Purpose, possibility, and pomp: West Sound Academy celebrates its graduates.
West Sound Academy hosted its 24th annual commencement ceremony in the Village Green Community Center in Kingston on May 31. Families, friends, and faculty gathered to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2025. Everyone cheered and applauded as the graduates entered the hall to Elgar's traditional Pomp and Circumstance March.
Catherine Freeman, Head of School at West Sound Academy, began the ceremony with a warm welcome to all in attendance. She encouraged the Class of 2025 to take a moment to appreciate the crowd gathered in honor of their accomplishments. Following her remarks, Freeman acknowledged the key figures whose support made this milestone possible—from parents and guardians to Dr. Gordon Parke, the academy’s co-founder, as well as the Board of Trustees and the dedicated faculty and staff, all of whom were met with applause for their contributions.
Virginia Staab, Chair of the Board of Trustees, introduced the commencement speaker: Lisa Gsellman, former West Sound Academy Director of Admissions and friend to the graduates and their families. Gsellman spoke fondly of how she treasured the opportunity to meet students for the first time when they visited the school. "It's not so much that I thought about this day, your graduation, but all the days in between, you would experience growth, encouragement, and tenderness."
Gsellman expressed confidence in the ability of the Class of 2025 to take on whatever comes next in life or academics. "When I think of the world ahead of you, I am so glad you are stepping out into it from the West Sound experience. Truly. Not only the skills to be a critical thinker when it seems misinformation is in front of us more than truth, but also the skills for studying, writing, advocating for yourself, and using a global lens as you contemplate all of it." She added, "West Sound has also prepared you to be a good human, and I think that is my favorite part about this school."
Gsellman told the graduates that they will ultimately find their purpose in life. "Right now is for dreaming of possibilities, let things unfold as you take this class, then the next. Read a book that blows your mind, and study abroad for a semester. Meet interesting people and steep yourself in a kind community. Your parents want you to be happy, above all else. Me too. Her last advice: "As for finding your purpose, trust that it will find you."
After Gsellman concluded her remarks, Freeman stepped up to spotlight each graduate. Guided by descriptive words provided by their teachers—terms that embodied each student’s unique character—Freeman read them aloud before calling out the graduate’s name. Each graduate then took the stage to deliver their personalized “Last Word” speech, offering touching and occasionally funny memories of their experiences at West Sound Academy. They expressed gratitude to those who had been part of their journey: family, faculty, friends, and all who had cheered them on.
As their moment approached, the graduates rose from their seats and made their way to the instruments set up nearby. Over the final weeks of the school year, and with guidance from WSA music teacher Paul Burback, the Class of 2025 rehearsed a special performance for the graduation audience, a West Sound Academy tradition for all graduating seniors.
The diploma ceremony followed. Dean of Students Cari Crane took the mic and announced each student’s name. One by one, they came forward to receive their diplomas from Freeman, pausing briefly for commemorative photos. Once every graduate had been recognized, Freeman invited the class to ceremonially shift their tassels from right to left. Cheers erupted from the audience as the newly graduated students were officially introduced as West Sound Academy alumni.
A rainy spring day shifted the celebratory cap toss indoors, away from its usual spot on the Village Green lawn. Accompanied by MGMT’s “Kids,” the graduates made their way down the aisle.
With proud smiles and teachers, family, and friends looking on, they flung their caps up to a chorus of joyful cheers and laughter.
Congratulations, Class of 2025!
Hats off to the Class of 2025 - your next chapter begins now!
Sophie Bracamonte
Sophie Bracamonte is an International Baccalaureate Certificate Candidate.
Parents: Virginia Staab and Andres Bracamonte of Bainbridge Island
Sophie will be attending University of California, Irvine.
Ian McCallister
Ian McCallister is an International Baccalaureate Diploma Candidate.
Parents: Joy and Brian McCallister of Bainbridge Island
Ian will be attending Carleton College.
Owen McCalpin
Owen McCalpin is an International Baccalaureate Certificate Candidate.
Parents: Allison McDonald and Jason McCalpin of Bainbridge Island
Owen will be attending Seattle University.
Kieran Merrifield-Peterman
Kieran Merrifield-Peterman is an International Baccalaureate Diploma Candidate.
Parent: Eric Merrifield of Poulsbo
Kieran will be attending Franklin University Switzerland.
Lucy Schmitt
Lucy Schmitt is an International Baccalaureate Diploma Candidate.
Parents: Rebecca and Dan Schmitt of Poulsbo
Lucy will be attending Western Washington University.
Jasper Schumacher
Jasper Schumacher is an International Baccalaureate Certificate Candidate.
Parents: Dana Sweaney-Schumacher of Kingston and Jason Schumacher of Bothell
Jasper will be attending Oregon State University.
Chi-An Tsai
Chi-An Tsai is an International Baccalaureate Certificate Candidate.
Parents: Mei-Lin Chen and Shu Tsai of Poulsbo
Chi-An will be attending Rutgers University.
Chihiro Yanase
Chihiro Yanase is an International Baccalaureate Diploma Candidate.
Parents: Kaori and Masakazu Yanase of Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan
Chihiro will be attending Boston University.