“Pomp and Circumstance” reverberated through the crowd as renowned violinist and member of the Lummi Nation Swil Kanim welcomed the graduates of Whatcom Intergenerational High School to their commencement ceremony. Tears were shed and arms raised, proclaiming “Hy’shqe” (meaning “thank you” in Xwelmi Chosen) as family, friends, teachers and supporters honored the 16 graduates on Friday, June 14 at Bellewood Farms.
“Each of you came to us with a unique story that’s contributed to the vibrancy of our school,” said Dawn Walker, director of education. “From the first day you walked into the school — full of curiosity and anticipation — to this very moment, where you stand ready to embark on new adventures, you’ve grown, learned and transformed. It’s been amazing to watch.”
Each graduate received a bright gold cord for being part of the school’s first graduating class. The commencement marked the end of the third year for the charter school housed within Bellis Fair mall.
Gallery: Whatcom Intergenerational High School graduation
In 2021, Whatcom Intergenerational opened its doors to freshmen and sophomores. It has since expanded to four grades of 75 Whatcom County students. The school’s framework was designed and is rooted in Indigenous teachings.
“We’re always taught by our respected elders, that we must know who we are and where we come from,” said Kusemaat Shirley Williams, co-founder of the high school and a member of the Lummi Nation.
The school, Kusemaat Williams said, brings Indigenous teachings off the reservation and into a school that weaves together Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, as evidenced by the school’s logo — a woven design. Through the curriculum based on the First Peoples Principles of Learning, all are encouraged to learn from one another as well as their elders, ancestors and community.
“You’re helping us balance Indigenous and Western ways of knowing. You’re helping us honor all people’s history, culture, governance and language. You’re helping us step off the boundaries of the reservation. You’re helping with community healing,” Kusemaat Williams said in her speech to students.
A sense of community has flourished among the small group of students, evident in the tears shed and hugs shared.
The school’s sense of community is fostered by the teachers and staff through flexibility, openness and kindness, said Jenny Stoppani, the school’s student and community activities coordinator.
“Our homeroom is restorative circles. You’re doing circles to build community with your grade level,” she said. “So, instead of just working on their classwork or talking about the student handbook, they’re actually going into what’s going on in their lives.”
The school also invites volunteers, known as “allies,” into classrooms to bond with students and form intergenerational relationships.
“I love the energy,” said Sheri Clark, who is in her second year volunteering. Clark said she loves watching students grow and helping them understand the world.
“Sometimes, when you’re that young, you don’t have any idea what’s going on,” Clark said, “and I help.”
Graduate Kristen Bradley, who said she struggled in public schools, switched to the charter school for her senior year.
“Every generation holds a different story,” Bradley said. “The more we can try and connect with stories, the more problems we can prevent.”
Bradley said she’s become more independent and learned about how to be a part of a large community. She looks forward to attending Western Washington University to study psychology.
“It gave me the confidence I needed to help myself because I used to be really confused all the time. I really needed someone to hold my hand and walk me through the steps,” she said. “This school has taught me how to do it myself. I no longer need training wheels.”
Part of the training, Bradley said, resulted from the school’s phenomenon-based learning. This educational framework allows students to focus on and engage in topics they are passionate about.
Throughout the school year, students participate in a range of field trips and projects that support the community and teach them about their heritage. One group helped remove Himalayan blackberries at the disc golf course next to the mall. Most went on a camping field trip in the woods near Deming. A handful of Indigenous students visited Johns Island and burned camas plant, a traditional practice.
The mixture of the small school, unique experiences and caring teachers and staff have fostered relationships many graduates hope to last far into the future.
“It really feels sad to leave because it’s been such a great experience being here,” said graduate Erik Anshus, who attended all three years the school has been open. Anshus said he struggled to find community while in standard public schools.
“All the teachers care about everyone,” he said of Whatcom Intergenerational. “I think that’s such a cool feeling — like, the feeling that you’re going to be missed.”
The Whatcom Intergenerational High School is the only charter high school north of Seattle, according to the Washington State Charter School Commission. Charter schools in Washington are free and open to all children by choice.
Charter schools are not allowed to be religious or “engage in any sectarian practices.” They receive funding from the state, follow state-required curriculum and are supervised by the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the State Board of Education.
Next year, Whatcom Intergenerational hopes to teach between 100 and 120 students, Stoppani said.
Hailey Hoffman is a CDN visual journalist; reach her at haileyhoffman@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 103.
