PEOPLE
NOVEMBER 2022
Eva Cain rows through senior year
By Jett Legry, Reporter Waking up at 3:30 in the morning for regattas and flying across the country to compete is what Eva Cain...Read More
Pirate Talk Question: What are your plans for Thanksgiving?
My plans are...Read More
OCTOBER 2022
VHS commences the new year with a new crew
By Jett Legry, Reporter The start of the new school year isn’t all Vashon Island High School is welcoming, as a batch of new staff is also beginning their first year at the highschool...Read More
MAY 2022
Forks get the chop
Mackenzie Guadagno, Reporter After forks disappeared from the lunch room, VHS kitchen staff in tandem with the administration...Read More
Beren Lord lifts heavy objects and flexes on the competition
By Blake Grossman, Reporter A remarkable aspect of Vashon Island High School is certainly the diversity of and height of accomplishment that a small community...Read More
Senior Phoebe Wilke to continue soccer career in Wales
By Daalny Meyer, Reporter VHS senior Phoebe Wilke has been playing soccer since first grade when she decided to try the sport she’d enjoyed watching her...Read More
MARCH 2022
Nicky Wilks strives to build community at VHS and beyond
Blake Grossman, Reporter Growing up on Vashon Island, Nicky Wilks has been influenced by nature and community from a young age. He is Cofounder and...Read More
Athlete Murphy soars to higher levels
By Lisee Crayton, Reporter When senior George Murphy began his track career in eighth grade, he had no idea how much it would change his life. As he enters his last season...Read More
FEBRUARY 2022
VHS welcomes new librarian
By Daalny Meyer, Reporter In early December, Vashon Island High School library got a new librarian, Emily Bunker. Bunker and her...Read More
DECEMBER 2021
Q&A with local legend Ryan Jaeger
By Lila Cohen, Deputy Editor As many athletes can attest to, there are a number of things that make the VHS athletic program special. And while each VHS athlete’s experience is...Read More
New Student Intervention Professional jumps into action after Thanksgiving break
Benny Cox, Reporter As VHS approaches the end of the first semester, some students have noticed a few new faces around the building, including new student intervention...Read More
NOVEMBER 2021
Danny Rocks The Court
By Colby Merrill, Reporter I entered the VHS office. I had arranged a meeting with VHS Principal Charles D. Rock, and eagerly...Read More
Evan Justin reflects on years as teacher and counselor
By Blake Grossman, Reporter Evan Justin retired from McMurray Middle School after teaching his final class of eighth-grade science last year...Read More
OCTOBER 2021
New assistant principal joins the VHS community
By Keziah Rutschow, Reporter At the end of the 2020-2021 school year, Vashon High School’s assistant principal left his position to teach at another school. John Erickson...Read More
New assistant principal joins the VHS community
By Keziah Rutschow, Reporter At the end of the 2020-2021 school year, Vashon High School’s assistant principal left his position to teach at another school. John Erickson...Read More
New teachers join the VHS staff
By Grace Haskins, Reporter This Year, many new teachers have joined the VHS community...Read More
Sophomore Linnea Heuschert shoots for victory
By Gwen Burwell, Reporter Sophomore Linnea Heuschert has been playing soccer for as long as she can remember. Growing up in a...Read More
JUNE 9, 2021
Valedictorians reflect on school year
By Isaac Escovedo, Editor-in-Chief As seniors celebrate finishing their final year of high school, VHS has also announced...Read More
MAY, 2020
How Danny Does ItBy Catherine Brown, Photo & Business Editor
While stuck inside during the virus, many people will find themselves calling friends to catch up. Unfortunately, we don’t all get to converse with your high school's principal, Danny Rock...Read more
Q&A with a coronavirus patientBy Elizabeth Lande, Managing and Copy EditorEditor’s Note: this story is written by a member of our staff who knows someone who contracted, dealt with, and survived COVID-19. The person does not live on Vashon, is now fully recovered, and will remain anonymous for the purpose of this story.
On March 12, as the Seattle area was firmly coming to grips with the severity of its COVID-19 outbreak, a man living in...Read more
MARCH 11, 2020
Dawson sets stage for performing futureBy Mead Gill, ReporterWhen Gabriel Dawson started performing on stage at the age of three, the island didn’t know to expect the college-bound actor, singer, and dancer he is today. A senior at the high school, Dawson has worked for over a decade...Read
High school alumna says namaste to yogaBy Hannah Spranger, Co-Content EditorAlumna Sydney Spencer is working to bring clarity and reduce stress in the lives of high schoolers. During late arrival mornings from March through June, Spencer is offering yoga classes for high school students looking...Read
VHS alumnus finds success in new experiencesBy Chick Green, ReporterFrom playing on Stanford University’s basketball team for four years to hiking the entirety of the Pacific Crest Trail, to being involved in a technology startup, Vashon alumnus John Gage has checked off many experiences that are on some people’s bucket lists. Gage is now shifting his...Read More
Mike Kirk honored by fire departmentBy Halle Wyatt, Co-Content EditorThe island is well-known for its tight-knit community filled with familiar faces at every corner. Although many say that they know everyone on the island, this seems actually true for the island resident of over 50 years...Read More
FEBRUARY 7, 2020
Islander reflects on Zen and the human conditionBy Ellie Lande, Managing and Copy EditorPart-time island resident Jyl Brewer hasn’t led the most traditional life, but her experiences have been no less fulfilling. She pursued every ambition that’s come her way, ranging from...Read More
Jennifer Coe arrives at high schoolStella Chilcote, reporterJennifer Coe, the new CTE office manager, has been warmly welcomed by the school community. Coe will be taking on the role of leading the high school’s CTE programs and assisting...Read More
Island director explores different lives and cultures in filmsBy Halle Wyatt, Co-Content EditorDirector John Jeffcoat has lived on the island for nearly a decade. However, he has much more experience exploring both distant lands in films such as “Outsourced” and “Big in Japan,” as well as the lives of everyday people, as in the documentary, “Bingo!” He’s followed his inspiration around the world — to the crowded streets of Mumbai to...Read More
My friend, Taylor DuncanBy James McCrackyn, ReporterEach issue, Riptide reporter James McCrackyn will be interviewing his friends around the high school. Look for more to come...Read More
Senior Barlow trains with Pacific Northwest BalletBy Amelia Spence, ReporterEveryone has their passion, something that makes them tick, an activity they do just because they enjoy it. However, few people get the opportunity to pursue this passion as...Read More
DECEMBER 20, 2019
Junior Choo dives into musicBy Hannah Spranger, Co-Content EditorEthan Choo has an impressively long musical resume for someone who is only a junior. He participates in the school band, two other bands — one alternative rock and the other jazz — and has competed around the state...Read More
Therapists work to fight the stigma around mental healthBy Elias Canterbury, reporterSeeking mental health support and therapy carries a stigma with it that if you seek help, you are weak or less than those who don’t need help. Fighting this stereotype around therapy and encouraging people...Read More
Eva Cain wows audience at Land Trust concertBy Halle Wyatt, Co-Content EditorBy the sound of her voice, you might not guess that Eva Cain is only fifteen years old. Her love of music and performing is soulfully translated into her songs. In concert, she leaves...Read More
Andy Sears achieves 300th win in basketballEliza Pinckney, ReporterAndy Sears, athletic director and head coach of the boys basketball team, recently achieved his 300th win. He has long been a valuable asset for high school athletics, coaching boys basketball for 19 years and...Read More
My friend, Aaron GravesJames McCrackyn, ReporterEach issue, Riptide reporter James McCrackyn will be interviewing his friends around the high school. Look for more to come...Read More
NOVEMBER 15, 2019
My friend, Logan StarkJames McCrackyn, ReporterEach issue, Riptide reporter James McCrackyn will be interviewing his friends around the high school. Look for more to come...Read More
Kelly commits to UVAElizabeth Lande, Managing & Copy EditorKate Kelly showed up to eighth grade crew camp in khakis, not quite sure what she was getting herself into. Now a senior, she’s a world-class rower with a scholarship to the University of Virginia...Read More
Vashon’s Alianza Unite Latinx Youth TogetherBy Stella Chilcote, reporterThe constantly growing organization Alianza has been doing a lot for the Latinx community on Vashon by helping young Latinx to become more confident in politics, as well as encouraging voter...Read More
New coaching for girls basketballBy Eliza Pinckney, ReporterThis basketball season, the high school girls basketball team will be led by Vashon alumnus Anya Serebryakov. Though Serebryakov has experience with assistant and individual coaching...Read More
OCTOBER 18, 2019
Vashon welcomes students from abroadBy Eliza Pinckney, ReporterVHS has a long history of exchange students traveling to Vashon from all over the world. This year is no exception as Sonsoles De Lacy Orellana and Nora Brockmann temporarily join the Class of 2021...Read More
New staff members at VHSBy Olivia London-Chambers, ReporterGavin Kovite
Positions: Senior English, AP English Literature, and Sophomore English
Past job experience: Taught one year full time at Kingston High School in North Kitsap.
Hopes and goals for the year...Read More
My friend, Andrew CallenderBy James McCrackyn, ReporterEach issue, Riptide reporter James McCrackyn will be interviewing his friends around the high school. Look for more to come..Read More
June 7, 2019
Valedictorian Q&ABy Mari Kanagy, Publishing EditorWith graduation rapidly approaching, schools across the country will be celebrating the achievements of their students, with special recognition given to students of high academic standing. Vashon has a reputation for high performance, with the graduating class often having two valedictorians...Read More
Ceramics artist Ravenna Nelson imbues her art with past experiencesCatherine Brown, Reporter & Photo EditorFrom working with locals artists to commissioning her work online, senior Ravenna Nelson has excelled in the world of ceramics. With the help of many mentors and friends, both in and out of school, Nelson has been able to follow her passion for art, and learn more about herself in the process...Read More
Arts leader empowers youth through musical theaterBy Savannah Butcher, ReporterMarita Ericksen has been following her passion for singing since she could hum, and has been dedicating her time to Vashon’s youth since 1988. Ericksen founded the Musical Theater program at the Vashon Center for the Arts and also sings for Vashon Island Chorale, where she is currently the Co-Assistant Director...Read More
APR. 26, 2019
Bowden brothers to embark on West coast tourEleanor Yarkin, ReporterSenior Frosty Bowden can be seen around the high school with his shoulder-length black hair, ripped black jeans and hints of humor on his face. He and his brother sophomore Jacob Bowden have become well-known throughout the high school for their popular and energized performances at Open Mics. The Bowdens’ band, “20 Eyes,” has played gigs at many local venues and are now looking beyond the island’s limits...Read More
Well-known actress Jena Malone relocates to the islandBy Halle Wyatt, ReporterA newcomer to the island, actress Jena Malone is known around the world for her roles as Johanna Mason in Catching Fire and Lydia Bennet in Pride and Prejudice. Now on a local scale, she hopes to become well-known for her other creative passions, such as experimental music performances and flower shop photography shows...Read More
Jackie Merrill takes over as office managerBy Mari Kanagy, Co-Content EditorAfter 12 years of working in the high school office, office manager Susan Bakker has retired, leaving Jackie Merrill to fill the position. Merrill’s new managerial position continues her extensive involvement with the island.The application process started in November. Two months later...Read More
Pirate TalkIf the world ended tomorrow, how would you spend today?...Read More
MAR. 8, 2019
Sister Circle Support group empowers young womenAidan Janssen, Reporter & DesignerIn a time of high levels of stress, many look to friends and family for guidance. However, not everyone has that opportunity, so some look to their community.Sister Circle is a club designed to offer mutual support to the young women that comprise it. The program began in January and is run by art teacher Kristen Dallum and Neighborcare clinic manager Stephanie Keller...Read More
Scholarship Foundation recognizes Paul Colwell in creating new scholarshipBy Clara Atwell, Editor-in-ChiefEach year, seniors work to complete personalized scholarship notebooks for the Vashon Community Scholarship Foundation (VCSF), showcasing themselves through collages, a personal essay, letters of recommendation, and their high school transcript. These notebooks are a unique opportunity provided by the community and give seniors a guaranteed scholarship upon completion...Read More
FEB. 1, 2019
Local attorney brings to life immigrant child realitiesBY CLARA ATWELL, EDITOR-IN- CHIEFAt the front of a crowd of passionate Vashon community members stands Molly Matter. Preparing to tell her story of advocating for Central American immigrants seeking asylum in the United States, she takes a deep breath and lights a glass prayer candle. Before she begins her emotional account, she notes that telling this story is an essential part of the healing process...Read More
Local designer examines clothing industry, predicts trendsBY ISABELLE SPENCE, CO-CONTENT EDITOROne only has to look down the halls of the high school to see a parade of ever-changing trends in clothing. The fashion industry is constantly working to meet the cycle of supply and demand generated from the adolescent community. This leads to an emphasis from clothing companies on predicting upcoming trends and analyzing changing styles...Read More
DEC. 22, 2018
Sophomore stars in local playSYLVIE KOEFOED-NIELSEN, REPORTERThe Vashon community has long prided itself with holding the values of acceptance and equality in high regard. However, given that the majority of the island’s population is white, many residents have not experienced discrimination based on skin color. This lack of diversity has led to what Stephanie Spencer, district director of teaching and learning, refers to as “color blindness.”...Read More
Gleb takes maternity leave, Pipkin takes overAIDAN JANSSEN, REPORTER & DESIGNERScience teacher Elizabeth Gleb is currently taking a break from her position as the high school chemistry teacher to be on maternity leave. In early November, she and her husband welcomed twin girls, named Cora and Marion Gleb...Read More
NOV. 21, 2018
Trump Administration attempts to redefine gender, threatens Vashon communityBY ISABELLE SPENCE, CO-CONTENT EDITORIn late October, the Department of Health and Human Services released a memo stating plans to redefine the term ‘gender.’ This redefinition could have sweeping consequences for the LGBTQ+ community, both nationally and locally...Read More
Phillips contributes to numerous school activitiesBY KLARA PLENK, REPORTERFrom athletic secretary to main office worker, bus driver to club leader, commercial driving instructor to longstanding school district employee, Char Phillips has come to head a wide variety of high school jobs and activities. Phillips’ journey began in Everett, Washington, where she grew up. She attended both Washington State University and Central...Read More
Getting Involved: BroadcastBY GARRETT MUELLER, BUSINESS EDITORAt nearly every school game, performance, and board meeting, there is a group of students hidden in back corners or above the crowd working with professional film equipment to document the event. This is the broadcast team. Made up of eight members, this small group does a lot of unnoticed behind-the-scenes work in the district and community...Read More
OCT. 19, 2018
New Teachers join facultyBY KLARA PLENK, REPORTER | OCT. 19, 2018 Kate Dunagan joined the teaching staff this year as the jewelry instructor. She grew up in Pilot Rock, a small town in eastern Oregon. “I went to a really small high school,” Dunagan said. “My graduation class was 34 people. [It was] not unlike Vashon, where everyone knows each other the whole time they’re growing up.”...Read More
JUNE 8, 2018
Thrett’s TransformationJULIAN WHITE-DAVIS, PHOTO AND PUBLISHING EDITOR | JUNE 8, 2018Thrett Brown sits on a bench overlooking the Puget Sound in Point Defiance Park, sporting a flat-brimmed hat branded with his motto: CMCC 1080, or “Change Media, Change Culture.” He talks animatedly and openly about his life and the curving, treacherous path it has taken...Read More
Vaughn excluded from graduation walkBY ADRIANA YARKIN, COPY EDITOR | JUNE 8, 2018When most students are fast asleep, senior Tobin Vaughan lies awake. Her sleep pattern, which is nearly the reverse of what is considered normal, is the result of a severe case of Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome (DSPS)...Read More
Deck Twins enjoy rewarding theater careersAIDAN JANSSEN, REPORTER & DESIGNER | JUNE 8, 2018Sophomores Maddi and Sedona Deck are local superstars in the theater scene. Many people know them for their performances in “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” a musical hosted by the high school...Read More
MAY 14, 2018
Emma Amiad makes her impactKATHLEEN SASSARA; CO-CONTENT EDITOR | MAY 14, 2018Emma Amiad has been a household name on Vashon Island for over 30 years, known for her influence, activism, and fearless attitude. But Amiad’s lifetime of spearheading social and political change began long before her time on the island...Read More