Franklin Connection - Serving Franklin County, WA

KAHLOTUS - An outdoor graduation celebration held June 5 celebrated graduating seniors Keirnan Shaileigh Hartwell, Alicia Stanaway, Kaylin Olson and Serenity Davis.

The ceremony was staged so family members and friends could view it from their cars, and live-streamed on the school district's Facebook page.

Kaylin Olson

Valedictorian Hartwell said her classmates were the best friends she ever made, highlighting memories made with each. Hartwell thanked her mom and school staff for helping her get through school after a medical diagnosis led to surgery. She plans to attend Columbia Basin College, and hopes to work as a phlebotomist in a local clinic in Tri-cities.

Salutatorian Serenity Davis thanked those in attendance for being there and supporting the graduates through the challenging times.

"It means a lot to us," Davis said. She plans to attend Columbia Basin College and earn a degree as a medical assistant.

Stanaway also hopes to enter the medical field, with plans to attend WSU in the fall for biomedicine and pre-med.

Olson plans to attend the Academy of Arts for a Master's degree.

Friday's graduation ceremony included recognition of six eighth-graders moving on to the high school.