Top Scholars: 20 Twin Cities High School Graduates Honored

Posted

These are the top 10 graduates of Centralia High School and W.F. West as selected by the school districts. The Chronicle congratulates them for their achievements and wishes them the best as they set out on the next stages of their lives. 

Chosen as the best and the brightest, the students have vast goals, which range in the pursuit of degrees varying from forensic science and education to athletic training and accounting.

They’ll be among the hundreds of graduates at a pair of ceremonies Friday and Saturday. 

Centralia High School’s graduation will be at 7:30 p.m. on Friday at the Northwest Sports Hub, 701 Allen Ave. in Centralia. Doors open to ticket holders at 6 p.m. The general public will be admitted after 7 p.m. until the facility capacity is reached.

W.F. West High School’s graduation commencement will be at 6 p.m. on Saturday in the school’s gymnasium. There will be a reception in the commons following the ceremony. 

The high school is located at 342 SW 16th St., Chehalis. To watch the graduation ceremony live online, go to youtube.com/watch?v=TAtygVfqREc.

Centralia High School Top 10 Students

Hannah Jeffries

Hannah Sheree Jeffries, daughter of Paul and Michelle Jeffries, is ranked first in her class with a 4.0 grade point average while taking AP, College in the Classroom and honors classes. In addition to her academic success, Jeffries has participated in numerous extracurricular activities, including holding class office, jazz band and orchestra, of which she is currently president. Hannah has qualified to compete at state for the marimba twice and in an orchestra ensemble her senior year. She is also involved in clubs, including Science Club, ASL Club and president of National Honor Society. Jeffries competed in varsity soccer her first two years along with varsity tennis all four years, captain for two, while qualifying for state in doubles. Jeffries will attend Pacific Lutheran University to pursue a degree in biochemistry, with minors in music and Spanish. She will join the PLU women’s tennis team along with their symphonic orchestra on violin. Jeffries is striving to become a forensic scientist after receiving a doctor’s degree in forensic science and DNA analysis.

Joseph Maxwell

Joseph Littletree Maxwell, son of John and Karen Maxwell, is ranked second in his class on the Top Ten Index. He strived for academic excellence taking rigorous AP, Honors and Running Start courses all the while maintaining a 3.95 GPA. He enjoyed playing sports on the junior varsity baseball and varsity cross country teams. He has spent a great deal of time in the fine arts wing and has many fond memories of music and theater performances. He has a great love for his community and giving back,spending hundreds of hours in community service during high school. He dedicated much of this time to enriching his community through the performing arts and educating younger students through faith formation classes in his church community. He plans to attend Wyoming Catholic College in the fall, where he will study liberal arts through a rigorous Great Books education and outdoor leadership program. Maxwell plans to pursue a career in education where he can continue to serve his community.

Noah Thomas

Noah Fitzgerald Thomas is the son of Chris and Sarah Thomas. He is ranked third in the Class of 2017 based on the Top Ten Index, while taking honors and Running Start courses. His most rewarding high school experience has been his involvement in the sports medicine program. He has logged 1,000 clinical hours over four years and plans to pursue a career in the field of sports medicine. Thomas is a two-year letterman in baseball and a four-year letterman in golf. This May, Thomas represented Centralia High School at the 2A state golf competition in Spokane. He has played the viola since fourth grade and competed at the State Solo & Ensemble competition in April. He has been a part of Young Life since his sophomore year, and plans to continue to be a part of the program after high school. Thomas will be attending Washington State University in the fall and will major in athletic training and minor in strength and conditioning. 

Abigail Hopkins 

Abigail Lyn Hopkins is the daughter of Keith and Laurel Hopkins. She is fourth in her class, and has taken a variety of classes, including honors and College in the Classroom courses. Abbie has participated in a number of extracurricular activities, including four years of tennis, lettering junior and senior years, and being in band for eight. She has also been involved in several clubs, but most influentially in National Honor Society, as an officer for two years, and Future Business Leaders of America. Involvement in the community has played an important role during Hopkins’ high school career. She has been a Cispus counselor for the last three years, and considers it a highlight of high school. She is also an active member in her church, especially in the youth group. Hopkins enjoys business, and will attend Whitworth University in the fall where she will pursue her bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis on marketing. Eventually, she would like to work as a marketing specialist. 

Brian Murray II

Brian Murray II, was born in Seattle, but has gone to Centralia schools since preschool and is graduating fifth in his class. He is the son of Miranda Silva and Brian Murray. In the second grade, three of his cousins became his newly adopted brothers and sisters, all raised alongside Murray and his other siblings by their single mom. Their family became known as that one big weird family, the one that made everyday grocery runs look like field trips or the one that could make up an entire sports team on the playground on its own. That’s what drives him; he wants to give his younger siblings a great example and role model that he never had. Throughout high school, Murray has been involved in orchestra inside and out of school and participated in the Running Start program, allowing him to also graduate with his AA degree. Next fall, he will continue his education at the University of Washington, Tacoma, studying business administration with a focus in accounting.

 Nikolas Evans

Nikolas Evans, the son of Matt Evans and Audra-Messegee-Evans, is ranked sixth in the Class of 2017 based upon the Top Ten index. He accomplished this while taking honor courses for his first two years of high school, and doing full time Running Start at Centralia College during his last two years. Evans is also involved in Poseidon Aquatic Club, the local swim team, and has been participating in competitive swimming for seven years. If not studying or swimming, Evans usually spends most of his time reading, spending time with his family, watching some of his favorite shows, or working as a lifeguard and swim instructor at Thorbeckes Aquatic Center. Cultural anthropology, a class that Evans is currently taking, is his favorite class that he has taken so far because he enjoys learning about other cultures. Evans will graduate with his associate degree this June and plans to attend Western Washington University in the fall, where he hopes to find a career that he will enjoy doing for the rest of his life. 

Maya Patraca

Maya Patraca is the daughter of Kimberly Metz and Samuel Patraca. She is ranked seventh in her class based on the Top Ten Index, all while taking rigorous AP classes including English, Spanish, physics, taking Global Issues through Eastern Washington University and calculus through the University of Washington. Additionally, Patraca has been playing the cello since fourth grade. Patraca has participated in many activities in and outside of school as well as working a part-time job. Since the sixth grade she has been a member of the FFA and served as chapter president her junior year. During this time one of her greatest accomplishments has been winning Round Robin (Master Showman) this past summer at the Southwest Washington Fair. Patraca has also been actively involved in Key Club, FBLA and student government as senior class president. One of Patraca’s most rewarding activities is serving as a big sister through the Big Brother Big Sister program. This fall, Patraca plans to attend the University of Washington, studying pre-med, and plans to become a physician. 

Zackary Stelzner

Zackary Stelzner, son of Matt and Kristi Stelzner, has participated in a multitude of activities at Centralia High School, helping place him as No. 8 in the top ten of his class. He has taken honors courses for science, English and also Running Start courses for two years at Centralia College. Stelzner has also participated in various sports and lettered three times in boys golf and has participated in track as well. Stelzner has competed with his violin along with some of his friends in the local solo-ensemble competition for four years. They received three superior scores, placed above everyone else in their category and have moved on to play at the state solo ensemble competition in Ellensburg. He has played his violin for a solid nine years, starting in the fourth grade. He has a passion for playing music, including the guitar. Stelzner plans on attending Washington State University and earning his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and possibly pursuing his master’s degree as well. 

Chloe McLachlan

Chloe Patricia McLachlan is the daughter of Jennifer Hankinson and Douglas McLachlan. She is ranked ninth in her senior class based on the Top Ten Index. During her school career she has played volleyball for the past five years. She also played fast pitch for the past 10 years. While participating in extracurricular activities, McLachlan took AP and honors classes in math, English and science. She spent several hours volunteering at different establishments, such as the rehabilitation center, an elementary school and assisted with coaching a younger fast pitch team. McLachlan has spent two summers in England and Italy, and has traveled to Alaska, as well as other states. The next path she has chosen is to attend Washington State University Vancouver in the fall. She plans to get her bachelor’s degree in science and then continue on her journey to a veterinarian school, where she will get her degree in veterinary medicine. After all of the schooling, McLachlan plans on establishing her own veterinarian clinic. 



Lacey Duffy

Lacey Rebecca Duffy is the daughter of Mike and Heather Duffy. She has taken honors and AP courses throughout her high school career and is ranked tenth in the Class of 2017 based on the Top Ten Index. While in high school, she took a variety of classes, with her favorites being AP calculus, Microsoft Office, chemistry and sports medicine. She was one of two juniors taking AP calculus. Duffy was also able to become a Microsoft Office specialist 2013 master by the end of her junior year. In addition to her classes, she also was involved in Young Life, FFA, golf and rifle club. She played on the golf team all four years and got her varsity letter three of those four years. She joined rifle club her sophomore year and lettered all three years on the team and earned the rank of expert marksman. She had the chance to go to state twice and nationals once for rifle club. After graduating, Duffy plans to go to Centralia College to get her bachelor’s degree in teaching. 

 W.F. West High School Top 10 Students

 Kaelen Bach

Kaelen Rose Bach, daughter of Dave and Lisa Bach, is graduating first in her class with a4.0 grade point average. She will be graduating with honors in STEM, English, humanities and performing arts. Throughout high school she has participated in volleyball, track and field, Ignite Club, Global History and Culture Club. She served as the president of the National Honor Society, and as the drum major of the pep band. As a sophomore and junior she went to state with the woodwind choir. She has had the opportunity to attend several leadership conferences, including the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership conference and the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. Bach was selected the first ever recipient of the Lewis County High School Hero Award. She will be attending Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho, to major in nursing. Bach aspires to be a neonatal nurse, serving and loving all people she comes into contact with to the best of her ability. 

Jason Chung

Jason David Hyunjoon Chung, son of Drs. Paul and Iris Chung, is graduating second in his class with a 3.994 GPA. He received an A- in a class the first semester of freshman year and lamented the fact he would never have a 4.0. He is currently finishing his second year of Running Start at Centralia College. Chung played on the tennis team for four years and was busy practicing violin and piano in his spare time. He placed first in the WSMTA Conference honors recital competition the last two years and received the honor of playing piano for the Washington State Music Teachers Association’s annual conventions. For his near perfect scores on the PSAT, SAT and academic achievements, he was a finalist in the National Merit Scholarship Competition. This year Chung was the senator for Executive Affairs at Centralia College and enjoyed student activities as well as participating in college administrative affairs. He plans to attend Southern Adventist University in Tennessee, where he will room with his brother, Jared, and continue his pre-medical studies in pursuit of becoming a doctor.

Andrew Painter

Andrew Michael Painter, son of Cary and Cathie Painter, is graduating second in his class with a 3.994 GPA. He is graduating with honors in all four pathways: STEM, English, humanities and performing arts. Throughout his four years in high school, Painter has been involved in ASB Leadership, tennis, track and field, band, jazz band, National Honor Society, Ignite Club, Link Crew, the Core/Flex Advisory Council and the CCR Block Steering Committee. In these clubs and activities, Painter has been in multiple leadership positions, which include class president, team captain of three sports teams, woodwind captain of the band, vice president of NHS, and coordinator of the Lead Peer Mentor program. Painter has also received high recognition in band by qualifying for state solo and ensemble, and multiple honor bands around the region. Painter will be attending Western Washington University in the fall, majoring in kinesiology-prehealthcare professions. After completing his undergraduate studies, Painter plans to become a physician assistant.

Andrew Mann

Drew K. Mann, son of Kenny Mann and Lisa Horsley-Hull, is graduating third in his class with a 3.993 GPA. He is graduating with honors in STEM. In his time at W.F. West High School, Mann has participated in various activities including yearbook editor, ASB officer – spirit coordinator, ASB Camp, Link Leader, Leadership Class, Spirit Club co-president, club and high school soccer, Soccer Club president, homecoming court, spirit court, prom committee, National Honor Society, National High School Scholars and AIST Soccer in Europe, playing in the United World Games in 2017. He will be attending Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona, where he has been accepted into the Barrett Honors Program. He plans to receive a bachelor’s degree in accounting and then a master’s degree while preparing to sit for the certified public accountant exam. After receiving CPA certification, he plans to work for a Big Four accounting firm, eventually becoming a chief financial officer and owning his own business.

Andrew Kim

Jeongmin (Andrew) Kim, son of Daeyoo Kim and Haesook Nam, is graduating fourth in his class with a 3.987 GPA. He was a Running Start student, attending Centralia College his junior and senior years. In his freshman and sophomore years, he participated in forensics, global history and culture club, golf, wind ensemble, pep band, jazz band, the musical “Back to the 80s,” and much more. He plans to enlist in the U.S. Army next year, but if the process is delayed, he will remain at Centralia College. He intends to major in engineering, civil or mechanical. His future plan is to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering and to become a U.S. army officer.

Chloe Bradley

Chloe Alexis Bradley, daughter of Jason and Jody Bradley, is graduating fifth in her class with a 3.977 GPA. She is graduating with honors in STEM, English and humanities. Throughout her four years of high school, she has been active in the theater program, participating in nine shows and earning an honorable mention from The Fifth Avenue Theater for her role as Grandma Addams in the Addams Family. In Bradley’s freshman year, she played soccer on the W.F. West soccer team. During her junior and senior years, Bradley competed for the W.F. West equestrian team on her horse Cherokee, attending state for drill team both years. Bradley also attended American Legion Auxiliary Evergreen Girls State in Ellensburg. She has been a part of National Honor Society for three years, and a part of Equestrian Club for two years. Bradley plans to attend Centralia College for two years to finish her prerequisites and then transfer to a university. She hopes to earn a bachelor’s degree in journalism and become an agent or an editor in a publishing company.

Jordan Norquist

Jordan Leanne Norquist, daughter of Henry and Erica Norquist, is graduating sixth in her class with a 3.964 GPA. Jordan is graduating with Honors in STEM and English. Over the course of her four years, Norquist has participated in Ignite Club, the Global History and Culture Club, Pottery Club, the string orchestra and the tennis team as a varsity athlete. In her spare time, Jordan enjoys snapping photos of her surroundings, skiing, reading and spending quality time with her family and friends. For most of her life, Norquist has volunteered and collected pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House. Norquist has enjoyed participating in events with her church such as serving meals at the Lewis County Gospel Mission and the CROP Hunger Walk. Next fall, Norquist will be attending Washington State University in Pullman. In college, Norquist will pursue a major in psychology with minors in human development and business. She strives toward realizing her dream of becoming a school counselor or therapist.

Shannon Flexhaug

Shannon Kamille Flexhaug, daughter of Bradley and Kamille Flexhaug, is graduating seventh in her class with a 3.959 GPA. She is graduating with honors in English and humanities. During her time at W.F. West High School, she was part of the swim team, the tennis team, Global History and Culture Club, and she did over 30 hours of community service. Next year she will be attending BYU-Idaho and majoring in general studies, until she finds a career that she would like to pursue. Her career goal is to find a job that she can enjoy, even when she has done it for years and that can support a family.

Kimberly Frazier

Kimberly Rose Frazier, daughter of Jeff and Debra Frazier, is graduating eighth in her class with a 3.914 GPA. She is graduating with honors in the areas of STEM, English and humanities. Frazier has attended W.F. West all four years, and throughout her high school career, she has participated in numerous activities, including soccer, fastpitch, National Honor Society, Ignite/ Spirit clubs and student government. This fall, she will be attending Southwestern Oregon Community College on an athletic scholarship to play softball, with hopes of obtaining the prerequisites for nursing and transferring to Lower Columbia for the nursing program. She aspires to become an ICU nurse, and dreams of working at Seattle Children’s Hospital in the neonatal intensive care unit. She wants to make a difference in a child’s life, and hopes to do this within the field of nursing. 

Hunter Snyder

Hunter Snyder, daughter of Mitch Snyder and Michele Walpole, is graduating ninth in her class with a 3.909 GPA. She is graduating with honors in STEM and humanities. She would like to thank her mom, her dad and her step dad for supporting her through school and life in general. In high school, she has enjoyed competing on the swim and track and field teams for four years as well as basketball for two years and cheer for one year. High school athletics have provided her with many opportunities such as competing at state and helping with youth athletic camps. She has also had the honor of serving her school as Associated Student Body assemblies coordinator, vice president and president.This fall she will be attending Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona, to pursue a degree in biology with an emphasis in pre-physical therapy. She plans to continue her education into graduate school to earn a doctoral degree in physical therapy and a master’s degree in nutrition.