pamela Jane Oldenburg Memorial Scholarship, and plans to pursue a degree in electrical-mechanical studies at Columbia Gorge Community College.
	Hannah Hunsaker, a strong science student, also will be attending Columbia Gorge Community College this fall.
	Haylee Hunsaker is off to Montana State University. Like her sister, she has shown an aptitude for science during her high school years.
	Wyatt Jones, who received an Excellence in Science Award, will participate in an electrician apprenticeship this year.

Two students were recognized by Principal Lori Smith with Mountain Climber Awards. These students overcame some significant challenges to achieve great things:

	Dakota Stubbs, who will attend trade school to pursue a degree in a medical field,
	and Cody Zaugg who overcame a significant credit deficit to graduate early and now plans to pursue his dreams in California.

The class had several more students who all earned college credit as a result of their participation in Running Start, a free early college program. Some earned enough to graduate with an Associate of Arts (AA) degree in addition to their high school diploma.

Running Start students include:

	Angelina Quinterro, who also received an Overall Academic Excellence Award and will attend Texas A&M with a goal of earning a degree in Equine Studies.
	Aaron Smith, also the school’s Male Athlete of the Year. He plans to enter an electrician apprenticeship following high school.
	Carly Tatro, who is also planning on entering the work force and pursuing a real estate license.
	Alana Hail, who earned an Excellence in Science Award. She is the recipient of the Beverly Ann Bryan Memorial Scholarship for $1,000 and the Lions Scholarship for $750. She plans to attend Idaho State University.

Please help us congratulate our 2022 graduates!