As part of a College and Military panel held in December, Chehalis Middle School students heard about college opportunities from W.F. West High School graduates currently enrolled in college, as well as members of the U.S. military, who shared information about their careers.  Event participants, many of whom were home for Winter break from their respective colleges or the military, visited Chehalis Middle School for the event.  More than 80 eighth grade students attended two sessions to learn about careers, colleges, campus life, and insights on what they wish they had known in middle school and high school.

“We are so thankful to these grads for coming in on their time off to and share their experiences with our Chehalis Middle School students,” said Kerri Chaput, Career and College Advisor. “We know these student-to-student interactions can have a long lasting and positive impact.”

WFW graduates who attended are:

Jessica Street- Western Washington University
Chandra Tucker- Centralia College
Sonny Holub- Central Washington University
JP Guyer-  Air Force
Dawson Brindle- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Lexis Haller- Washington State University
Jadon Hoff- Eastern Washington University
Lauren Balmelli- Gonzaga University
Julia Johnson-  Washington State University (transferred from Centralia College)
Kendall Hoffman-  Central Washington University (transferred from Centralia College)
Kody Deskins- Navy
Skyler Kelly-  Western Washington University
Chris Powe-   Centralia College
Megan Pallas-  Linfield College
Wyatt Deskins-  Northwest College, Wyoming
Riley Fisher- Portland State  University
Jacob McCarthy-  NROTC at Arizona State University

Events like this are part of the Student Achievement Initiative with a Career and College Readiness focus. Chehalis School District’s goal is for graduates be career prepared and successfully obtain a meaningful certificate or college degree post-graduation. Aware, eligible and prepared = ready.