Part of preparing students for the journey ahead is helping them own their next steps in their chosen career and college pathways. Last week, the W.F. West Class of 2025 proved they know where they have been and where they are going in their educational career.

Every senior in Washington state completes a High School and Beyond Plan (HSBP) outlining their steps toward graduation and their post-secondary plans. In the Chehalis School District, we're making strides toward our student achievement goal of 75 by 35 by going one step further than what the state requires. Our seniors don't just create a HSBP, they give a presentation called a Senior Culminating Project.

"The Senior Culminating Project is important because it provides the students with the opportunity to showcase their knowledge, skills, and growth over the course of their high school career," said W.F. West teacher Christine Fralick. "Additionally, it allows for the development of critical skills such as public speaking, organization, and the ability to respond to questions."

W.F. West's Senior Culminating Projects start with the basis of the state required HSBP. Starting no later than 8th grade, Washington state law requires students to begin creating a HSBP that includes:

The Senior Culminating Projects created by W.F. West seniors give students a chance to reflect on their HSBP and create a presentation about their road to graduation and beyond that they share with a small group of teachers and staff members.

While each presentation is unique to the senior presenting it, they all include:

"It offers them the chance to reflect on their experiences and demonstrate their readiness for the next stage of their lives," explained Fralick. "The presentations truly are a highlight of their senior year!"