Camas, Washougal schools celebrate class of 2025 graduates

The communities of Camas and Washougal celebrated more than 700 local high school graduates last week during five separate commencement ceremonies.

Camas’ Discovery High School led the way with its Thursday graduation event in the project-based learning high school’s outdoor amphitheater.

Camas High School followed on Friday evening with the area’s largest commencement ceremony recognizing around 475 graduates at the Camas School District’s Doc Harris Stadium.

Saturday’s graduation events included Washougal High School’s commencement ceremony for its 207 class of 2025 graduates at the Washougal School District’s Fishback Stadium in Washougal, Hayes Freedom High School’s ceremony and the Camas Connect Academy’s intimate graduation event for the online school’s class of 2025 graduates at the Joyce Garver Theater in Camas.

‘Don’t be afraid to stir things up if it means doing what’s right’

Mark Tomasetti, Camas High School’s teacher of the year — and father to a class of 2025 Camas High graduate — drew laughs and cheers with his commencement address on Friday.

“Time moves on whether we like it or not. It’s a reminder to appreciate what we have while we still can,” Tomasetti said.

The last time he gave a commencement speech, Tomasetti said, he talked about recent attacks on history in the United States and how some people in power wanted to sanitize or erase history.

“Since then, attacks on history have only intensified,” Tomasetti said Friday. “Those attacking history should maybe try studying history and learning from it, rather than trying to censor it.”

And those who would like to ban books, he added, should try reading more of them.

“To me, this is personal. I have had a passion for history ever since I was in high school,” said Tomasetti, who teaches social studies. “It’s my greatest strength and perhaps my greatest weakness.”

He encouraged students to embrace their own passions and to use those passions “not just to succeed but to stand for something.”

“In a world that often encourages indifference,” Tomasetti said, “your passion might just be your greatest form of resistance.

“As you continue through life, yes, you will have a few issues. You will be faced with many decisions. And there will be times when you need to choose between what is easy and what is right,” Tomasetti told the new high school graduates. “Sometimes your choices will not please everyone. Don’t let that fear or disapproval silence your conviction to steer you away from what you know is right … Let your passions guide you. Let your convictions anchor you. And don’t be afraid to stir things up if it means doing what’s right.”

Valedictorian urges classmates to be kind, live a full life

At Washougal High School’s commencement ceremony, senior class valedictorian Catherine Dewey reflected on shared memories and her faith as she urged her classmates to walk through life with kindness, compassion for others and a good dose of self-empathy.

“For me, my faith in God has been that deeper foundation. Through the challenges, the doubts and the stress, I found strength in Christ. I’ve come to believe that we’re not meant to walk this life alone. And no matter where we go next, we can carry with us the truth that we are loved, we have purpose and we are never alone,” Dewey said.

“As we reflect on our shared memories — surviving online school, a 24-hour TikTok ban, Friday night lights … (and) the school bathroom fire during our freshman year — let’s remember this: a simple act of kindness can change someone’s entire day, perhaps even their life,” Dewey said. “Whether it’s holding the door open or offering a genuine smile, these small moments build the foundation of who we are. The way we treat others is the legacy we leave behind.”

The Washougal valedictorian asked her peers to remember what Ferris Bueller, actor Matthew Broderick’s character in the 1986 comedy movie, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” said: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

“I challenge you all not to rush through life — live it fully,” Dewey said. “Reach out to someone you love today. Send that text. Make that call. Tell your parents you love them. Be present in your own story and in the stories of those around you.”

Kelly Moyer: 360-735-4674; kelly.moyer@columbian.com