Graduation is scheduled for 4 p.m. June 11 in the Bainbridge High School Memorial Stadium. Graduates need to arrive in the LGI at 3 p.m. with their cap, gown, banner/sash.

Graduation is a “standing room only” event on Bainbridge Island. Parking will be a challenge so families are encouraged to plan accordingly. In addition to the BHS and Commodore Options School parking areas, parking will be available in the swimming pool lot and at Ordway School. Parking for vehicles with appropriate Disabled Parking tags will be available at the west end of the stadium.

Due to the large number of attendees, the graduation ceremony is held outdoors “rain or shine”.

Valedictorians for the Class of 2011 are Sierra Enright, Connor Fling, Heather Gordon, Kristin Gordon, Rebecca Gordon, Judy Han, Davis Harrison, Julian Skotheim Hillis, John Murphy, Sarah Nicole Redmond, Bryan Peterson and Nora White.

Island mom writes life skills book

Need a last-minute present for a graduate making the big leap into the “real world?”

First-time island author Chris Kelly wrote her life-skills handbook “On Your Own 101” after asking her 16-year-old son to clean the bathroom, only to realize she had never really taught him some of the basic skills for everyday life.

“As a parent, a single parent, we do so much for our children in preparation for college, and while they are in school to support them academically,” said Kelly. “We often overlook many of the real life skills essential to survival.”

She gathered inspiration through asking other parents about the routine advice calls from their offsprings who left the nest. The result is a compilation including how to clean a toilet, write a thank-you card or get a deposit back from a rental agency.

Kelly’s son, Alexander Rabin, will graduate from Bainbridge High School this weekend.

Kelly is also publishing a children’s empowerment book and working on a life skills guide for women, while still at home with her sophomore son Asa and 3-year-old daughter Theresa.

“On Your Own 101” is available at Eagle Harbor Books and Paper Products.

-Jessica Hoch