Class of 2011

Graduation can be a rite of passage, a result of hard work and academic skill or a moment in time when a person moves from one career to another.

Dakota Fanning is a movie star to us but a friend and cheerleader to her high school friends.

Dakota Fanning graduated from high school this year and is heading to college touring NYU as well as several other east coast schools. This young starlet managed to pack in a movie career as well as cheerleading and homecoming queen duties.

Adorable Stephanie with her family surrounding her at graduation.

Stephanie is headed off to DC after a rigorous curriculum at Seattle Pacific University! She'll be turning heads in the nation's capital with a degree in Political Science concentrating on International Affairs, and a minor in French. She's looking for a career with our national security, defense or intelligence. Brains and beauty!

Stacey Lowenberg-Ebstyne at her final curtain call. Photo by Lindsay Thomas

I first met Stacey Lowenberg when she was 17. This green little ballerina had just arrived from Iowa to study at the Pacific Northwest Ballet as an apprentice. Stacey began her dance legacy at 12, later in life than most girls. But with determination, grit and heart, she became a member of the PNB’s Corps de Ballet almost immediately. Stacey enjoyed the spotlight with well-deserved solos in a long ballet career. But the heart and body can only stay in one place for so long. Her last performance was met with cheers and flowers at her feet. Although we will miss her on the stage, her transition to private teaching in Ballet and Pilates could bring her into our living rooms! You can contact me if you would like more information on her classes.

So there you have it! 3 lovely ladies from the Class of 2011; Each one a superstar, an intellectual and a dancer showing us achievement can be obtained in many ways and that our personal pursuit in excellence is ever-changing. How will you change the world? With wit, strength or grace? Or, like me, with style!

I was asked to design this graduate from the University of Washington's Foster School of Business's cap. Go Huskies!!