Bainbridge Island boasts 10 valedictorians among the graduating seniors of the class of 2016.
As much alike as they are different, the super sharp Spartans — Sophie Carson, Claire Branley, Amy Willerford, Ryan Cox, Ashley Alnwick, Emma Goidel, Erin Kempkes, Jordan Maria, Karl Anderson and Sophia Bidinger — paused earlier this week to talk with the Review and share their memories, future plans and, of course, the secrets to their success. Having juggled college applications, studying, finals, prom, parents, friends, sports and everything else vying for their time, this year’s valedictorians are most certainly speaking from experience.
Emma Goidel
Parents: Eun-sook and Scott Goidel
Favorite class: Honors Humanities and World Religions
Favorite teacher: Mr. Holland
Favorite food: Sweet potatoes
Favorite movie: “Mulan”
Future plans: Carleton College, work on the farm and play Ultimate while there.
Best memory of BHS?
“Any time I have eaten lunch with Mr. Uitvlugt this past year.”
What’s the secret of your academic success?
“Choosing to partake in classes that I am truly interested in, by having teachers who are passionate and care about students’ success, encouraging students to work hard and push ourselves.”
What’s your favorite thing about Bainbridge Island?
“The ability to connect with the food and the land it comes from, the supportive community cultivated and the beautiful trails.”
Claire Branley
Parents: Johanna Branley
Favorite class: Humanities and Biology
Favorite teacher: Mr. Dunn, Mr. Druker and Mr. Chee
Favorite food: Chocolate ice cream
Favorite movie: “Dead Poet’s Society”
Future plans: Attend University of Washington and hopefully attend medical school afterwards.
Best memory of BHS?
“Becoming student body president was an amazing experience.
I got much closer to students and we met more staff beyond just teachers. I was so happy to have the opportunity to lead.”
What’s the secret of your academic success?
“Be interested in what you’re learning about. If you think of it as adding to your knowledge and not just busy work, then going to school becomes fun and (relatively) easy.”
What’s your favorite thing about Bainbridge Island?
“I have grown up in such a strong community that is always willing to help the school district. Traditions like the Ordway carnival, high school football games, etc, show how committed our community is.”
Sophia Bidinger
Parents: Betsy and Don Bidinger
Favorite class: World Religions. It was a class that truly broadened my horizons and was consistently engaging.
Favorite teacher: Eric Hoffman, for being reasonable and compassionate always.
Favorite food: Chicken noodle soup
Favorite movie: “The Sandlot”
Future plans: Go to UW, study engineering, explore the world.
Best memory of BHS?
“Making friends and memories and forming an excellent foundation for the rest of my life.”
What’s the secret of your academic success?
“Sleep!”
What’s your favorite thing about Bainbridge Island?
“It is a beautiful and safe place to grow up.”
Sophie Carson
Parents: Brian and Megan Carson
Favorite class: BC Calculus
Favorite teacher: Mr. Layton, Mr. Lovelace and Ms. Ward
Favorite food: Eggs and potatoes
Favorite movie: “Inception”
Future plans: Attend California Polytechnic State University and study engineering.
Best memory of BHS?
“Playing sardines around the school after the BC Calculus AP test.”
What’s the secret of your academic success?
“Having a great group of friends to go through high school with has made all the difference for me. From doing math homework to discussing assigned reading, I always enjoy learning most with others.”
What’s your favorite thing about Bainbridge Island?
“The opportunities to be out in nature, especially running on our island trails and dock-jumping at Hidden Cove and Point White.”
Karl Anderson
Parents: Kathy and Borgan Anderson
Favorite class: AP Chemistry
Favorite teacher: Mrs. Dolejsi
Favorite food: Apple pie
Favorite movie: “Inception”
Future plans: Study chemistry or biology at University of Washington.
Best memory of BHS?
“Oral finals in American Studies and studying for them. It was difficult, but the reward of doing well was worth it. It also brings you closer to others in the group you study with.”
What’s the secret of your academic success?
“It’s important to study a lot, pay close attention in class and try to enjoy every class. If you don’t like a class, then you won’t be able to motivate yourself to do well.”
What’s your favorite thing about Bainbridge Island?
“I’ve enjoyed living near the water. Being on an island provides a quieter place and a distinctive sense of community.”
Amy Willerford
Parents: Dana and Dennis Willerford
Favorite class: AP Government and AP Calculus
Favorite teacher: Mr. McLean
Favorite food: Chocolate chip cookies
Favorite movie: “50/50”
Future plans: “I plan to attend the University of Washington and study Public Health. I’m hoping to learn as much as I can and see as much of the world that I can afford.”
Best memory of BHS?
“It was great to see everyone having fun together at prom. It was really meaningful to me that all different groups of friends and personality types could come together for a last night of fun before we leave.”
What’s the secret of your academic success?
“I think what has helped me succeed as much as I have in high school is to look at the big picture — I want to be able to look back on high school and say that I worked my hardest.”
What’s your favorite thing about Bainbridge Island?
“I love the sense of community on the island. It’s been great to catch up with neighbors, and old friends. It always feels like all of the adults in the community are rooting for you!”
Jordan Maria
Parents: Dana and Michael Maria
Favorite class: World Religions
Favorite teacher: Mr. Hoffman or Mr. Dunn (“I love them all!”)
Favorite food: Watermelon
Favorite movie: “Dead Poet’s Society”
Future plans: University of Washington, studying to become a teacher
Best memory of BHS?
“Spending time with all of my amazing friends.”
What’s the secret of your academic success?
“Take classes that interest you, don’t just take them because they’ll look good to colleges. If you enjoy the class, you will do well.”
What’s your favorite thing about Bainbridge Island?
“It is a somewhat close community. I feel like I am able to connect and form relationships with the adults and kids on the island. Bainbridge also provides great academic opportunities as well as service opportunities.”
Erin Kempkes
Parents: Rod and Carolyn Kempkes
Favorite class: AP Calculus
Favorite teacher: Mr. Lovelace
Favorite food: Swiss chocolate ice cream from Mora!
Favorite movie: “Life is Beautiful”
Future plans: Attend Colby College in Waterville, Maine; major in neuroscience and/or anthropology and hopefully get a job doing research in those fields.
Best memory of BHS?
“All the amazing and dedicated teachers I’ve had throughout my past four years here!”
What’s the secret of your academic success?
“All the unwavering support I’ve had from my parents, family, friends teachers and community! Also making lists and staying organized definitely helps.”
What’s your favorite thing about Bainbridge Island?
“The natural environment; the trees, water, beaches, forests.”
Ashley Alnwick
Parents: Paul and Rachael Alnwick
Favorite class: AP Calculus
Favorite teacher: Mr. McLean
Favorite food: Pineapple or peanut butter (not together, however)
Favorite movie: “This is the End”
Future plans: Study Public Health at Tulane University in the Honors Program while taking in New Orleans!
Best memory of BHS?
“Seeing the Class of 2016 come together at the prom and realize how much we value one another and how much we will miss everyone next year.”
What’s the secret of your academic success?
“Find a balance in your life. It is not worth spending all of high school buried in books. Find what works for you in order to fit it all in — normally this means limited sleep. You just have to go for things!”
What’s your favorite thing about Bainbridge Island?
“Being able to drive no more than five minutes and be at the water surrounded by so much beauty. Also being able to leave your house in your pajamas and it being socially acceptable.”
Ryan Cox
Parents: Barbara Shane and Mike Cox
Favorite class: BC Calculus
Favorite teacher: Mr. McLean and Mr. Holland
Favorite food: Gummy Bears
Favorite movie: “Moneyball”
Future plans: Attend Williams College in Massachusetts and major in something math or science related, possibly go into some sort of research.
Best memory of BHS?
“Freshman year cross country. I ran varsity with my brothers and the team made it to State (and finished seventh) for the first time ever since we moved up to 3A. The bonding and memories with that group of boys has been unmatched in my other experiences.”
What’s the secret of your academic success:
“Consistency! Really just making sure every assignment and test is done well. Also, actually being engaged and listening in class. Most people zone out but if you’re truly present it makes things much easier.”
What’s your favorite thing about Bainbridge Island?
“The supportive community! I feel like adults here really do care about our success.”
