Congratulations to our 2020 High School Students of the Year

Submitted by Jessica Bustad 

Each year the Tulalip Education Division honors students at the Annual Graduation Banquet. This year, we did not get the normal banquet and opportunity to honor all of our seniors who worked so hard to finish the last of their high school career during a pandemic. 

At the end each school year we give an opportunity for students to apply for Tulalip Senior Boy & Girl of the Year and also just recently, the Indian Education Parent Committee Student of the Year. With delays and organizing during a pandemic, we are happy to close the year out with the official winner’s announcement.

2020 Tulalip Senior Girl of the Year: Chelsea Orr

Chelsea graduated from Lakewood High School with a 3.95 GPA.  Chelsea excelled academically, took on several leadership roles and was a star athlete.  Chelsea is attending Washington State University, studying Human Development and plans to become a Pediatric Occupational Therapist. 

2020 Tulalip Senior Boy of the Year: Tal “TJ” Severn

Tal graduated from Marysville Pilchuck High School with a 3.87 GPA. Tal was a 4-year Honor Roll student, while taking A.P. and college level courses. He was a start athlete and spent time supporting his community. Tal is attending Washington State University and plans to major in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Sciences so that he can return to Tulalip and work for Natural Resources.

2020 Indian Education Parent Committee student of the year: Marisa Joseph 

Marisa graduated from Marysville Pilchuck High School with a 3.97 GPA while taking A.P. courses. Marisa excelled academically and also contributed to her Tulalip Community. Marisa served on the Tulalip Youth Council with a strong focus on suicide prevention. Marisa is currently attending Dartmouth College and plans to double major in Government and Native American students to eventually become a Tribal Lawyer. 

Congratulations to our three students of the year. You are outstanding role models for our community and we look forward to watching your journey of growth, determination and success. 

We hope that all of our graduates are doing well and working towards their life goals. Obstacles are inevitable, but possibilities are endless. Honor your roots and never give up. The Tulalip Education Division, Leaders and Community are cheering for you all.