Battle Ground Public Schools

The Class of 2023 shares their experiences and advice

July 18, 2023

Nearly 900 high school seniors walked across the stage at District Stadium and the Prairie High School auditorium in June. Here, some of those recent graduates share thoughts about their high school experience and their advice for the incoming freshman class.

BATTLE GROUND HIGH SCHOOL

Lucas Ramage said he’ll most remember his time in Battle Ground High School’s JROTC program and the friends he made within the corps. Even with all of that going on, Ramage  managed to get an associate degree before high school graduation through the Running Start program. 

“Do the things you want, but not so much that you burn out,” was Ramage’s advice to next year’s incoming freshman class. 

“Just be yourself,” was the advice of fellow Tiger Chloe Dickey. “Don’t be a bully and don’t try to be part of the ‘popular’ crowd, because it’s not worth it. Just choose kindness and honesty.”

Dickey said she’ll most remember how kind and helpful the teachers at BGHS were and how they “treated us like adults and held each one of us accountable.”

PRAIRIE HIGH SCHOOL

Ricardo Martin Del Campo says his fondest memory of attending Prairie High School will be “the amazing band program.” Del Campo was a fixture in student leadership at Prairie while also taking part in band, choir, drama and serving as a student representative of the school board during his final two years. His next adventure, he said, is attending college to continue his music education with the goal of becoming a high school band director. Del Campo says his advice to incoming freshmen is to “do what you love with the people you love.”

Madeline McMillen said she enjoyed her time in Prairie’s equestrian program, starting off as an underdog and eventually qualifying for state in eight events. She credited Prairie Assistant Principal Erin Thompson for much of her success. “She helped me learn to advocate for myself and become more confident and accepting of who I am,” McMillen wrote, “a girl with anxiety who can still accomplish a lot.”

That included starting her own charity, Madeline’s Helpful Heart, which helped to collect thousands of toys and donations for children in need throughout the area. She advises incoming high school students to find a staff member they can trust and then “stay focused and always believe in yourself.”

CAM ACADEMY

CAM Academy’s Berina Cehajic called her high school experience an “exciting and challenging journey,” but one filled with “friendship and wonderful moments.”

“One of my absolute favorite memories was working on the yearbook,” Cehajic recalled. “The whole team had such great ideas and creativity.”

Cehajic said the teachers and administrators at CAM Academy prepared her for life after high school by encouraging collaboration and encouraging them to never give up even when “the work was challenging. They taught us that we are there to learn and succeed and, if it doesn’t work once, keep trying till you succeed.”

Classmate Jack Oien agreed, adding that CAM helped him learn how to balance his educational and social lives. “Throughout my education, I’ve had the opportunity to experience both ends of the spectrum,” Oien said, “but now I feel like I’ve been able to find a balance in my schedule that’s right for me.”

Of his advice for incoming high schoolers, Oien encouraged them to try new things.

“Don’t be afraid to jump into something you think you may not be ready for,” he said. “Your friends, family and teachers will support you along the way.

RIVER HOMELINK HIGH SCHOOL

Amelia Newberg said one of her fondest memories will be shoveling hail into buckets during a school bingo night at River HomeLink and using it to cool their drinks. She also fondly remembered doodling with her math buddy, Adi, and learning how to do an “evil scream” during drama class with theater teacher Sandy Sparks.

“I learned a lot about teamwork and hard work by acting in Theater II,” Newberg recalled.” “Mrs. Sparks even helped me revise many scholarship essays.” 

In her advice to incoming freshmen, Newberg said it can sometimes be hard to feel like you belong. “Find your value and worth in God, then look for others you genuinely connect with,” she said, “without putting on an act to be their friend.”

SUMMIT VIEW HIGH SCHOOL

Kierra Bellikka said she’ll best remember her time at Summit View High School for “the kindness and encouragement of all the teachers.”

Summit View is an alternative learning experience that emphasizes an individualized approach to education for students looking to graduate high school on their own schedule. “Summit View allows students the flexibility to figure out how to live as an adult while providing support when needed,” is how Bellikka put it.

Her advice to the class of 2027? 

“Don’t burn yourself out right at the beginning. Make a plan and then move at a steady pace.”

Thank you to all of the seniors who took time to share their high school experiences with us. We wish the entire class of 2023 a bright and successful future!