Year In The Life: Willamette Academy

The members of Willamette Academy’s Class of 2007 already walked in caps and gowns at their high school graduation ceremonies. But Saturday was their opportunity to mark the moment with their second family, the academy students and teachers they had become so close to over the past five years.

By hosting their own graduation ceremony, Willamette Academy leaders were able to send off the seniors in a special way and, most important, let them know how proud everyone feels about them reaching this accomplishment.

Friends and family members, some toting celebratory balloons, gathered in Hudson Hall for the occasion. Red programs listed the names of the 21 graduates, scholarships they received and the names of the colleges where all but three of them are heading in the fall — Portland State University, Chemeketa Community College, Oregon State University, Linfield College, Portland Community College, Western Oregon University and, of course, Willamette.

Lupe Jeronimo addressed the group, recalling some of the memories they shared during their years with the academy. “My classmates became my brothers and sisters, and my teachers became like my parents,” he said. “No matter where our separate paths take us, we’ll always be the Willamette Academy Class of 2007.”

Although the academy is saying goodbye to these students, they will not be forgotten. As interim Executive Director Will Bragg told them, “I know you will be doing great things. I have no doubt about that. We just hope that you guys fulfill your dreams.”