Whittell High School seniors pose on “Senior Rock” at the high school on May 20.
Photo by Sarah Drinkwine.
Whittell High School teacher Catherine Johnson said graduation is a special day, and with more than 400 students graduating in the Douglas County School District, just one special day just wasn’t enough for the classes of 2025.
Commencement ceremonies will begin with ASPIRE Academy 3 p.m. today at the CVIC Hall, followed by Whittell High School at 5:30 p.m. on the Warrior football field, and Douglas 5:30 p.m. Thursday on the Tiger baseball field.
At Whittell, students and teachers highlighted the supportive and close knit-community that defines the school.
“We get to know our students so well and we have a very close relationship,” said Johnson. “Watching them grow to this culminating moment, is pretty special.”
Students underscored the small class sizes and being able to build strong relationships with peers.
“You get to hang out with your best friends every day,” said Whittell senior Ella Schweitzer. “We got to know each other very well and hang out in and out of school.”
Some students at Douglas High School found a similar experiences of support and a sense of community.
For Fiona Jivsov and Camryn McLelland, who both moved from different schools, found their people almost immediately.
Coming from the Bay Area her sophomore year, Jivsov felt disconnected from the friends, family, and culture she grew up in.
“I suddenly felt cut off from every sense of the world from my family and friends, but I instantly met people,” she said. “Cross-country was the best for that. I found that group that I still hang out with to this day.”
McLelland, came from Alpine County her freshman year. She said getting involved in clubs and softball helped her find some places to belong in the bigger school.
She became involved in Ambush, leadership, Block D, NHS, and Key Club.
“It all just shaped me into being the confident person that I am now,” she said. “I feel ready to enter the real world.”
Douglas senior Coby Anderson said he enjoys the community Douglas brings through the teachers, clubs, sports, and programs offered.
“I enjoy the togetherness that our school tries to bring here,” he said. “Mr. Brown is a great teacher. He gets you and he will take the time with everyone so that everyone feels noticed and that their needs are being met.”
Through marching band and being a football manager, Anderson found connections with a lot of people.
As the seniors embark in their future, they left some departing words for upcoming students:
“Try hard, there’s nothing more cool than trying,” said Douglas High School senior Fiona Jivsov. “Abandon the fear of embarrassment, it just means you’re doing something you have never done before.”
“Appreciate the little things and what’s right in front of you,” said Anderson. “Tomorrow will come, it is what it is, but just do what you can today.”
“Don’t forget that it’s your own high school experience,” said McLelland. “Do what you want and what’s beneficial for your career and future, and not based on what your best friends are doing.”