
A giant group of kids—like a herd of bison—walk off the ferry. The number of teenagers overpower the number of cars on the ferry. They talk over each other, excited. Some teenagers run toward the yellow school buses to get the seat they want. Soon, two buses full of middle-school students leave the ferry dock, followed by two yellow buses filled with high-school students. The commuters have arrived on the island.
The school principal welcomes all commuting students and appreciates their presence at VHS.
“As someone who was a commuter in high school as well (not at VHS), I have great respect for our students who live off island. Our commuters play a vital role in all facets of the school community and really enrich student life here at VHS. From academic excellence, to clubs, activities, and athletics, our commuters are an integral part of our identity as a school. Thank you to all our commuters for everything you do to contribute positivity to Pirate Pride!” John Erickson, principal of VHS said. Students have different reasons for commuting to Vashon, which can affect their experience.
“Most public schools in Seattle suck…this one doesn’t,” sophomore Grifen Rodgers said.“I have a lot of friends here and the electives are cool, like ceramics and Riptide,” Rodgers continued.
Some parents in West Seattle might question the education their kids would get at a large public school in Seattle. That’s why they send their kids to Vashon instead. Since VHS only has 480 students this year, the students who commute from West Seattle have a better chance of knowing their peers and teachers here at VHS, then at a school that has more than 700 students. That allows students the chance to ask for more help and be seen by their teachers.
“I started commuting in middle school because I thought Vashon Island was a better school. It has more opportunities than in Seattle,” Junior Amali Lewis said. But it’s not only the academics that draw students to commute to VHS.
“My favorite part is probably being out on the water. It’s a great opportunity that many other people don’t have,” Senior Dash Henson said.
Commuters can see the sunrise peeking up from the clouds at 7:00 am, when they arrive at the ferry dock. They can also do homework, get snacks from the galley, or zone out on their phones, all before they reach the island. It’s also good to have friends who also commute with them.
Students who have spent their entire lives on Vashon also benefit from the commuters that come from West Seattle and Southworth. It’s good to meet new people, people whom they haven’t known since kindergarten. Commuters from the city offer a different perspective on life from students who have grown up on the island. This can help Vashon kids branch out from the only community they have ever known.
“Commuters aren't really that much different from regular students, but they do give the school more funding, so that's good,” freshman Leo Watson, a student at Vashon High School, said.
Commuters have become members of our school community. They are not treated like outsiders. This makes going to VHS a more inclusive experience than it would be if only islanders attended the high school.
People commute to the Island for multiple reasons, from having friends who live on the island, to wanting a better education than the one the city has to offer, and getting to know the other students and staff more than they would in the city. The commuting students of VHS can enjoy the sunrise in the morning and get to see and smell the salty-sea water.