Shorewood Class of 2012: Mushu Has Arrived

Shorewood’s 340 graduates in the Class of 2012 walked across the stage at Comcast Arena Sunday night and accepted their diplomas amid applause, rousing speeches and musical performances.

After the seniors filed in to the Shorewood band playing pomp and circumstance, Shorewood Principal Bill Dunbar started the evening detailing the school’s long list of accomplishments in academics, athletics and activities.

He spoke about the class naming itself after Mushu, the dragon character in Mulan who provides comic relief. Like Mushu, the Class of 2012 is “comical and impulsive, however in the end, the class has proven that they have heart despite their youthful antics.”

Class advisor Amanda Stoker introduced the top 5 percent of Shorewood grads. Superintendent Sue Walker followed and emphasized the importance of gratitude. She also praised the students for being good sports despite the inconvenience of the new construction going up around them.

Four seniors spoke, led by Christopher Evans who talked about community, specifically what he called Shorewood’s community of inclusion.

Megan Duncan spoke about strength and courage and surviving Shorewood.

Abdi Abdillahi talked about being a dreamer, thinking outside the box and taking action to what is lying right there within one’s heart.

Alisha James talked about the class’ identity and closed with “strength together, gain dreams together.”

The evening was also full of music. Maximillion Blake performed, “Growing Up,” by The Maine; The sunglasses-laden quartet of Jacob Ziontz, Stefan Peterson, Jason Pegis and Toru Nakano performed, “Paint It Black,” by the Rolling Stones; Ruth Wabula sang and Yvonn Chan performed on piano, “Whenever You Remember,” by Carrie Underwood.

The graduates then accepted their diplomas to the cheers of the crowd.

One of the graduates Melanie Thielman, who is headed to Edmonds Community College next fall is wheelchair bound.  Thielman walked across the stage with help from her teacher Veronica Cook and blew a kiss to the audience.

At the end of the ceremony, the graduates sang the Shorewood Alma Mater, threw their mortar boards in the air and proudly walked out of the arena to meet family and friends.