Philomath Academy’s Class of 2025 will gather at 7 p.m. Wednesday to celebrate 18 students receiving their diplomas. The ceremony will take place on the lawn near the corner of Applegate Street and South 16th Street.
Philomath Academy Principal Garth Gerot will be a featured speaker. The class valedictorian, Isabella Bakker, will also take the podium.
“The most challenging part of high school for me was making the decision to learn at the speed that was right for me,” said Bakker, the daughter of Holly and Chris Bakker. “I learned at a young age that my passion was computer science. I delved in. I love learning and the opportunity to start college at 15 is something I will be forever grateful for.”
Bakker said she wants to become a software engineer.
“I have always enjoyed working with technology and solving problems,” Bakker said, adding that in 10 years, she plans to own her own company. “I will provide technological solutions, innovative ideas, help maintain cybersecurity and use AI (artificial intelligence) for good purposes.”
Bakker earned a 4.0 grade point average. Last year, her sister, Allessandra Bakker, was Philomath Academy’s valedictorian. She went through the Philomath school system since kindergarten.
“Ms.(Brittany) Kampfer — she was my kindergarten teacher,” Bakker said in response to a question about influential teachers. “Ms. Kampfer really cares about her students and their families. She is not only a wonderful teacher, but an extremely caring individual and wonderful community member.”
Eighteen students will receive diplomas:
- Olivia Abernathy, Isabella Bakker, Benjamin David Cerny, David Andrew Clements,
- Hayden Presley Crook, Landon Ryder Crook, Diego Andres Garcia Arroyo, Preston William Luscher,
- Sebastian Christopher Mobley, Alessandra Navarro Gutierrez, Emma Ann Olsen, Ava Mae Rariden,
- Braelynn L.M. Riddle, Miztly Nathaly Solis Lagarda, Cian Ellery Tavano, Stevee Zooee Neveah,
- Justin G Warren and Ava Webster.
In addition, three students completed requirements for a General Educational Development certificate:
- Emilio Alvarez, Roman Patton and Karlie Schill.