It has been a really exciting ride with this group of high school students. 2018 has faced incredible challenges and responded with amazing poise and purpose. I have never been more proud of my students. I have never been more hopeful for the future.
This is because of their brilliance, persistence and acknowledgment that “we can do more” that I hold this hope. I believe this because I know these students and they have beautifully sent their message tonight (Ellie & Ridge’s commencement address.)
This is a group of students who have grown up watching war. They have seen nations rise and crumble on social media. They have seen cities across our nation turn on themselves. Our students know the faces of hatred and bigotry all too well. They have ubiquitous access to the vile, disturbing and destructive, yet choose to look for the beauty, hope and inspiration. I have total confidence that our Columbia River High School Class of 2018 will work for a better, more peaceful world.
2018, your leadership is needed more than ever.
2018, By The Numbers:
285 total graduates in the Class of 2018
99 Honors Students – these students earned 3.3 or better cumulative GPA
68 students have reported $8.3 in scholarships and awards
52 Instructional Faculty
26 River graduates simultaneously earned an Associate of Arts Degree from Clark College
24 AVID Elective Seniors will graduate June 13 – All 24 have been accepted to college
23 wins for River’s Men’s Soccer State Championship Team
22 Outstanding Seniors were recognized on June 11 at Senior Awards
21 Full IB Diploma Candidates
15 years of Mr./Miss CR {Doernbecher #forthekids} reached $1 million total this year. Sophie Landers and Reilly Burke were 2018 pageant winners
13 Greater St. Helen’s League Team Champions
6 Players of the Year:
- Sophie Landers – Soccer – Defensive Player of the Year
- Koben Jamison – football – Defensive Player of the Year
- Kara Noftsker – Girls Swim
- Jacob Hjort – Boys Basketball
- Josh Bottleberghe – Boys Swim, Regional, State swimmer of the Year, All-American
- Sarah Ellis – Gymnastics
5 Associated Student Body Executive Council Members & 2 Senior Class Council Members
- Katie Colson, Ella Osterwiel, & Emilia Gorecki: Senior Class Council
- Sarah Ellis: Treasurer
- Rachel Ferina: Secretary
- Julie Hays: Community Outreach
- Julie Fergus: Vice President
- Tyler Troelsen: President
4 International Baccalaureate Recognitions:
- Outstanding CAS: Cece Rathburn
- Outstanding TOK: Ellie Firth
- Outstanding EE: Rachel Ferina
- Student of the Year: Michelle Kinney
3 spring performances of A Midsummer Night’s Dream
3 Individual State Championships for Josh Bottelberghe {including the 200 Freestyle Relay Team: Josh Bottelberghe, Simon Parish, Ben Phelps & Rob Mead
3 Staffulty retirements: Barbara Edwards, Carole Gibson and Barbara Moore
2 Columbia River High School Citizenship Awards: Katie Colson & Jennifer Verduzco
1 Megaband and dozens of amazing concerts, games, parades, pep assemblies, and performances by our River Musicians
1 Fulbright Distinguished Award in Teaching Grant (Media Literacy Curriculum Development) to Ms. Shana Ferguson
1 Stanford University Faculty Recognition for Excellence: Mrs. Kelly Cameron
Congratulations and best wishes to the Class of 2018!