KPMS 'Moving On' ceremony is moving

Hugh McMillan, KP News

At Key Peninsula Middle School’s “Moving On Ceremony” in the Peninsula High School gymnasium, a standing room only audience cheered on the graduates. Photo by Hugh McMillan, KP News

At Key Peninsula Middle School’s “Moving On Ceremony” in the Peninsula High School gymnasium, over 175 KPMS students were honored guests feted at their graduation celebration.

The gym barely accommodated a standing room only audience of relatives and well-wishers.

Peninsula School District Superintendent Terry Bouck, PHS Principal Tim Winter, KPMS Principal Jeri Goebel, and teachers and staff of both schools were on hand to congratulate the successful efforts of the future class of 2013. Graduate Amber Hess, Ciara Beckdol, Ms. Bryson, Gina Cabiddu and Robert Price sang, read poetry and otherwise set the theme of prideful accomplishment for the evening. The enthusiastic students greeted each with a deafening roar of approval and gratitude for words well spoken.

As he took the podium, the students who clearly admire the man and sympathize with the recent tragic loss of his wife, Terri, enthusiastically greeted KPMS teacher Michael Hunziker with heartfelt applause. They were unaware that he had a very special message for them all.

The fund will be held in an account until the recipient successfully graduates from high school and proceeds to post graduate education.

“Terri died of non-small cell, non-smokers lung cancer on July 4th, 2008,” said Hunzicker. “She researched her disease conversing often with the finest oncologists in the country at M.D. Anderson, Sloan Kettering, Baylor University, Mayo Clinic, Swedish Hospital in Seattle, and the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. In the end, it was her own expertise and determination that allowed her to give her two boys the greatest gift they will ever receive, nearly five additional years with their mother.”

Hunziker explained that Amber Hess, the young lady to whom he presented the scholarship, “is a girl who possesses many of Terri’s characteristics. I have seen over the last three years that she is spirited, successful, and well liked. She came to class each day with a positive attitude, took pride in her work, understood the value of education, wanted to get the most from each of her classes, has a large circle of friends and is well liked by faculty and students, has a keen sense of humor, is always willing to assist her peers, is involved in her school, led by example, has future goals and is a delight to have around.

“It was my pleasure to give this first ‘Terri Radcliffe Hunziker Memorial Scholarship’ to such a fine young lady.”

For further information on the scholarship, go to www.terri-radcliffe-hunziker-scholarship.com.