SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake Class of 2025 has not had an easy time getting where it is, said principal William Britt. 

“This journey, your journey, has been one to remember, from the late nights spent on homework to the anxiety of exams to moments when everything felt overwhelming,” Britt said. “You have made it all with grit, humor and heart. Statistically, many of you weren't expected to be here, and yet here you are walking proudly, head held high, chest out, proving to the world that I am someone. I am great. I will not be another statistic.” 

The 27 seniors who graduated May 31 persevered through the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath, Britt said, as well as facing personal challenges and setbacks. But the students who struggle become creative thinkers and world-changers, he said.  

“I can say that with conviction because I lived it,” Britt said. “I know what it's like to hustle to meet ends meet … I know what it's like to run out of food stamps and to rely on a friend’s home for a warm meal, a clean shower and a pillow to sleep at night. We moved often when rent became too high, which meant starting over at new schools over and over again. When I look at you, I just don't see students. I see myself.” 

Of the students in the class of 2025, seven had gone their entire school career through Soap Lake schools, said school counselor Jeremiah Baergen, and several were multi-generational Eagles whose parents and grandparents had also graduated from Soap Lake. One of those was ASB President Addison Frazier. Frazier read some dreams her classmates had written about in the fifth grade: dreams of becoming a dancer or a professional athlete or a zookeeper. Those dreams may not have stayed the same, Frazier said, but other dreams are out there for the taking. 

“Life isn't something that happens to us,” Frazier said. “It's something we build every day with our choices, energy and passion. Remember to take it all in, whether it's joining on your friend group, helping someone in need, or chasing a dream or simply laughing a little louder. As soon as we step into this new start in life, don't wait for the perfect moment to jump in. This is it right now; this is our perfect moment.” 

Valedictorian Sophia Opalko was not a lifelong Soap Lake student, having moved to town seven years ago, she said.  

“This diploma is not just paper,” she said. “It is proof you're capable, you're worthy and you're just getting started. Be proud of what you've accomplished, and even more proud of what you'll become. This is not the end. This is just the beginning of your story.” 

“The average life expectancy is about 75 years,” Britt said. “You spent 18 years of those growing up with us today, going out there and meeting your mark … Congratulations, Class of 2025. You’ve got this.” 

    Soap Lake High School Principal William Britt addresses the Class of 2025 for the last time May 31.
  

    Members of the Soap Lake High School Class of 2025 turn the tassels on their caps, symbolizing the transition from students to graduates, May 31.
  

    New Soap Lake High School graduate Lilly Monroy, left, chats with Sinai Gonzalez after graduation May 31.