A Legacy Twenty-Five Years in the Making: WSA Graduates the Class of 2026.
The year 2026 is especially meaningful for the West Sound Academy community as it celebrates the 25th commencement ceremony in the School's history. On May 30th, families, friends, faculty, and fellow students gathered at the Village Green Community Center in Kingston to honor the Class of 2026 and celebrate all they have accomplished.
The graduates walked into the hall to the familiar sounds of Sir Edward Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1. Once they were seated, Catherine Freeman, Head of School, welcomed commencement guests and set the tone for the day.
Freeman addressed the Class of 2026 and their commencement guests. “To our graduates: today is a celebration of everything you have achieved, but it is also a celebration of who you have become. You have contributed your talents, ideas, creativity, and energy to this community, and West Sound Academy is better because you have been part of it.”
“Thank you to the parents, guardians, faculty, staff, trustees, alumni, family members, and friends who have joined us today. This ceremony celebrates not only our graduates, but also the community that has supported, encouraged, and believed in them along the way.”
Freeman recognized two members of the school community whose journeys at West Sound Academy are reaching an important milestone at this commencement.
First, Freeman led the community in celebrating and thanking Crystal Thornell, whose connection to West Sound Academy spans many roles and many years. Thornell first joined the WSA community as a parent, later served as a trustee, helping guide the school's future, and, for the past three years, has served as our Director of Enrollment, welcoming families into the WSA community. This year is especially meaningful, as her second child graduates with the Class of 2026, marking the culmination of her family's journey as a WSA parent.
Next, Freeman invited the community to celebrate and thank Karen Mattick, who has been a part of West Sound Academy since 2003. For more than two decades, she has inspired students to explore, question, experiment, and better understand the world around them.
Through her passion for science, unwavering dedication to students, and deep commitment to this school, she has left an enduring mark on our community. Freeman added, “Beyond her work with students, Karen has been an extraordinary mentor to fellow teachers, generously sharing her knowledge, experience, and wisdom while helping colleagues grow in their craft. The curiosity she has sparked, the confidence she has nurtured, and the support she has provided to both students and faculty will continue to live on in this community for years to come.” Julian Erickson, a member of the Class of 2026, came to the podium to speak about the impact she has had as a teacher and leader at the school.
Freeman then welcomed the two co-founders of the school, Dr. Ed Frodel and Dr. Gordon Parke. “Twenty-seven years ago, Ed Frodel and Gordon Parke envisioned a school where students would be known, challenged, supported, and inspired. What began as an idea grew into a community that has touched the lives of hundreds of students and families and continues to shape young people today.”
Freeman continued, “The graduates seated before us are part of that legacy. Their accomplishments, and the accomplishments of every graduate who has come before them, are possible because of the vision, courage, and perseverance of those who believed this school should exist.”
Parke and Frodel read the founding mission of West Sound Academy, saying, “It is the mission of West Sound Academy that its students, faculty, and Board of Trustees: Are prepared to make a significant contribution to the welfare of others and personally to lead satisfying and productive lives…”
Virginia Staab, Chair of WSA’s Board of Trustees, came up to introduce the commencement speaker, Tandy Trower. A steadfast WSA supporter and alumni parent, Trower founded Hoaloha Robotics, a company focused on building a companion robot for seniors. Trower gave the graduates seven tips for a well-lived life, taken from his own experience in the academic and technology world. His first suggestion was “Read! Information is a key to success. Your biggest challenge these days may be what to read and what information you can trust. What you read doesn’t have to be just non-fiction. Make it a mix. Imagination is as important as facts. They challenge and expand what I experience in daily life, giving me the building blocks for what I do. In any form, consuming information is a way to invest in yourself and expand your horizons. Do you want to be a smarter person? READ!”
Before receiving their diplomas, each member of the Class of 2026 had an opportunity to share a ‘Last Word’ – a West Sound Academy commencement tradition. Each graduate had a brief message for the community—a reflection, a hope, a lesson, or simply a message of gratitude to the family and teachers who have supported them through their academic journey at WSA.
Next came another commencement tradition: the senior song. The entire graduating class left their seats and moved to where instruments, mikes, and speakers had been set up. They performed Fireflies, by Owl City to an appreciative audience.
Then came the highlight of the afternoon. As Cari Crane, WSA Dean of Students, read each graduate’s name, that person came forward to receive their diploma from Freeman. The Head of School declared them all graduates of West Sound Academy and told them they could move their tassels from right to left.
Graduates headed down the stairs to the grassy lawn in front of the Community Center, and friends and family joined them to offer their well-wishes.
Congratulations, graduates. We cannot wait to see where your journeys lead next!
Hats off to the Class of 2026 - your next chapter begins now!
Emilia Bandy
Emilia (Emmy) Bandy is an International Baccalaureate Course Candidate.
Parent: Greta Bandy of Poulsbo
Emmy will be attending Olympic College.
Merryn Daley
Merryn Daley is an International Baccalaureate Diploma Candidate.
Parents: Anna-Marie and Thomas Daley of Hansville
Merryn will be attending Loyola University Chicago to study nursing.
Julian Erickson
Julian Erickson is an International Baccalaureate Diploma Candidate.
Parents: Amy and Todd Erickson of Bainbridge Island
Julian will be attending the University of Washington.
Silas Gleasman
Silas Gleasman is an International Baccalaureate Diploma Candidate.
Parents: Danielle Gordon and Jonathan Gleasman of Bainbridge Island
Silas will take a gap year in Norway to study fashion design.
Diego Lister
Diego Lister is an International Baccalaureate Diploma Candidate.
Parents: Yanet and Jennings LIster of Silverdale
Diego will be attending Washington State University.
Wyatt McCrery
Wyatt McCrery is an International Baccalaureate Diploma Candidate.
Parents: Stepper and William McCrery of Poulsbo
Wyatt will do a two-year LDS mission, then will enroll at Cornish College of the Arts at Seattle University to study music.
Caitlin McLain
Caitlin McLain is an International Baccalaureate Diploma Candidate.
Parent: Heather McLain of Bainbridge Island
Caitlin will take a gap year for travel, then will attend Western Washington University.
Jean Paul Mohrbacher
Jean Paul (Ji) Mohrbacher is an International Baccalaureate Diploma Candidate.
Parents: Dawn and Jesse Mohrbacher of Port Townsend
Ji will be attending the University of Utah.
Helene Shaw
Helene Shaw is an International Baccalaureate Diploma Candidate.
Parents: Lucia and David Shaw of Bainbridge Island
Helene will take a gap year to travel to Costa Rica and Spain to study Spanish.
Thomas Thornell
Thomas Thornell is an International Baccalaureate Diploma Candidate.
Parents: Crystal and Brandon Thornell of Kingston
Thomas will enroll at Purdue Global to earn a BS in Professional Flight.