Newcastlenews070116

VOL. 18, NO. 7

NEWCASTLE’S LOCALLY OWNED NEWSPAPER

FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016

N EWCASTLE

MESSAGE TO REMEMBER

NEWS

Newcastle considers purchase of City Hall building

See what wisdom Liberty’s Steve Valach imparted on the Class of 2016 Page 19

SMILES ALL AROUND

BY CHRISTINA CORRALES-TOY ccorrales-toy@newcastle-news.com

The city is a step closer to officially owning the building that currently houses Newcastle City Hall.

The Newcastle City Council approved a resolution allowing City Manager Rob Wyman to move forward with the $6.9 million purchase of the Newcastle Professional Center located at 12835 Newcastle Way. The action comes as the city’s lease is set to expire at the end of the year. Wyman explored several other options, including an unsuccessful search for other available office spaces, but the move to buy the current space was most cost effective, he said.

SEE PURCHASE, PAGE 3

Fourth of July kicks off city’s summer events

BY CHRISTINA CORRALES-TOY ccorrales-toy@newcastle-news.com

Newcastle’s annual slate of summer events kicks off on Monday with the city’s Fourth of July bash.

Fourth at the Lake includes food, live music and a 10 p.m. fireworks display at Lake Boren Park, 13058 SE 84th Way. Get there at 6 p.m. to stake out your spot, picnic and take advantage of food trucks on site.

Frank’s Franks hot dog cart and Tastyz kettle corn represent some of the food offerings.

Soul Siren takes the Lake Boren Park stage at 8 p.m. for a two-hour set, before the fireworks SEE EVENTS, PAGE 7

GREG FARRAR | gfarrar@newcastle-news.com

Liberty High School graduate Grant Thomas poses for a selfie with his mother Linda as he makes plans after commencement to head off in the fall to Purdue University. The ceremony was held June 13 at Safeco Field in Seattle.

See more photos from Liberty and Hazen commencement ceremonies on Pages 10-14.

Citizens pressure council at town hall meeting Transparency, transmission lines and traffic were hot topics

BY CHRISTINA CORRALES-TOY ccorrales-toy@newcastle-news.com

Whether the topic was transmission lines, traffic or transparency, Newcastle residents put the pressure on its City Council at the June 21 town hall.

Citizens asked tough questions and offered critical feedback during the question-and-answer portion of the meeting held at The Golf Club at Newcastle.

One of the voiced concerns was the town hall’s lack of information on Newcastle’s proposed $6.9 million purchase of its city hall building. It was not addressed in the city’s presentation, but Councilman John Drescher used his opening comments to explain it and express his disappointment that it was not a focal topic that evening.

“It’s unfortunate that he had to raise the issue,” former Newcastle City Councilman Bill Erxleben said at the meeting.

“It should have been, from a process standpoint, front and center.”

Erxleben, who Drescher

replaced on the council after he retired, questioned whether government entities should go SEE MEETING, PAGE 8

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FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016

NEWCASTLE NEWS

Funded by grant, stage canopy installed at Lake Boren Park

Lake Boren Park performers won’t have to worry about a little rain this summer.

The park’s stage is now equipped with a covered canopy thanks to a $9,000 grant from 4Culture.

“I’m super excited,” said Wendy Kirchner, Newcastle’s community activities liaison. “Just to have the cover for sun, if it rains, it’s going to make it look more like a real venue.”

The canopy was installed June 17. Soul Siren will be the first band to play under it at Newcastle’s Fourth of July celebration.

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The city installed a stage canopy at Lake Boren Park thanks to a grant from 4Culture.

CHRISTINA CORRALES-TOY ccorrales-toy@ newcastle-news. com

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NEWCASTLE NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016

PURCHASE From Page 1

“It’s a limited universe of what our options are here in the City of Newcastle,” Wyman told the council.

A cost analysis shows that it makes financial sense to own versus lease, Wyman said, noting that the city was about to see a 25-30 percent hike in its rental fees. The city would also stand to gain a revenue source as it collects rent from other building tenants.

A report by commercial real estate company CBRE Group Inc. shows that the city would save about $50,000 a year to buy the building and pay a mortgage rather than rent, Wyman said.

“Assuming we need a place to house our staff, and have city hall and have council meetings, it will be a significant savings for the taxpayers of Newcastle,” he said.

The city will dip into its reserves to pay for about 25 percent of the purchase price, and the rest will be borrowed, most likely through bond financing, Wyman said.

Deputy Mayor Gordon Bisset and Councilman John Drescher

News file photo

The City of Newcastle is looking to buy the Newcastle Professional Center, seen here in 2011.

were the move’s strongest opponents, arguing that the asking price was way too high.

Drescher added that the city was negotiating from a “position of weakness” since they are already building tenants

and the alternatives are slim.

Indeed, Wyman noted that the building was not for sale.

He approached Dr. Geoffrey Strange and asked him if he was interested in selling. Strange, who operates

Newcastle Dentistry in the building, is listed as the owner.

Drescher also argued that the building was unattractive, the market was not right to make such a move and the city should not get into the busi-

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ness of being a landlord.

“I think this decision is going to go down as one of the big whoppers that we’ve done in recent years,” he said.

Councilwoman Linda Newing, who supported the action, said she saw it as a stable investment and a dedication to the city’s future.

“Most municipal governments own their city halls,” she said. “It shows longevity. It’s a commitment to the community.”

The City Council approved the resolution on June 7 authorizing Wyman to execute the purchase and sale agreement 5-2, with Drescher and Bisset dissenting.

As of June 21, the city was officially under contract having signed the agreement.

They are now in the midst of a 52-day feasibility period, which will include a thorough building inspection, Wyman said.

There is still a window for the city to change its mind, and Wyman said if they find something wrong with the building or the financing, he would certainly bring it to the council.

“If everything goes the way we think it’s going to go, then I don’t see any reason why we’d change our mind at this point,” he said.

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OPINION

FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016

NEWCASTLE NEWS

Guest column

Purchasing City Hall building makes fiscal sense

BY ALLEN DAUTERMAN Newcastle City Council

the building.

Our director of finance analyzed many options and determined that purchasing Allen the buildDauterman ing, in lieu of renewing the lease, is fiscally feasible. His conservative analysis shows that owning the building, and being a landlord, would cost us less year after year.

To reinforce my choice to support this purchase, I examined the comparable sales list of similar Eastside office buildings sold in the last two years. Subjectively looking at curb appeal, all the buildings on the list are much older and less appealing, our City Hall stands out as an appealing contemporary building.

Objectively comparing the square foot purchase prices that range from $339/sf to $539/sf, our purchase price fits right in the middle at about $432/sf.

I wanted to understand how this purchase compares to building a future new City Hall. I found these publically available square foot costs for local city halls recently built; 2004 Bellevue $449/sf, 2005 Redmond $333/sf, 2005 Seattle $365/sf, 2011 Kenmore $370/sf, 2011 Olympia $358, and 2015 Bothell $882/sf.

After adjusting those costs for inflation, I am confident that the total costs for a future new City Hall building in Newcastle will likely exceed the current purchase price we are evaluating.

Another concern I evaluated is risk, and there are many risks to consider that support

and discourage the idea of purchasing. In my opinion, renewing the lease and waiting for a better opportunity, is our greatest risk. Who knows how long we would have to pay higher rent costs before another opportunity surfaces.

Continuing to pay rent in perpetuity, or eventually build at a higher cost is an unwise use of our tax dollars.

Another risk that merits discussion is the surplus floor area in the building that won’t be used by City Hall. This surplus area is currently leased to other tenants and the city would become their landlord.

Vacancies would expose the city to fluctuations in the rent revenue stream, and there will be minor costs to manage tenants that are not recouped through the lease rates. I think this risk is minor; it is common for municipalities to

be landlords, leasing surplus floor area to tenants. I view the surplus floor area as room to grow if City Hall ever needs more space. Also, my wife pointed out that if the first floor tenant space becomes vacant again, it could be converted to a much needed community space for our city.

This is a long-term investment in our city and our future that will continue to add value. Owning our own City Hall has been a 22-year dream, who knows how many opportunities to fulfill that dream have slipped by, I don’t want this one to slip by. Absent of a significant and objective argument that this purchase is unwise, I’m convinced that we should buy now, the price is fair, and possible bond financing will give you an opportunity to be an investor.

Guest column

Letters to the Editor

Writing for The Beat is a unique opportunity

Energize Eastside proposal worthy of serious concern

Editor’s note: The Beat, a monthly page written by teen students, has been a monthly fixture in The Issaquah Press for years. We’ve recently expanded The Beat to include the Newcastle News. This column is by the current editor of The Beat.

In your Newcastle City Council roundup article (April 5), a Newcastle resident correctly expressed concern that Newcastle staff lacks adequate expertise to ensure any new regulations are appropriate and reasonable. I would suggest that there are several additional very important concerns associated with the Energize Eastside project.

PSE’s proposal is a 20th-century solution to a 21st-century problem. PSE claims that it

is required to satisfy future Eastside energy demands. The proposal includes new transmission lines with increased capacity and new fossil fuel generation plants, all of which would be an appropriate response 50 years ago. At least some of the generation plants would needlessly add to our regional carbon footprint and function only periodically at peak times.

Today, regions and utilities across the country have successfully implemented new cost-effective technologies that manage peak energy demand.

The reality is emerging technologies are obviating the need for PSE’s proposed very expensive leviathan infrastructure

project.

In addition to being expensive and unnecessary, the PSE project would introduce significant environmental and safety risks. The Coalition of Eastside Neighborhoods for Sensible Energy (online at cense.org) has submitted 18 safety-related questions to the second phase of the EIS study for the PSE proposal. The utility has yet to respond to these questions.

The Eastside needs to be smart about the investments we make to ensure a secure energy future. We can do much better than PSE’s proposal.

David Schwartz Bellevue

H

ello, I am one of your new City Council members, a Newcastle resident very concerned with how wisely our tax dollars are spent. I’d like to speak to the opportunity we have to purchase the building that houses City Hall.

This purchase is a significant decision that I don’t take lightly. This opportunity will finally give City Hall a permanent home, fulfilling a future need stated in our Comprehensive Plan.

This opportunity evolved out of the need to renew our lease that expires at the end of this year. Facing the options to either renew the lease or a find a new location, another option surfaced to purchase

BY ERIKA KUMAR For three years, I have had the privilege of writing for The Beat, the monthly page written entirely by teens, for teens.

Applications to join the 2016-17 Beat staff are still being accepted. It’s an incredible opportunity Erika Kumar for students to gain realworld journalism experience.

Writing for The Beat gives students the opportunity to SEE KUMAR, PAGE 7

N EWCASTLE

NEWS Published the first Friday of every month by The Issaquah Press Group 1085 12th Ave. NW, Suite D1 | P.O. Box 1328 Issaquah, King County, WA 98027

STAFF Charles Horton.......................................General manager Scott Stoddard...............................................................Editor Christina Corrales-Toy................................ Digital editor Neil Pierson.............................................................. Reporter Greg Farrar.....................................................Photographer Laura Dill............................................................. Advertising CORRECTIONS We are committed to accuracy at the Newcastle News and take care in our reporting and editing, but errors do occur. If you think something we’ve published is in error, please email us at editor@newcastle-news.com.

CONTACT US All departments can be reached at

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NEWCASTLE NEWS

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FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016

Commission corner

Public hearing on July 19 offers chance to comment on code amendments

T

he Newcastle City Council has two volunteer advisory boards.

The Planning Commission offers advice and makes recommendations on the Comprehensive Plan, development codes and other matters related to development and land use. They meet at 7 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of every month at Newcastle City Hall.

The Community Activities Commission advises the council on city-owned park planning, design and construction, park and facility development, renovation, trails and paths, recreation programs and special community events. They meet at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every month at Newcastle City Hall.

Here’s what the Planning Commission is up to, courtesy of the group’s Chairman Tom Magers and CAC Chairwoman Victoria Sandoval.

Planning Commission At its June 29 meeting, the Planning Commission continued work on items addressed last month.

n A public hearing was held on the final recommendation to our City Council for zoning code amendments on regulations for new or expanded electric transmission facilities, essential public facilities and for twoway radio towers. Noting that these recommendations will apply to Puget Sound Energy’s Energize Eastside project, the public will have additional opportunity to comment at a City Council public hearing on Tuesday, July 19. n The Commission continued a review and discussion of updates to the city’s development codes to comply with federal standards for stormwater management and design strategies that mimic natural water flow processes. This process is called “Low Impact Development” or LID for short.

Community Activities Commission

We as Newcastle citizens are always looking to improve our city and we wanted to update you on some of the ideas we have come up with. One of the biggest (and one of our favorites), is

NEWCASTLE NEWS

Issaquah district pitches new plan for bell times

BY DAVID HAYES dhayes@newcastle-news.com

the Lake Boren plan.

We have not proposed a final draft for the council to review just yet because we want to hear from all of you and your ideas, so keep them coming. The CAC has also been working hard for the upcoming summer events, which by the way are just around the corner.

We are looking for vendors who would be interested in being a part of our summer events such as Fourth of July, Newcastle Days, Concerts in the Park and Movies in the Park.

In relation to our summer events, we are also looking for artists (of ALL kinds) who would like their art featured for Newcastle Days such as: paintings, music, dance, sculptures and tons of others.

We hope to bring some new ideas and events to our city, but can’t do that without the help of our FANTASTIC citizens. Coming together as a city to help our city grow and flourish is what we do best, we’d love love to hear from all of you. If you have an idea, come to one of our meeting or contact us to let us know about and hopefully get that ball rolling.

The Issaquah School District, committed to changing school bell times to accommodate better student sleeping habits, has devised a more moderate proposal than the previous recommendation that resulted in a lack of community consensus.

Unveiled during community meetings over the last month of school, the new proposal would move high school start times to 8 a.m. and release times to 2:52 p.m.

Meanwhile, elementary start times would all be at 9:10 a.m. with release times at 3:35 p.m. The new proposal would take effect in the 2017-18 school year.

“The new proposal I consider more moderate,” Superintendent Ron Thiele told an audience of about 40 parents, teachers and staffers. “First, it doesn’t invert high school and middle school starting with elementary, and elementary schools have a common start time.”

Martin Turney, executive director of operations, said Issaquah would collapse its three-tier bus system down to two.

“Currently, one bus on one tier is high school and middle school. The other two are elementary buses at 8:30 and 9:15 a.m. tiers,” Turney explained. “Under this proposal, it would collapse the second and third tier into one. We would have to ramp up the number of buses and drivers to make that happen.”

to a mailbox in the 7900 block of 138th Avenue Southeast on the same day. The damage to the mailbox was reportedly more than $200.

from the Newcastle Safeway, 6911 Coal Creek Parkway SE, after reportedly stealing more than $60 worth of groceries on June 15.

Neighbor dispute

A suspicious fax

A man called police June 15 after a neighbor reportedly took photos of him and his car at a school bus stop at Northeast 36th Street and 112th Place Southeast. The man wanted the neighbor trespassed from the school bus stop, but the officer informed him that he could not, and encouraged the man to file an anti-harassment order through the court if he felt the neighbor was harassing him on purpose.

Police responded to the corner of Coal Creek Parkway and Southeast May Creek Park Drive where someone reported finding a suspicious suitcase on June 16. An officer discovered a fax machine inside the suitcase, but could not locate its owner.

Police blotter Lock it up

More than $500 worth of goods was reported stolen June 2 from an unlocked car parked in the 11800 block of Southeast 75th Place.

moving things around since 2008. Items would suspiciously go missing and later turn up, she said. She also believes that someone hacked into her two security systems.

Liquor loot

YMCA theft

Two males stole 17 bottles of alcohol valued at more than $750 from the QFC, 6940 Coal Creek Parkway SE, on June 2.

Someone broke into a locker and stole a cell phone, keys and more at the Coal Creek Family YMCA, 13750 Newcastle Golf Club Road, on June 8.

No license

Reckless driving

A Woodinville woman stopped in the 6900 block of Coal Creek Parkway June 3 was turned over to the Renton Police Department after Newcastle police determined she had an outstanding warrant for driving while license suspended.

Newcastle police arrested a Renton man whose vehicle was parked on a private dirt road in the 8200 block of 116th Avenue Southeast June 10 after it was determined he had an outstanding warrant for reckless driving.

8 suspicious years A homeowner in the 7900 block of 122nd Place Southeast called police June 8 to report that someone has been accessing her home and taking and

Mailbox damage Someone broke into a locked mailbox in the 6800 block of 136th Avenue Southeast on June 11. Police discovered pry marks around the mailbox doors upon arrival. The same thing happened

Garage caper Someone stole bags of clothes from two cars and a garage in the 8800 block of 138th Court Southeast on June 9.

Grocery grab A Bellevue woman was trespassed

Drive straight A Renton man was arrested for driving while his license was suspended after police initially stopped him for swerving on Coal Creek Parkway June 17.

Smash and grab Someone smashed a vehicle’s passenger side window and stole a gym bag in the Coal Creek Family YMCA parking lot on June 22.

NEWCASTLE NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016

EVENTS From Page 1

start at 10 p.m. Newcastle Commons is the presenting sponsor with contributions from Waste Management and The Golf Club at Newcastle.

The golf club is a popular spot to watch fireworks, but through its support of the city’s event, they encourage people to instead head to Lake Boren Park on Fourth of July, said Wendy Kirchner, Newcastle’s community activities liaison.

“Fireworks are banned in the city,” Kirchner said. “We’re asking people to respect the ban and come enjoy the Fourth at Lake Boren Park.”

The city’s summer lineup continues with its four-part Concerts in the Park series. It starts on July 20 with 85th Street Band, a lively 20-piece big band that plays swing favorites, including tunes made famous by Glenn Miller and Duke Ellington.

Jessica Lynne brings her brand of country music on July 27, while Longstride performs reggae on Aug. 3. Issaquahbased EveryLeaf Band wraps up the series with the sounds of authentic country/Americana music on Aug. 10.

The four music acts have never played a Newcastle event,

Contributed

85th Street Band will kick of Newcastle’s Concerts in the Park series on July 20.

Kirchner said. All concerts go from 7-8:30 p.m. at Lake Boren Park.

Tastyz and other food offerings will be available during the concerts.

Newcastle is also adding a movie night this summer. It’s scheduled for 8:30 p.m. Aug. 17 at Lake Boren Park, but the film was not yet chosen as of press time.

“It will be something family oriented, something fun,” Kirchner said.

As always, summer ends with the city’s Newcastle Days festival.

The primary action goes from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Lake Boren Park on Sept.

10, but like last year, it will officially start a day earlier with Broadway at Boren, an evening community performance.

The Sept. 9 show dubbed Broadway at Boren: Singing Under The Stars is seeking Newcastle talent of all ages. Auditions will be

held from 5-9 p.m. July 12 at the Newcastle Library.

Youth Theatre Northwest and Kate Swenson will produce this year’s show. Reserve an audition appointment at youththeatre.org or call 206-232-4145 ext. 106.

The Saturday festival brings back old favorites including the car show, appearances by school robotics teams, the petting zoo and games. For the second straight year, the event will begin with a community parade through the park.

Newcastle resident Mary Elworth and Beatles tribute band Creme Tangerine will perform. Yes drummer Alan White, also a Newcastle resident, will again close the festival with a 5:30-7 p.m. performance.

Newcastle Days can always use volunteers.

Contact Kirchner at wendyk@ci.newcastle. wa.us to get involved.

decisions of my life. I never considered writing to be one of my strong suits, but From Page 4 I found many student and express opinions and professional mentors who speak on youth issues have helped me grow into on a credible platform to a better communicator, a over 20,000 subscribed better advocate and a better households. Unlike writing team member. for a school newspaper, The current staff is writing for The Beat page comprised of Issaquah, gives students a glimpse Liberty and Skyline into how a community students, but we’re newspaper operates and looking to expand next how skillful journalists year. We’re seeking write. Students have the students with a passion opportunity to express for writing from Issaquah, their opinions on teen Liberty, Skyline, Mount issues ranging from school Si, Eastlake, Eastside sports to mental illness to Catholic, Hazen and class sizes.

Newport high schools.

Joining The Beat as a Students will have a freshman was one the best chance to see their work

published in The Issaquah Press, Sammamish Review, SnoValley Star and Newcastle News.

The Beat is looking for concise and creative writers, particularly from Liberty and Issaquah.

Writers are expected to attend a team planning meeting every month and write at least one article in a timely manner. No prior journalism experience is required. Go to tinyurl. com/BeatApplication to apply and email issaquahpressbeat@gmail. com with any questions.

KUMAR

Erika Kumar will be a senior at Skyline High School this fall.

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NEWCASTLE NEWS

MEETING

ence.

City Manager Rob Wyman later told the From Page 1 Newcastle News that the into the commercial real topic wasn’t on the agenda estate business. The former because the agreement was councilman called for a executed on the same day full public airing of purof the town hall meeting, chase details before the city and they just weren’t ready moves forward. to present it to the public.

“The impacts on our He added that it would rainy-day fund can be have taken a good chunk of enormous,” Erxleben said. the meeting time to break“The impacts on going down the agreement. forward as a city can be “If this deal goes enormous.” through, the City Council Drescher agreed, saying, should be very proud “It is not something that about how much money a city that has a $10 milthey’re going to save the lion operating budget can taxpayers of Newcastle,” he lightly bear.” said. “It’s not something to Another resident hide, it’s something to be applauded Drescher and proud of.”

Deputy Mayor Gordon Residents were also disBisset, who both voted appointed at the lack of disagainst buying the buildcussion about Puget Sound ing, for holding the line on Energy’s Energize Eastside spending. project. One speaker took “We have to live within the council to task for failour means, and I ask, and ing to mention it as one of I beg you, have the govtheir priorities. ernment live within your “Not one of you menmeans,” she said. tioned Energize Eastside Mayor Rich Crispo and the problems that it defended the proposed will create,” one resident purchase adding that, if said to applause. the city can make it work, The council received it boils down to the same applause of its own when benefits that come with Bisset mentioned that owning a house versus Newcastle is the only renting it. affected city to place a The purchase is not moratorium on new yet final, Crispo stressed, transmission lines while before adding that it’s sim- it reviews and crafts rules ply a business decision. relative to line design and “You entrusted us with public safety. doing those kinds of things Regarding those rules, for you,” he told the audianother resident implored the council to explicitly spell out guidelines for Name: 16736/ public safety mitigation to protect residents from the Marlows Fine proposed installation of Jewelry high-voltage power poles.

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“We would never, ever willingly do anything that we felt was not safe for the residents of the city,” Crispo assured the audience.

Residents also expressed concerns about congestion on Coal Creek Parkway, and the potential for increased traffic on Newcastle Golf Club Road. At least one resident pointed out a disconnect between the excitement of the city’s growth and resulting traffic impacts.

Former City Councilwoman Jean Garber said she was dissatisfied with the council’s answers regarding concerns about the capacity of the city’s road system to accommodate growth.

“It sounds like what you’re telling us is that there’s really little that you can do about it,” she said.

“The fact is that you are obligated to do something about it,” Garber continued. “The Growth Management Act requires transportation concurrency. That means that it requires that cities provide adequate capacity on their roadway systems either as a part of new development or before new development occurs.”

The two-hour event began with an open house. City departments staffed booths and visual displays offering information and education about community resources.

The second half was a question-and-answer session with residents using pulse pads to answer city questions, before the council opened it up to resident questions.

If you walked away with one of the pulse pads, city officials ask that you return it to City Hall as soon as possible.

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FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016

Youth Theatre Northwest Liberty student to attend prestigious art camp Liberty High School singers Norah Jones and northern Michigan comes to Newcastle student McKenzie Josh Groban. Fysh, 17, will campus.

Youth Theatre Northwest is coming to Newcastle this summer.

The Mercer Island program billed as the region’s premier educational arts organization will head east in August to offer two Newcastle summer camps.

There will be two sessions of the Musical Theatre Camp coming to the city’s Annex Building, 7415 129th Ave. SE, from Aug. 1-5.

The first session for kindergartners and first

and second graders goes from 9 a.m. to noon. daily. With lively games and music, students will learn beginning melody, rhythm and acting skills.

The second session for children in grades 3-5 goes from 1-4 p.m.

Students will learn songs and scenes from favorite musicals and perform for their families on the last day of camp.

Register for the camp online at youththeatre. org or call 206-232-4145 ext. 100.

Certified CRS Residential Specialists

Fysh will attend the Interlochen Arts Camp in Michigan this summer.

The camp is known as the world’s premier summer arts program for aspiring artists. Previous camp participants include

study piano at the camp.

In addition to hundreds of performances, presentations and readings by young artists, Interlochen brings leading artists and performers to the

Fysh volunteers as a pianist at Swedish Hospital in Issaquah and is a keyboardist at Maple Valley Presbyterian Church. She will be a senior at Liberty in the fall.

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FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016

NEWCASTLE NEWS

NEWCASTLE NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016

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Tina Kaiser (left), Simon Dodd, Zach Simington and Sean Whiteley enter the stage to perform their duty as the NJROTC color guard for the playing of the National Anthem.

A happy Liberty student comes up to receive her diploma and a handshake.

LIBERTY CLASS OF 2016

Scenes from the June 13 commencement at Safeco Field

Among the mortarboards decorated with college logos and favorite hobbies are several with declared career paths.

Photos by GREG FARRAR | gfarrar@newcastle-news.com

A student makes a heart sign with her hands as Liberty High School Class of 2016 students enter Safeco Field for their commencement June 13.

Graduating seniors listen to their elected student speaker Justin Carney.

Left: Dr. Joshua Almy shakes the hands of graduates for the last time as principal as they descend from the podium with their diplomas.

Right: Liberty graduates toss their caps in the air to conclude their commencement ceremony June 13 at Safeco Field.

Brandon Powers is decked out in leis from family members on the Safeco Field concourse after graduation.

A student raises his hand in the air as his name is called to come forward for his diploma.

VIEW MORE PHOTOS AND VIDEO ONLINE AT NEWCASTLE-NEWS. COM

Korye Skaare and his fellow classmates listen to inspiring words from their elected faculty speaker Steve Valach.

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FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016

NEWCASTLE NEWS

Photos by GREG FARRAR | gfarrar@newcastle-news.com

Maurice Callaway Jr. stands with his diploma surrounded by all the members of his extended family as his dad Maurice Callaway Sr. gets everyone in the shot with a selfie stick after the Hazen commencement ceremony June 14 at the ShoWare Center.

HAZEN CLASS OF 2016

Scenes from the June 14 commencement at the ShoWare Center

Tyrone Heade performs on bagpipes for the faculty processional before ‘Pomp and Circumstance’ is played for the class processional as the Hazen High School commencement takes place June 14.

Cousin Jomalyn Guzman (left) poses with Hazen graduate Gene Diamante for photos after he’s been covered with garlands of flowers and Tootsie Rolls, given cutout photos of himself as a child and had an inflatable wading pool giraffe added to his mortarboard.

Hazen seniors chat in the lineup with faculty members before the processional as the Class of 2016 prepares to enter the ShoWare Center arena for commencement June 14.

NEWCASTLE NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016

Senior speaker Brittany Dinkins speaks about the memories shared by her classmates during their time together as Highlanders at Hazen High School.

A Hazen graduate dabs with his diploma as he returns to his chair on the ShoWare Center arena floor.

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Graduate Andy Luu receives a hug from his friend Ashley Vo as he holds bouquets and wears leis outside ShoWare Center.

A Hazen graduate holds up what looks like a boxer’s championship belt during the recessional march after the Class of 2016 commencement ceremony is over.

Renton School Board president Al Talley (left) shakes hands with each graduate with their diploma after accepting the Hazen High School Class of 2016.

Graduating seniors listen to the speech by classmate Brittany Dinkins as the Hazen Highlanders prepare to come forward for their diplomas.

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FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016

THE BEAT

NEWCASTLE NEWS

By students, for students

HUMANS OF ISSAQUAH

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

PAUL DORAN

BY NOELA LU Skyline High School Mr. Paul Doran, the International Baccalaureate World Religions and Honors European History teacher at Skyline High School, is extremely popular and admired by all of his students.

The graduating class of 2016 even elected him as the teacher speaker at the graduation commencement ceremony on June 13.

Question: How does it feel to be a teacher for seniors?

Answer: “It’s fun because of what they can do and the fact you can treat them like adults and they ask you good questions. The content is better because you have to teach skills less, but it gets annoying second semester.”

Q: If you had three pieces of advice for graduating seniors, what would they be?

A: “Figure out why you matter.

“Find something and someone you truly love.

“Be nice.”

Q: What do you enjoy most about being a teacher in general?

A: “I like talking about my subject all day with young people. Everything else is just a bonus.”

CALL FOR STORIES Email issaquahpressbeat@gmail. com with story suggestions and nominations for the Humans of Issaquah feature, spotlighting extraordinary people in the community.

Summer break is not just a time to have fun-- it’s an opportunity to try different things.

Whether that means finding new hobbies or exploring other cities, take the extended daylight and homeworkfree days as a chance to do something unique and memorable.

BY MEGAN SO Liberty High School

Do you volunteer for yourself? Or for others?

YOURSELF

BY NOELA LU Skyline High School

W

hen I began my two-week internship at a prestigious top-10 research university in Guangzhou, China, I was there to volunteer for myself.

What does volunteering “for myself” mean? The phrase may sound counterintuitive, but it’s really quite simple: I went to the university to learn research skills, to gain valuable laboratory experience, to expand my knowledge of the biomedical field. I didn’t go to the university thinking that I could be of any real help to the brilliant and independent Ph.D. students working dili-

gently on their own research projects. When I ran gel electrophoreses, pipetted samples and isolated bacteria into petri dishes, I was helping the Ph.D. students by alleviating some of their workload, but mostly I was helping myself. I was expanding my own education and knowledge.

So while I was at the university to volunteer my time and efforts as an intern, in actuality I wasn’t volunteering for others. But while my volunteering experience was different than building houses in an impoverished country or offering help at a disintegrated clinic in a third-world country that desperately needs help, it was still important and something that I’ll never forget.

My advice? Never be afraid to volunteer for yourself — it can be life-changing.

OTHERS

BY JACQUELINE RAYFIELD Liberty High School

T

his summer, teens from around the U.S. will embark on trips, domestic and abroad, in the hopes of serving others. These service trips have become so common that you can find hundreds of programs with just one Google search, but as high-schoolers journey out, I hope that they take the time to think about how best to serve.

One year ago, I was among these eager teens, headed on a flight to India, where I would be building bathrooms and teaching English. One afternoon, after hours of hauling rocks and digging

holes, my program group and I sat down for a quick 10-minute break. In those short minutes, the three builders who had been hired to help managed to dig deeper and build higher than my group of 20 teens had in two hours. I realized that with the money my fellow high-schoolers and I had spent to fly across the world, these builders could have constructed bathrooms for the entire town.

I’m still glad that I went on this trip. The knowledge and cultural experience that I gained were valuable, but I can’t help feeling guilty. With so many service programs around, there are bound to be some that better serve those in need. So, high-schoolers, I implore you, find a program geared towards those who need serving.

NEWCASTLE NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016

Volunteer locally this summer

BY ERIKA KUMAR Skyline High School Teenagers often find themselves simultaneously being busy and having nothing to do in the summer. Some of us may have jobs, or are studying for the SAT, preparing for college applications, or are helping around the house.

And of course, summer is the ultimate time to relax and recharge our batteries for another school year. While it is essential for your wellbeing to take time for yourself and let loose, it’s equally

important for high school students to give back through volunteering during summer break.

There are a plethora of opportunities to get involved in your local community this summer. The Sammamish Farmers Market and the Issaquah Farmers Market both need volunteers to help set up and break down their weekly market. The Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank and the Eastside Baby Corner have regular openings for volunteers to come sort donations and prepare items to be given

out. The Issaquah Schools Foundation’s Tools4Schools event on Aug. 20 will provide students in need with backpacks and school supplies — and they need donations and volunteers!

You can sign up for any of these volunteer opportunities online with a quick Google search. Remember, volunteering doesn’t have to be boring, either — many of these volunteer opportunities can be done with friends. Have fun and enjoy yourself this summer, but do take some time for your community!

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WRITE FOR THE BEAT ARE YOU INTERESTED in gaining real-world journalism experience and having your work published for thousands of readers? We are looking for punctual, creative Liberty, Hazen and Newport high school students with excellent communication skills and concise writing abilities to join the 2016-17 staff of The Beat. Apply at tinyurl.com/BeatApplication.

TEEN TALK

FIVE GRADUATING MEMBERS OF THE BEAT STAFF OFFER ADVICE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

The benefits of summer traveling

BY MEGAN SO Liberty High School Whether you step out of a car, train or airplane, the feeling of being surrounded by an unknown environment can be both exhilarating and intimidating. The people, food and even water are all different than what we are accustomed to in Washington, allowing us to expand our understanding of and gain a stronger appreciation for foreign manifestations of humanity.

When in an unusual setting, it’s easy to feel a mixture of vulnerability and wonderment — both of which allow you to appre-

ciate the different aspects of other cultures. As you explore the depths of the travel location, you begin to understand the triviality of some of the issues you face back home. While many of us teens are struggling to find our identities, a whole world of people, places and opportunities awaits beyond the routineness of everyday life. While traveling, the pressure we feel is replaced by the freedom and excitement of being in a different society.

Not only does being on unfamiliar turf allow us to immerse ourselves in awe-inspiring culture, but it awakens a usually dormant attentiveness to our sur-

roundings. What you take away from crossing the bustling intersection in Shibuya is different than what you experience amid the crowds of Pike Place.

Similarly, what you watch on television or learn in a classroom is not fully understood until you actually experience it. When you chat with a local in Nice or when you taste the spicy-sweet rice cake dish at a street food stand in Seoul is an unforgettable, unique experience.

Even if you can’t go overseas, traveling to a new place can teach you things you never imagined — or at least let you find a new favorite food!

NAMRATA CHINTALAPATI Johns Hopkins University, studying neuroscience

“This is a time to explore. Play new sports, join new clubs and make new friends. Don’t be afraid!”

JACQUELINE RAYFIELD

Boston University, studying international relations

“Use a planner and read lots of books.”

NOELA LU

Johns Hopkins University, studying neuroscience and public health

Staying sober this summer

BY MATTHEW DUFF Issaquah High School Teenagers are not famous for following the rules. This is an experimental stage of life at the very least, and teenagers often cross boundaries just to see what will happen. This is perhaps not an altogether maladaptive instinct — while it often involves a good deal of friction, conflict fuels growth.

There is a point, however, when a line is truly not to be crossed for one’s own good.

Take, for example, alcohol.

With summer upon us, many teens are presented with long hours to fill with socialization. In some peo-

It bothers me that it’s illegal, and it bothers me that it’s potentially dangerous. ple’s minds, nothing says a party like some beer. I’m not as enthusiastic about alcohol, and I’ve met a surprising number of peers who feel the same way.

Why am I not an alcohol fan? It bothers me that it’s illegal, and it bothers me that it’s potentially dangerous. Ultimately, though, I

enjoy being sober. When I get together with friends, we’re all in our right minds, we laugh, we talk, we play games, we have a good time.

At the end of it all, we’re still physically functional and healthy. We don’t worry about driving home. We don’t worry about embarrassing or stupid things we did, because we remember the entire evening. We’re not hung over, we don’t lie to our family, we’re in no danger of being in trouble with the law.

Personally, I think those are all pretty cool things. For these reasons, I believe that there are more productive, rewarding things to do this summer than getting drunk.

“Don’t be afraid to take time away from others to focus on yourself — having friends and a social life are vital, but so is taking care of yourself.”

MATTHEW DUFF

Santa Clara University, studying psychology

“If you’re going to tackle a challenge, you might as well give it your all.”

MEGAN SO

University of Washington, studying interaction design

“Be grateful, be kind and see every challenge as an opportunity to grow.”

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FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016

NEWCASTLE NEWS

Laughing all the way

When slumber — finally! — means slumber

BY PAT DETMER

school girlfriends and I get together for a trip to spots like the Grand Canyon and Santa Fe, and wherever we’ve landed I’ve been known to call dibs on the space that’s furthest from the others so that I can be assured a deep and uninterrupted sleep. In Galena, my bed was in a converted chicken coop. I broke a toe before the Lake Geneva trip, and that got me a bedroom all my own.

I’m considering breaking other bones for future trips.

But more recently I went to Portland with girlfriends to celebrate a birthday that included an overnight hotel stay. Did we pull an all-nighter? Hardly. I discovered that when you’re in your sixties, “Slumber Parties” actually have something to do with slumber. We ate, we drank, we talked, but also slept. What a notion!

Google “sleep” and see what comes up.

Hundreds of thousands of hits touting the health benefits of a night in dreamland.

The American Sleep Association and the National Sleep Foundation both vie for your drowsy attention and donations, and there are tips and products to aid you in your quest for slumber.

So all of these years of feeling like a cranky, anti-social outcast, and really, I was just way ahead of my time! On the other hand, maybe I am a cranky, anti-social outcast, but you can’t blame it on a lack of sleep.

S

lumber parties loom large in my Illinois farm-town youth. I wasn’t a fan. I’ve always cherished my sleep and recognized the need to quietly retire early in the evening, so I attended these only grudgingly. My high school girlfriends will scoff at that, because I looked like all the other attendees: Playing scary games, eating arteryclogging food, volunteering for experiments where the intention was to make you Pat Detmer light-headed and/or briefly unconscious; so yes, I was there in body, offering up lots of brain cells and artery stability that I’ll wish I had later, but in spirit, I wanted my sleep, and that’s not what slumber parties are about.

My attitude didn’t change when I went to college and lived in a dorm. It was a madhouse during final exams: Coffee always on the perk, cigarette smoke so thick you could cut it with a knife, textbooks being flung to the floor in exasperation, girls weeping to their parents on the pay phone outside my dorm room door. So on the week of finals I would pack up and move to my grandmother’s house about a mile away, and there, comforted by the privacy, soothed by the quiet, and fed by the woman who fed my mother before me, I would study and sleep like a baby.

Every few years my Midwestern high

You can reach Pat Detmer, who loves to sleep, perchance to dream, at patdetmer@aol.com.

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SPORTS

NEWCASTLE NEWS

O’Hearn

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Cerna

Dumas

Woodbridge

Dinkins

FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016

Garcia

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K. Lilly

Hazen celebrates college-bound athletes Hazen High School honored its athletes set to continue their playing careers in college at a special celebration May 12.

The Hazen class of 2016 has nine student athletes that will take their talents to the next level: Connor O’Hearn, Cooper Cerna, Kaya Dumas, Erin Zetterberg, Thomas Woodbridge, Brittany Dinkins, Reyes Garcia, Madeline Kaiser and Kate Lilly. n Hazen basketball star Connor O’Hearn will reunite with former Highlanders coach Ryan Thompson when he enrolls at Black Hills State University. O’Hearn said his relationship with Thompson was one of the main reasons he chose the school in North Dakota.

“I just know I’ll have a famil-

iar face there,” O’Hearn said.

“He was a good guy to me while I was here, he looked after me.” n Erin Zetterberg will continue her soccer career at Eastern Washington University, but said she will miss playing for Hazen soccer coach Ken Matthews.

“He just made soccer fun,” she said. “I enjoyed playing for him. I remember some practices we’d have competitions for candy bars and just fun things like that.” n Cooper Cerna is ready to further his soccer skill at Pacific Lutheran University.

His relationship with head coach John Yorke was one of the reasons he chose the Lutes.

“He was very friendly, very personal and he really wanted me to come out and play in the program,” Cerna said. n Kaya Dumas helped the Hazen girls basketball team win its first Seamount League

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ON THE WEB Watch all of the athletes recall their favorite Hazen sports memories in a video at newcastle-news.com.

championship this season and now she’s taking her talents to Edmonds Community College.

“I’m just really excited to continue playing basketball with a great group of girls and be a part of another team again,” she said. n Thomas Woodbridge will play football at George Fox University next year. He chose the school in Oregon because it was close to home and has a good biology program.

Even though he’s graduating, Woodbridge said he sees good things in store for the Hazen football program.

“I think with the new coach, they’re going to be on the

uprise,” he said. n Brittany Dinkins is going to the University of Redlands where she will also play soccer. Dinkins said she always wanted to go to school in California.

“It offered both of the majors that I wanted and I was also able to continue playing soccer while focusing on academics,” she said. n Reyes Garcia will continue his soccer career at Highline College. He chose the school because it’s close to home and the soccer program is solid.

His favorite Hazen memory was a last minute win over Kennedy during his freshmen season.

“Our celebration, it was crazy,” he said. “Crowd roaring, it was a big night.” n Madeline Kaiser immediately fell in love with Wenatchee Valley College when she visited. The school is her new home as she contin-

ues playing soccer.

“My teammates are great, my coach is fantastic,” Kaiser said. “She’s dedicated, she’s smart and I cannot be more excited to be playing with the people that I’m going to be playing with.” n Kate Lilly will run crosscountry and track at Seattle Pacific University. Lilly recently wrapped up her Hazen career with two individual medals at the state track meet.

“It has a nice balance of athletics and academics,” she said of SPU. “I really wanted to run Division 2 so I’d be able to still focus on my education.”

Michelle Lilly, Kate’s sister, also competes for Hazen, but attends Aviation High School.

Michelle was not at the ceremony, but she will attend Harvey Mudd College next year and focus on the jumping events. She recently took fourth at state in the triple jump.

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FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016

NEWCASTLE NEWS

Liberty Junior Football registrations closes July 10 Time is running out to register for Liberty Junior Football’s upcoming season.

The full-contact youth organization for both boys and girls is aligned with the mission, vision and values of Liberty High School’s football program, under the leadership and direction of coach Steve Valach.

“Our goal is to develop

a comprehensive, outstanding program that feeds into the Liberty High School program, with a focus on building both the character and competitor in every participant,” Valach said.

The program, now in its second season, is particularly seeking players in the 7-9 age

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Students ages 7-14 who will attend Liberty High School are eligible to participate.

That means Apollo, Briarwood, Newcastle and Maple Hills elementary, as well as Maywood Middle School students, can suit up for the Patriots.

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Liberty Junior Football is a recognized nonprofit and competes in the Greater Eastside Junior Football Association. The season starts in August and runs through November.

Pick 6 Sports, a professional youth sports organization, runs Liberty Junior Football with the intent of creating an

environment that is “all about the kids.” Valach is also very involved in the direction of the youth program.

Future Patriots can learn directly from Valach and the high school team at Liberty’s Rising Stars Camp July 25-28. Cost is $75. Learn more at libertypatriotsfootball. com.

Hazen soccer players make all-state team The Washington State Soccer Coaches Association announced its all-state teams and three Hazen Highlanders appear on the list.

Senior captain and defender Hector Cervantes was named to the Class 3A first team.

It was his third time on the list after making the second team in 2014 and 2015.

Forward Reyes Garcia made the second team.

He received an honorable mention in 2015. Garcia, also a senior captain,

will continue playing at Highline College in the fall.

Junior midfielder Ethan Kem was selected to the second team. He’ll return as a senior captain next year.

“This type of recognition isn’t why these guys play the game, but it sure is nice to see them get credit for the work they put in every day,” said Hazen coach Ken Matthews.

“Needless to say, they’re the type of guys you want around program,” he added.

“They’re student athletes, teachers and staff like them, and they make the players around them better.”

Patriots finish in top five of Scholastic Cup standings Liberty High School teams combined to finish fourth in the Class 2A state Scholastic Cup standings.

The WIAA/Washington Army National Guard Scholastic Cup recognizes performance in the classroom as well as on the playing surface.

Schools that finish at the top of their respective classifications in state athletic competition receive points, as do schools that finish at the top in team academic performance.

Sportsmanship is also a factor, with substantial points deducted for ejections from contests. At the end of the year, the school with the most points in their classification wins the Scholastic Cup. Liberty was slotted at fourth with 1,050 points.

The Class 2A Scholastic Cup winner Sehome had 1,355.

The Patriots earned the maximum 100 points for state titles in girls cross country, boys golf and girls swim and dive. The girls cross country team contributed another 100 points for its academic state championship.

Hazen finished 26th in the 3A standings.

View the full Scholastic Cup standings and point breakdowns at bit. ly/1UqS8EV.

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NEWCASTLE NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016

You matter, so link arms and love other people well Editor’s note: Every June, Newcastle News photographer Greg Farrar attends a half-dozen Eastside high school commencement ceremonies. What follows is the commencement speech Farrar heard from a student or adult this year at graduation that, in his opinion, stood out from the rest.

BY STEVE VALACH Liberty High School faculty speaker

GREG FARRAR | gfarrar@newcastle-news.com

Steve Valach, an English teacher and football coach at Liberty High, addresses the school’s graduates at Safeco Field in Seattle on June 13.

be true.

First, you are not a mistake.

You have a purpose. You are a beloved daughter, a beloved son. You matter. And if you think you don’t matter, you matter to me. And I guarantee you, you matter to lots of other folks filling up the stadium today. That’s the truth.

You know, so often we listen to messages about ourselves or what matters in life, that, they’re lies. And we’re bombarded with messages about what to wear, how to act, what to say and who to be. And so often the message is, ‘you don’t meet the standard.’ And

I’m here to say that you do meet the standard. You have great value.

So, class of 2016, I want you to repeat after me.

I have great value.

(I have great value.)

You can do way better than that. Let’s try it again.

I have great value.

(I have great value.)

My life has a purpose.

(My life has a purpose.)

I matter.

(I matter.)

That’s the truth. Don’t ever forget it.

(That’s the truth [laughter]…)

Don’t repeat that part. That

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The challenge is, I think all of us know those relationships we need to pursue and we know those ones that we need to sever. And so now, have the courage, have the perseverance to relentlessly and passionately pursue it.

So what’s the ultimate measure of success in life? To be great at loving other people.

Be a great lover of others. You don’t need a diploma, you don’t need a college degree, you don’t need any special training. Simply put, love other people well.

Finally, I want everybody in here to stand up. Now I want you to lock arms with the person on your left and your right. You might even have to cross the aisle to do it.

Lock up. So what do I know, what do I have to share about life, is that this is how we do life. We lock arms, we cross the aisle, we reach out. Even when it’s uncomfortable and it’s awkward that’s what we do.

So, class of 2016, as you prepare to graduate my prayer for you is that you build and pursue authentic, loving, transparent relationships.

That those relationships unlock greatness in yourself and others, and that you never forget who you are. A beloved son. A beloved daughter. You are worthy. Your life has a purpose. You matter. That’s the truth. You matter. Thank you.

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ell, first I want to thank you, class of 2016, this is my first opportunity to ever share at a graduation, and I consider it a great honor and a great privilege to be up here today.

Many of you have had me in class and you know that we never begin without the same question every class period, and that question is...?

(What’s good?)

What’s good! Well, since I have the microphone, and the answer’s really pretty obvious, I’ll tell you what’s good, you guys are graduating today.

(Cheers.)

And that’s a cause for great celebration. The last couple days have been really hard.

Lots of tears, and I cried this morning… and I think the best thing I can do today is to share some thoughts, ideas and principles that I know to

was bad coaching on my part.

You know, a place where I know I hear truth is when I’m in loving, authentic, transparent community. And there’s an African word, a Zulu word, that I’ve shared on many occasions, that beautifully defines that type of community. And that word is “ubuntu.” And I’m going to have everyone in the stadium on three say ubuntu.

One, two, three.

(Ubuntu.)

That’s really good! Ubuntu means “I am, because we are.”

Your success is my success.

Your failure is my failure. Our lives are inextricably linked together. What happens to you, happens to me. And ubuntu relationships exponentially unlock the greatness in ourselves and in others. It says to the other person, “I see you. I see who you are, I see who you can be. And I will not passively sit by and allow you to stay where you are. You were meant for greatness.”

On the flip side, negative, destructive relationships minimize who we are. The bottom line, relationships good or bad, shape who we are. Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.

So where do we find ubuntu? Well, a lot of you have it right now, and the challenge is to maintain it and expand it.

Truthfully, some of you have relationships that you may need to cut ties with, because they’re dragging you down.

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FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016

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