As graduation comes nearer for Jessica Sylvia Danielle Day Huehring, the Two Rivers School student looks back on how she found a direction and goals in her senior year.

Huehring’s personal journey in school, overcoming obstacles and finding focus, isn’t uncommon in the Snoqualmie Valley’s Class of 2010. Senior year has left a legacy of hard work as students strive for a future of opportunities.

Two Rivers Principal Tom Athanases said that many of his students found a niche at the choice school, in a way they never would at a bigger institution.

“This group is pretty exciting,” Athanases said. “They’re still making good choices in their lives and are finding a way to stay in school and be successful.”

Huering, who plans to study marine biology at Bellevue College, thanked her teachers for her success.

Without them, “I would’ve dropped out and not gotten my diploma, she said.

For Two Rivers senior Stephanie Koplin, it was one-on-one interaction she received from teachers that helped her succeed.

“What helped was focusing and having hands-on learning,” she said.

Academic gains

At Mount Si High School, the Class of 2010 leaves behind a legacy of academic achievement.

The senior class includes five valedictorians and eight National Merit commended students — more than any other graduating class — and have left their teachers proud.

“They left a huge impact in our academics,” said Jessica Easthope, a Mount Si counselor and the senior class advisor. “They’re inquiring, brilliant minds, and they’re kids that want to continue to learn, so they have lots going for them.”

“The kids are achieving, in terms of opening doors to the next stage of their life,” Principal Randy Taylor said. “It tells kids here that if they emulate them as role models, they’ll be able to achieve their post high school dreams.”

Senior Alex Rudd, a National Merit commended student, said the key to her class success was that everyone had goals and things they wanted to achieve.

“We were all driven people and had a goal for our future,” she said. “The teachers we had were people who were inspiring… were mentors.”

College bound

Mount Si High School expects to see more seniors attend colleges across the country this fall.

Numbers alone might ensure that, as the class has 330 seniors, and is the biggest to ever graduate from Mount Si.

Last year, 58 percent of grads attended four-year colleges, while 32 percent went on to a two-year technical or community college.

“I bet you’ll see those numbers rise with this group,” Easthope said.

“I’m most proud of the fact that they’re graduating,” Athanases said. “To look at the challenges they faced and stuck with it, it’s outstanding to see their personal growth.”

Graduation plans

• Two Rivers School commencement is 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 9, at Chief Kanim Middle School in Fall City. There is no limit to family member attendance for grads.

• Mount Si High School commencement is 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 11, at the high school stadium. Each grad is allowed six tickets in the covered stands and an additional three in the away stands. A lottery prior to the event allowed some students extra tickets.

• Cedarcrest High School commencement is 7 p.m. Friday, June 11, at City Church, 9051 132nd Ave., Kirkland. Each graduate is allowed 11 tickets for attendees.