On Saturday, June 7, Charles Wright Academy celebrated its 45th commencement. The class of 2008 selected retiring English teacher BJ Smith to deliver the faculty address. Student responses were offered by Mary Wakefield, Patrick Philley and Russell Wyatt.

In keeping with CWA tradition, graduates wore green caps and gowns. Each selected a member of CWA’s faculty, staff or board to present them with their diploma. They were invited to remove their robes and accept those diplomas in their own attire as a symbol of their individuality, although many chose to wear the caps and gowns until they were officially proclaimed graduates of Charles Wright. As the band played, they all removed their regalia to process out. The faculty enthusiastically greeted them and everyone enjoyed a reception in the Middle School’s Murray Commons.

Among the 70 seniors honored, six received awards for exemplifying the qualities the school most values. The awards are named in honor of the school’s former headmasters and recipients were selected by the faculty.

The Rev. Charles Baker Bradshaw Award was presented to Mary Wakefield of Federal Way, the senior who best demonstrates consideration for others. “She is generous, funny, intelligent and very much her own person,” says Headmaster Rob Camner. “The depth and reach of her intelligence and her literary flair are matched by her upbeat, easygoing personality and her generous outreach to those around her.”

The E. Bruce Haertl Award was presented to Kelby Schweitzer of Gig Harbor, the senior who displayed greatest improvement, particularly in her senior year. “She is poised, professional, and dedicated, even in the face of challenge,” says Camner. “She brings to each new situation — the classroom, a student council meeting, the volleyball court, a teacher conference, or a friendly conversation — her characteristic strong work ethic and commitment to offering her best.”

The Philip V. Havens Award was presented to Lacey McLean of Gig Harbor, the senior who exhibited unsurpassed enthusiastic support of school activities. “With extraordinary effervescence and a skilled knack for practical solutions, she is always among the first to step up and serve,” says Camner. “She thinks big, works hard, and has a winning way of getting the job done.”

The Edgar L. Sanford Award, in an unprecedented tie, was presented to Emily Rome of Fox Island and Patrick Philley of Gig Harbor, who both exemplify the qualities the faculty look for in a Charles Wright student. Rome founded a Harry Potter discussion group, organized the inaugural Venetian Ball, served as editor-in-chief of the school newspaper and on the board of a local foundation, and acted as the community service representative for her class. “With irrepressible intellectual curiosity, willingness to take a stand or to just be herself, and with dedication to excellence in all she does, she embodies the qualities we prize,” says Camner.

Throughout his high school years, Philley volunteered his free periods to serve as an academic mentor. He was at the top of his class academically, won all-league honors in three sports, led the basketball team to a state championship, was elected to class office multiple times, and served on the youth board of a local non-profit foundation. “He has a rare ability to blend dignity with humor while remaining modest and soft-spoken,” says Camner.

The Robert W. Minnerly Award was presented to Reagan Haroldson of Lakewood, the senior who most demonstrates good citizenship through respectfulness, integrity, and fairness. “Reagan is a mature, earnest and considerate leader who quietly and consistently gives back to his community through service,” says Camner. As early as kindergarten his teachers noted, “He is very perceptive of the needs of others and takes the initiative to offer help.” His quiet leadership has continued ever since. In seventh grade he spent part of his summer in a service-leadership program helping Alzheimers patients and others with physical challenges, as well as the homeless. His church congregation elected him to serve on its governing board. He logged more than 500 hours of community service in his senior year.