Excitement abounds for SHS grads

Onward and upward for Sequim’s Class of 2025.

Approximately 175 Sequim High School graduates celebrated completion of their senior year on June 6 with a commencement ceremony on Myron Teterud’s Field with hundreds of family and friends cheering them on.

See more photos from graduation here, scholarship nigh t here, and the SHS Grad Walk here.

Skylar Krzyworz, one of six valedictorians, told the crowd that since she was little, she dreamed of being at graduation, giving a speech and hitting the ceremonial gong to commemorate their journey.

“Today, we stand together, not just as individuals, but as a collective force,” she said. “Within our class lies a thousand lifetimes of strength, courage, and hope.”

Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash/ Skylar Krzyworz, a 2025 Sequim High School valedictorian, told fellow graduates that while each graduate has a different path, “no matter where we end up, we will always share the halls of Sequim high school.”

Krzyworz said no matter where they end up, “somehow our stories will always remain part of each other’s, forever woven together connecting us all.”

The evening featured the Sequim Vocal Ensemble singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “We won’t stop dreaming” by Pinkzebra, student and staff speakers, and Krzyworz and fellow senior Cooper Hiatt hitting the gong as a new row of seniors had their names read aloud.

Sequim Gazette photos by Matthew Nash Jozie Mills shows her diploma with enthusiasm at Sequim High School’s graduation on June 6.

The set piece made by students behind the seniors read “The world is your masterpiece waiting to be created.”

“Over the past four years, you’ve been painting your own canvases, layer by layer, moment by moment,” said Sequim School District Superintendent Regan Nickels.

She said that through each challenge, success and lesson learned, they “added color, depth and meaning to your story.”

“Some of your brush strokes were bold … others were more subtle … each stroke mattered, each one brought you closer to the person you are today, but the ceremony is not the final painting, it’s the under painting, the foundation,” Nickels said.

Asher Bascue and Nekadius Scouller sport fun shades while listening to staff speaker Bill McFarlen at graduation.

She added that “it will never be too late to find your purpose and your conviction.”

“You hold the brush, you choose the colors and the masterpiece you create will be uniquely yours,” she said.

Life lessons

Student and staff speakers touched on a number of themes through the ceremony – happiness, exploration, milestones and more.

Braydan White, Sequim’s student elected speaker, joked that he didn’t want to speak but felt it was the best opportunity to “practice public speaking in front of hundreds of people, while wearing a purple gown and a square hat.”

Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash/ Class-elected speaker Braydan White encouraged graduates to “be kind, take risks, don’t be afraid to do the things you want to do, and above all, be true to yourself.”

He encouraged classmates by saying, “who we are today does not limit tomorrow.”

“We will be faced with new challenges in the world,” he said. “Failure will be disappointing, but it will bring the greatest lessons.

“Be kind, take risks, don’t be afraid to do the things you want to do, and above all, be true to yourself.”

Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash/ Valedictorian Jack Crecelius, after sharing some fun lingo in the opening of his speech, said “It’s good to be serious when it’s called for, and it’s good to be relaxed, when it’s needed.” “Furthermore, I think being able to discern what attitude you should wear is something everyone can benefit from,” he said.

Valedictorian Jack Crecelius shared some current phrases and slang unknown to most above the age of 18 but he feels it’s a lesson that shows “it’s good to be serious when it’s called for, and it’s good to be relaxed when it’s needed.”

“Furthermore, I think being able to discern what attitude you should wear is something everyone can benefit from,” he said.

Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash/ Valedictorian Jovi Weller said graduates should focus on being happy as their main priority. “Be mindful of what you really want and how to get there,” she said. “If you’re on your deathbed, what would your priorities be? Don’t wait until you’re dying to discover what really matters.”

Fellow valedictorian Jovi Weller encouraged graduates to strive to be happy in life, and shared examples to do so, i.e. cherish your friends, family and community; contribute to others; exercise; spend time in nature; practice gratitude, and more.

“Be mindful of what you really want and how to get there,” she said. “If you’re on your deathbed, what would your priorities be? Don’t wait until you’re dying to discover what really matters.”

Push forward

Staff-elected speakers Ian Baylon and Kimberly Heintz said they were not friends in middle school coming from different schools, but as sophomores they bonded in English class over friendly competition. They encouraged fellow graduates to look for opportunities to meet new people and/or reconnect with old acquaintances.

“(Take) a chance on somebody you may have written off a long time ago,” Baylon said.

“That’s how we hope you carry yourself moving forward through life,” Heintz said. “Never count anyone out based on one interaction.

“As a wise Bill Nye once said, ‘Everyone you will ever meet knows something you don’t.’”

Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash/ Staff-elected speakers Kimberly Heintz and Ian Baylon said they eventually became friends after a rivalry in middle school, and they encouraged fellow graduates to look for opportunities to meet new people and/or reconnect with old acquaintances.

Valedictorian Melia Nelson told the audience she hopes to be seen as more than simply a good student. She would prefer to be a good sibling, president, confidant, friend and “most importantly a good pickleball player.”

Nelson urged fellow graduates “not to become satisfied with chasing one goal, solving one part of your identity (but) to become a fully realized person, a well-rounded member of society.”

“I urge you to stay curious, always ask questions, search for new experiences for knowledge and be open to finding joy that is all around you,” she said.

“Go out and find out who you were meant to become.”

Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash/ Melia Nelson, one of six valedictorians, urged fellow graduates “not to become satisfied with chasing one goal, solving one part of your identity (but) to become a fully realized person, a well-rounded member of society.” “I urge you to stay curious, always ask questions, search for new experiences for knowledge and be open to finding joy that is all around you,” Nelson said.

Valedictorian Libby Turella fondly recalled going to high school sporting events and lining up for the SHS Grad Walk to give high fives as a younger student. She estimates she traveled more than 11,571 miles for sports as a four-year, two-sport varsity athlete, and was on two historic Sequim teams – winning a program best fourth place in state with the girls basketball team, and recording the most team victories (13) for the girls soccer team – both in 2023.

“I’m both anxious and excited for the opportunity to reinvent myself, to expand my interests, and to leave the familiarity of home,” she said about college.

Turella, planning to attend the University of Oregon, said every ending has a new beginning so she’ll be trading in her purple and gold Wolves’ colors for green before saying “Go Ducks” and squeaking a rubber duck.

Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash/ Valedictorian Libby Turella reflects on her time high-fiving past graduates at the Grad Walk, her successes with the high school basketball and soccer teams, and saying she’s been anticipating graduation day her whole life. “I’m both anxious and excited for the opportunity to reinvent myself, to expand my interests, and to leave the familiarity of home,” she said.

Valedictorian Keira Morey encouraged graduates to be kind, inspired and daring.

She listed school staff members’ kindness and the lessons she learned from them, saying “kindness shapes strong relationships and builds community.”

She also said graduates should try new things – “take risks, speak up, try new paths.”

“The future belongs to the bold, so own it,” Morey said.

Sequim Gazette photos by Matthew Nash Keira Morey was one of six valedictorians to speak at graduation. She encouraged fellow graduates to be kind, inspired and daring.

Building legacies

As the lone SHS teacher to speak, Bill McFarlen told the graduates, he holds a special place in his heart for all of them.

“Watching you grow, learn and navigate this journey has been an absolute privilege as you all are my favorites not because of your grace, your talents, or your accomplishments, but because of who you are,” he said.

“Each one of you brings a uniqueness to this world, and I hope you never forget that. Believe in yourselves.”

Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash/

McFarlen said the world “doesn’t need perfection; it needs authenticity.”

“And never forget this: You are not just graduates, you are change makers, leaders, visionaries,” he said.

“Your impact won’t be measured in titles or awards, but in the lives that you touch and the legacies you build.”

Following graduation, family members and students organized a safe and sober party through the night and into the early morning to celebrate responsibly.

Kansas Jackson happily accepts her diploma from Sequim School Board director Patrice Johnston.

Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash/ Taylor Sayer fist-bumps teacher Bill McFarlen as she and other Class of 2025 seniors walk to their graduation ceremony.

Sequim Gazette photos by Matthew Nash Lyndsai Seaton and Sierra Lomker walk to their graduation ceremony on June 6 while smiling to family and friends in the crowd.

Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash/ Mariah Stringer and Aeidon Crear line up with fellow graduates in the Sequim Middle School gymnasium as they await the walk to their graduation ceremony.

Sequim Gazette photos by Matthew Nash Israel Torres and Dillan Reynolds eagerly await graduation on June 6. “I’m a little nervous, but feel great,” Reynolds said.