On Wednesday, October 16, 2019 the W.F. West Chapter of the National Honor Society recognized and inducted students in an evening ceremony. The ceremony was conducted by student leaders who also coordinate annual events for the 205 member chapter. Group leaders coordinate the work of a group of four or five members during the year.
Chehalis School Board Member and Toledo School District teacher Brennan Bailey and Dr. Ashley Bailey, Optometrist, VA Puget Sound Health Care System and intern were the keynote speakers for the ceremony. Dr. Bailey shared about her journey through high school to her career pathway. She knew from an early age that she wanted to be an optometrist. She was focused and determined, and took coursework at W. F. West High School that prepared her for that pathway. She shared her own spirit of volunteerism as part of the key to her success in high school and in getting accepted into each university that she applied too. She had a “can do” attitude through her university years and said yes to leadership and volunteer opportunities that were offered.
Mr. Bailey is a 2008 graduate of W. F. West. As part of a close knit group of friends, he enjoyed his high school years and fostered a positive network of peer and teacher support. His experience in the W. F. West Leadership class inspired him. He knew that community service and “giving back” were important life goals for him after graduation. He earned his real estate license at age 18 and worked in this profession in the Chehalis community, while finding ways to blend business with community service and leadership. In 2011, he was elected to the Chehalis School Board. The timing of his election and the beginning of the Chehalis School District work with the Chehalis Foundation to help all students prepare for post-secondary opportunities lit a fire in Bailey for public education. He earned two education degrees and teacher certification. His academic work and his community service and leadership earned him a place in a master’s program at Harvard for Educational Policy. He completed his master’s degree and is currently working on his doctorate in education.
The Bailey’s married in 2013 and will soon be the proud parents of twins who they plan to raise in the Chehalis Community. The Bailey’s were joined in their encouragement of students by Principal Bob Walters, emphasizing the importance of persistence, growth, service and leadership in preparing for satisfying futures.
National Honor Society is a long-time W. F. West tradition. In 2013, our society was aligned with the Chehalis Student Achievement Initiative as a way to encourage and recognize students striving to prepare for post-secondary pathways. Our membership has grown to 205 members on the W. F. West Campus and in the Running Start program at Centralia College. At graduation last spring, more than 60 NHS members were recognized for their scholarship, service, leadership and character. NHS is a distinguishing credential on applications and resumes. Membership requirements are posted on the W. F. West webpage. Students may join between April and September for the 2020 – 2021 school year by meeting with the advisor in room 118. The evening induction and recognition ceremony occurs every two years to provide the opportunity for students and families to celebrate this accomplishment together. In 2020, this ceremony will be held during CCR Block.
Photo by Alison Clinton
