Celebrating our Legacy Class of 2021

Dakari is graduating from O'Dea High School. He will be attending Morehouse College in Atlanta next year to pursue his degree. He's had his mentor, Stef, by his side for over 12 years, and his favorite memories are the times they've just spent chilling together.

"It took an entire village to get Kari to this point in life," said Dakari's mom. "Stefan is my hero. He has inspired and encouraged Kari in every aspect of life…his unwavering commitment and presence was exactly what [we] needed."

Malachi is graduating from Issaquah High School. After graduation, Malachi will be doing an electrical apprenticeship program. He also won a Principal's Award because he is so well-liked by staff and peers. Malachi worked extremely hard over the last few weeks to finish up his coursework and his professional mentor, Stefan, is really proud of Malachi for all of his accomplishments.

Pernesia is graduating from Garfield High School. Her next steps include pursuing college to major in psychology. Her favorite Friends-Seattle memory is riding horses at Ocean Shores. Pernesia has had several different amazing mentors during her time at Friends, starting and ending with Michelle!

Tre'vion is graduating from Rainier Beach High School. He completed the rigorous International Baccalaureate program and will be attending South Seattle Community College to focus on journalism. "Tre is a gifted writer," said his professional mentor, Stef.

Keyshawn is graduating from Interagency Academy. This year, Keyshawn completed the Construct Diversity program, which led him to set up a construction internship and apprenticeship program for next year.

Cynthia is graduating from Highline High School. Her favorite memory at Friends was going swimming with her mentor and friends. Next, Cynthia will be attending South Seattle Community College!

Gary is graduating from Interagency Academy. He plans to attend a local college where he will play basketball—right now he’s most interested in Tacoma Community College. His mentor, Stef, is so proud of his accomplishments and his basketball skills!

Sema’J is graduating from Renton High School. Her most memorable Friends experience was going on a trip to Ocean Shores. Her upcoming plans include attending Seattle Central College for 2 years and then continuing the next 2 years at a different college.

Truth is finishing up his GED this summer! He has worked extremely hard to complete his high school coursework. Truth plans on attending community college to learn about audio engineering and music production.

Bethany is graduating from Garfield High School. Her favorite memory at Friends was getting to go downtown and meet Russell Wilson, and “get treated like we were celebrities.” Bethany is heading to Seattle Pacific University next year to major in psychology.

Chanz is graduating from Interagency Academy. He is developing a plan for after high school and is very talented in marketing and promotion. "I can envision him working in marketing for one of our big Fortune 500 companies," said his mentor, Stef.

Jaylen is graduating from Interagency Academy. He completed the Construct Diversity program this year, and has a construction internship and apprenticeship program set for next year!

Tanaya is graduating from Foss High School. She is attending college to receive a degree in business. She has a creative mindset and plans to start her own business and be her own boss! She is also passionate about Black culture and family.