King’s West students turn high school page June 6 graduation sees 33 Warriors move forward.

Not a single student in the King’s West School graduating Class of 2008 will be left to wonder, “Wait, now what?”

That’s because all 33 of them have already made post-secondary plans.

“All of us in the class of 2008 will be heading to college or the U.S. Marine Corp.,” valedictorian Matthew Yourek said to parents, faculty and friends in his valedictorian address at the school’s graduation June 6 at Crossroads Neighborhood Church in Bremerton.

In a humorous, yet insightful, speech, Yourek spoke on behalf of his classmates to thank “family, friends and guardians” as well as King’s West staff for helping the class of ’08 graduate.

With 12 grads attending Olympic College and others headed to schools such as Seattle Pacific University, Pacific Lutheran University, Lewis and Clark University and the University of Denver, this King’s West class figures to find success, wherever that may be.

“Individually, there’s some real outstanding kids,” Head of Schools Bryan Peterson said.

Nearly one-third of the graduates — nine in all — belong to the National Honors Society, an organization that recognizes students who show achievement in character, leadership, services and scholarship.

“We’re really impressed with their leadership in school,” Peterson said. “They make great leaders in the school.”

Prior to Yourek’s valedictorian address, Tiffany Maib, who will attend Northwest University, made the salutatorian address.

“Describing the Class of 2008 is difficult,” she said, using words like “courageous,” “crafty” and “capable” to describe her classmates.

Maib, who plans to study English with an emphasis in writing, attended King’s West for six years.

“It feels like just yesterday we were in seventh grade,” she said.

Others, including Washington State-bound Michelle Webster, called graduating bittersweet.

Webster said she is “sad” to part ways with good friends, but at the same time, ready to pursue life outside the King’s West halls.

“I’m very excited to be done with high school and to pursue my career interests,” she said.

Faculty member Gwen Mansfield presented diplomas to each student, individually discussing their hobbies, heroes, future plans and favorite Bible verse.

“It’s pretty exciting for me to see how far they’ve come,” Mansfield said. “Each one of them have goals for their life.”

Rev. Jim Walter was the honored guest and speaker, while Peterson conferred the diplomas.

Contact Bremerton Patriot Sports writer Wesley Remmer at wremmer@bremertonpatriot.com or (360) 308-9161.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.