Issaquah High School class of 2013, bright in purple, says goodbye

Published 5:19 pm Monday, June 17, 2013

It was bittersweet for Issaquah High School principal Paula Phelps, as she spoke to the class of 2013, since after 15 years, this is her last as the principal at IHS. Phelps praised the class for their many academic accomplishments as well as its contribution to their community through service.

While she wished them success, she emphasized that she wanted them to be happy and content — and laugh — everyday while they work as a scientist, teacher or whatever they end up doing.

Issaquah High School had an astounding eight valedictorians who each took turns addressing the crowd. They had high praise for the teachers at IHS.

“We’ve spent most of our lives in school learning stuff we’ll probably forget, but we won’t forget our teachers here for their talent and enthusiasm,” said valedictorian Birte Fichter. Valedictorian Zoey Kapusinski spoke of the school’s supportive nature also praising the Issaquah Schools Foundation for all the good it has done.

“Take the support you’ve learned here and pay it forward,” she said to her fellow graduates.

Class speaker Miranda Hansen brought the humor to the commencement starting out referring to the eight valedictorians.

“No matter who you cheated off of, the answers were probably right,” Hansen said.

She closed with a rap routine performed by her alter-ego, “Mer-Kat in the hood,” to the delight of the class.

But it was math teacher Jonathan Ko whose emotional speech hushed the crowd. He recalled an IHS student who graduated six years ago named Kristy LeMond. She died at the tender age of 24 from cancer after living her life to the maximum.

“What I learned from Kristy is that I don’t know anything,” Ko said with a shaking voice. “Live your life to bring joy and happiness to others. If you’re going to live life recklessly than do it for others.”

This was also Ko’s last year at IHS, who joked that when they all return home in four years, their rooms will smell different because they’ll be clean.

Issaquah High School students beam as they enter Safeco Field to “Pomp and Circumstance” at their commencement.

Senior class president of IHS, Alita Campbell, addresses the class of 2013.

Retiring superintendent, Dr. Steve Rasmussen, takes a photo of his last IHS class as he enters Safeco Field.