Graduating seniors ready to shine

Alana Darcher

Naselle High School’s Valedictorian, Alana Darcher, will graduate this week and add a high school diploma as well as a college degree to her resumé. Darcher has attended Clatsop Community College for the last two years and will graduate from there with a general studies transfer degree focusing on science and math.

“I am going to Emory University in late August to study neuroscience,” said 18 year-old Darcher. “I’m really excited!” Emory ranks among the top national universities in U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges."

The daughter of Ed and Janet Darcher of Naselle, Alana spends much of her free time working at the Blue Scorcher Bakery in Astoria. “I’ve been doing a lot of baking,” she said, “its hard work and early mornings but I love it so much.”

Though Darcher attended NHS full-time through her Sophomore year, she admits that much of her social life takes place in Astoria where she is currently taking four classes in addition to an online German language course. “I take a lot of upper level classes at Clatsop and it can be strange that I am the youngest person in each one. My friends sometimes forget how young I am,” Darcher laughed.

Of being awarded the honor of Valedictorian, Darcher said, “I was surprised! I wasn’t sure if I was in the running as far as credits and the grading system between Naselle High School and Clatsop. When I found out that it was me, I was happy.”

In regards to graduation, Darcher admited, “I will be making a speech. I am almost ready but I have to admit that I may never be completely prepared.” With top academic honors in her graduating class and a college degree under her belt, one would presume that this Atlanta bound senior will do just fine.

Cramer Smith

Balancing academics, athletics, extracurricular activities and a social life is a juggling act for most high school students. Cramer Smith, Naselle-Grays River Valley High School salutatorian, makes it look easy. In his four years at NHS, Smith has represented the Comets as a Varsity athlete, ASB officer, and a member of band and drama club. In fact, his school Counselor, Justin Laine, describes Smith as a “standout track and cross country runner.”

Smith looks back at his journey in student government with fondness as well. “My junior year I ran for ASB Vice President. I got elected. Then, that year’s President fell seriously ill, so I took the place of the president for most of the year. I then ran for President myself and am currently serving that position.”

With enough accolades to make him desirable to countless universities, Smith adds to his impressive resumé several community activities, service projects, and part-time work.

“I helped build my church,” Smith recalls. “When I was younger, I helped wheel barrow the sand to the right places. I also went on a mission trip to El Salvador and ran the soundboard at youth group every Tuesday.”

The son of Scott and Colleen Smith, Cramer plans to attend the University of Washington in pursuit of a degree in computer engineering.

“I’ve always wanted to be an engineer,” Smith said. “I love Apple computers and products so I looked into computer engineering and quickly decided that that is what I want to do with my life. Technology is becoming more and more integrated into everyday lives and consequently computer engineers are needed in more and more areas.”

Due to his ambition and dedication his peers and teachers have no doubt that this outstanding High School senior will succeed in achieving his goals.

Ashley Silva

Wahkiakum High School’s 2012 Valedictorian, Ashley Nicole Silva, is willing to bestow some wisdom on the underclassmen in the community.

“Homework,” she said. “Do your homework. It’s all you really need to do to survive high school.”

Ashley is the eldest daughter of Tony and Marlena Silva. “My parents have always inspired me to do my best. A part of my hard work has been for them. I want to make them proud,” said 17-year-old Silva.

In addition to playing three sports Ashley has served as Wahkiakum High School’s ASB Vice President, the Key Club President for two years running, and has logged countless hours volunteering for Doernbecher Children’s Hospital and the Wahkiakum Community Network.

“I’ve been able to take a leadership role in the advocacy group that the community network has created, facilitating meetings and working with the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA),” said Silva.

“Ashley represents one of our finest leaders,” said High School Principal Dan Casler. “She works towards a variety of improvements in our school in a very humble way. This is not to mention her academic success and expectations of herself.”

With a 3.9 grade-point-average, Silva ranks highest academically among her graduating class. “I guess it’s always been a goal of mine,” Silva admited humbly, “but it wasn’t really a surprise. I’ve known for a while that I would be Valedictorian. I’ve worked for it.”

With graduation just around the corner, Silva is taking time to appreciate all of the little things that our community has to offer. “I’ve lived here all of my life,” Silva explained. “I’ve been able to be with my friends from kindergarten through senior year. Graduating is kind of bittersweet.”

Silva plans to enjoy her summer months lifeguarding at the local pool and then pack her bags for the cozy dorm room that awaits her in Forest Grove, Oregon. Silva will attend Pacific University, a small, private university with traditions dating back to 1849.

“I’ll start classes around the 24th of August, my 18th birthday,” said Silva.

Drawn to the small town feel of Forest Grove, Silva looks forward to studying to become an optometrist and feels that Wahkiakum has efficiently prepared her for all of the science classes that lay ahead.

“Science is my favorite subject,” Silva said, and this is a good thing. With a prospective career as an eye doctor, Silva will be well-versed in classes highlighting biology and anatomy. For a girl who has always balanced a busy schedule, Silva is likely to thrive.

“I’ve always put academics first, before sports and everything else,” Ashley says and it may be this approach that will help Silva stand out against her fellow students.

James Turner

He is described by his peers as “smart” and “extremely academic” but in person Wahkiakum High School senior James Turner exudes a humble quality. In addition to the prestige he has received by taking advanced placement classes and making the honor roll, Turner, 18, can now add WHS Salutatorian for the class of 2012 to his list of credentials.

“James has challenged himself as a serious student. He has taken every advanced class that Wahkiakum has to offer and will do great things. This is in addition to the fact that we will share an alma mater in the future,” said Principal Dan Casler.

Casler graduated from Evergreen State College in Olympia where Turner will begin classes this fall. Turner aspires to complete a degree in English and looks forward to advanced literature and writing classes. For his senior project, Turner assembled a writing portfolio and presented the compilation of his work to a panel.

“The presentation went well,” Turner said.

With his senior project out of the way, Turner now focuses his attention and energy on his last assignment as a high school senior.

“I am making a speech at graduation,” said Turner. “The speech is ready but I am nervous.”

Reflecting back on his time at Wa-Ki-Hi, Turner can’t say what his best memory is but does have at least one regret.

“I didn’t get enough sleep,” Turner admitted.

To the underclassmen that wait anxiously for their day to don a cap and gown, Turner advises, “Enjoy public education while you can. Realize that the teachers are there for a reason, they’ve chosen to be at the school with us every day.” Wise words from someone regarded as the “smart guy” in the class.