Vanguard Academy celebrates first graduating class
NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 10 months AGO
Members of the first graduating class of Vanguard Academy make their way out of Lions Field on June 4.
NANCE BESTON/COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD
Vanguard graduates wait to turn their tassels on June 4.
Vanguard Academy graduates walk into Lion’s Field for the first graduation ceremony for the school.
Senior Class Speaker Alyssa Wassink talks during Vanguard Academy’s first graduation.
A Vanguard Academy graduate hugs her teacher as she walks off stage June 4.
Two Vanguard Academy graduates show off their new diplomas.
MOSES LAKE — Vanguard Academy made history June 4 with the graduation of its inaugural class. The ceremony, held at Lion’s Field, featured heartfelt speeches from both staff and students as they reflected on the unique journey of project-based learning and the bonds formed throughout their high school experience.
Vanguard Principal Mathew Stevens addressed attendees, emphasizing the significance of the moment.
"Your accomplishment marked by today’s ceremony is the beginning of an opportunity for you to go out into the world and into other communities to share your amazing talents grown right here in Moses Lake at Vanguard Academy," he said. "You really are trailblazers who stepped into the unknown with a willingness to take a chance on something that was very different."
As the graduates, dressed in caps and gowns, sat in anticipation, emotions ran high. Staff speakers and supporters of project-based learning programs reflected on the journeys faced by students.
"Thank you for sticking with us, for trusting us to get you to your diploma," Superintendent Carol Lewis said. "This moment is both an ending and a beginning."
The graduates, who have spent their high school years navigating uncharted educational territories, shared their experiences.
"Being the first class to graduate from Vanguard Academy means we had no footsteps to follow, but we created the path. We set the standard,” Senior Class Speaker Alyssa Wassink said.
The speaker also thanked teachers and families for their unwavering support through the challenges and triumphs of the past four years.
The event recognized numerous achievements of the graduating class, including academic scholarships, military enlistments, and technical certifications. As each accomplishment was announced, graduates stood in a show of pride, signaling a promising future ahead.
As the ceremony neared its conclusion, Stevens reflected on the challenges faced throughout the graduates' journey.
"You've proven that this crazy project-based learning idea really does work, and this is proof right here," he said.
The graduates concluded the ceremony with the traditional turning of the tassel, officially marking their transition into adulthood.
"Congratulations, Class of 2025," they cheered together as they moved their tassels from right to left.
Vanguard graduates wait to turn their tassels on June 4.
Vanguard Academy graduates walk into Lion’s Field for the first graduation ceremony for the school.
Senior Class Speaker Alyssa Wassink talks during Vanguard Academy’s first graduation.
A Vanguard Academy graduate hugs her teacher as she walks off stage June 4.
Two Vanguard Academy graduates show off their new diplomas.ARTICLES BY NANCE BESTON
1 arrested after Highway 17 stop; detectives recover fentanyl, firearms
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Street Crimes Unit conducted a traffic stop on Highway 17 near Randolph Road and executed a search warrant Friday morning as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation.
4th-year drought declaration in WA, subtle effects in the Columbia Basin
EPHRATA — Washington’s fourth straight year of drought is expected to hit some regions hard, but in Grant and Adams counties, the impacts will look different – quieter, less visible and centered underground. Statewide, the Department of Ecology issued an emergency drought declaration after a warm winter left Washington with about half its usual snowpack, raising concerns about low summer streamflows, stressed fish populations and heightened wildfire risk. Seven of the past 10 years have included drought somewhere in the state. “If you look at our mountains, the challenge we are facing is clear,” Gov. Bob Ferguson said during a press conference Wednesday. “We’re taking emergency action to protect fish, farmers and communities across Washington.”
Sleep Diagnostic Center to close after doctor’s sentencing
MOSES LAKE — The Central Washington Sleep Diagnostic Center announced it will be closing its doors effective April 30. This includes locations in Moses Lake, Spokane Valley, Brewster and Wenatchee. The announcement follows the March 25 guilty plea from Dr. Eric Edward Haeger, 57, in United States District Court to adulterating and misbranding medical devices with the intent to defraud or mislead, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. “The adulterations by Dr Haeger show a dangerous disregard for the safety of his patients,” Washington Attorney General Nick Brown said in a statement. “This is a win for patient safety, for protecting public dollars from fraud, and for ensuring citizens of Washington get necessary healthcare. This case exemplifies the great work our team is doing in collaboration with our federal partners to fight fraud and protect Washingtonians.”