02/15/2006: "Griffin Bay High School Graduates"

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(Cory Cymbalista, Jack McKenna, Quinn Bailey, Rina Tappan, Kim Norton and Sean Byrne celebrate graduation)

Griffin Bay High School held its first Commencement Ceremony on Saturday afternoon,
February 11, 2006 in the Middle School Commons. The four graduating seniors are Quinn Bailey, Sean Byrne, Cory Cymbalista, and Rina Tappan. Quinn Bailey, an accomplished guitarist in classic and modern styles, will pursue a higher degree in music. Cory Cymbalista will tie up loose ends here on the island prior to heading to Hawaii where a construction job awaits. He expects to join the Navy at the conclusion of the project. Rina Tappan will attend Skagit College while considering a variety of career options. Sean Byrne will move to Seattle where he will continue to develop his career as a session drummer and attend North Seattle Community College to take advantage of their program for state-of-the-art studio production.

Kim Norton, Lead Teacher at Griffin Bay High School, noted that each of these students had overcome considerable obstacles to achieve their degrees. "A degree from an alternative school like Griffin Bay tells the world that you have self discipline, commitment, and perseverance."

In his commencement speech, school founder Jack McKenna told the graduates that the life path off the beaten track may be more dangerous, but is more likely to lead to the discovery of an individual's destiny. "In the landscape where many fail, you have prevailed. You are well prepared now to quest after your life's work and passion."

More than sixty friends and family along with San Juan Island School District officials and Board members. joined the graduates at a reception following the ceremony featuring arrangements of congratulatory flowers donated by Kings Market.

Griffin Bay is an alternative school within the San Juan Island School District, operating in its second year.