Best in the Class of 2017: Lake City and Post Falls
Editor’s note: This is the second in a series of articles about local high school valedictorians and salutatorians in the Class of 2017. On Wednesday, read about the Best in the Class of 2017: Lakeland High.
LAKE CITY HIGH
Elizabeth James is this year’s valedictorian at Lake City High. James, 17, carries a 4.54 weighted grade point average, 4.0 in unweighted classes. She’ll attend the University of Southern California in the fall to study environmental engineering, with the goal of someday implementing clean water infrastructure around the world.
“The most important thing I’ve learned is that challenging myself should be the ultimate goal in whatever I do,” James said. “If I hadn’t challenged myself with difficult classes and extracurricular activities, I never would have had the same experiences or made the same connections that I have been able to in the past four years. As I move on, I know that seeking paths that challenge me will be enriching and vital to my growth.”
Jocie Osika is this year’s salutatorian at Lake City. Osika, 18, was born in Missoula, but has lived most of her life in Coeur d’Alene.
She has a 4.483 grade point average in weighted classes, 4.0 in unweighted classes and plans to attend the University of Idaho, where she also will compete on the track and field team. Osika will be part of the Honors Program as a cultural anthropology major, though she’s considering adding another major. After graduation, she hopes to study abroad while working toward her master’s degree.
“I feel as though I have time to form my career goals,” Osika said. “But I know my priority lies with fulfillment rather than money. The most important thing I have learned from school is the ambiguity of correct viewpoints. No matter how many facts are presented for an argument, an opposing opinion may be just as valid. Understanding that multiple viewpoints can be acceptable and respectable will allow me to be more open minded, which in turn will open more doors of opportunity. Throughout my life, I will use this knowledge to do my part in the building of a more emotionally connected world. The battle between opinions of right and wrong is impossible — instead we must focus on respect.”
Lake City will celebrate its graduation on Saturday, June 10 at 11 a.m. in the high school gymnasium.
POST FALLS HIGH
Kaytlyn Brenneman is the Post Falls High valedictorian with a 4.36 grade point average.
Brenneman, a 17-year-old Post Falls native, will attend Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minn. — a Division III school — where she’ll compete in gymnastics and study to become a physical therapist. Her plans include becoming a physical therapist and also coaching team gymnastics.
“Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” Brenneman said. “Over the years, many people have helped to teach me to believe in myself and keep pushing through. As a result, I have learned to trust that if I want to accomplish something, all I have to do is set my mind to it and persevere, and then I can — and will — make it happen.”
Savannah Bravo and Alexis Young will serve as co-salutatorians.
Bravo, 18, carries a 4.352 grade point average and will attend Montana State in the fall, going into the biochemistry program to become a pharmaceutical scientist.
“If there is one lesson that high school has taught me it is that hard work pays off,” Bravo said. “Nothing comes without working for it. This is something that will always motivate me to put in the effort to meet my goals.”
Young, 18, holds a 4.0 grade point average — 4.316 in weighted classes — and plans to attend Brigham Young-Idaho, participating in the pre-pharmacy program, and someday becoming a travel pharmacist. Her favorite quote is, “If you think education is expensive, try ignorance,” by Derek Bok.
“The greatest lesson I have learned from my education so far is that gaining knowledge and intelligence is worth it, no matter the mental or physical strain,” Young said. “As I begin my college career, this quote will remind me that it also financially worth it. Learning and attending school is a privilege, and I have come to enjoy learning and the struggles that accompany that process.”
Post Falls will celebrate its graduation on Thursday, June 8 at 7 p.m. in the high school gymnasium.