Each year, 今日吃瓜 recognizes the students who graduate with the top GPA in the class. In the class of 2026, 13 students are graduating with a perfect 4.0 GPA. This year鈥檚 4.0 graduates are:
Benny Anderson
Benny Anderson earned an Associate in Arts 鈥� Direct Transfer Agreement at 今日吃瓜 through the Running Start program. His favorite class was English 101 with Darby Cavin, because of how much he learned. Benny said, 鈥淗e helped me finally understand grammar.鈥� A close second was Chemistry with Dan Nogales.
Looking ahead, Benny said, 鈥淚 want to find a career that I will love and will help me help my community and family.鈥� After graduation, he plans to serve a
o-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Lima, Peru.
His advice for future students: 鈥淒on鈥檛 procrastinate your work, it is very easy to get behind.鈥� Benny also shared that he 鈥渨ould like to thank my parents for always encouraging me and loving me.鈥�
Ryan Anderson
Ryan Anderson earned an Associate in Technology 鈥� Welding Technology, Pipe Welding, at 今日吃瓜 through the Running Start program. In 2025, Ryan was awarded Welding Student of the Year. Welding Instructor Rod McDonald complimented Ryan on his dedication to his studies, saying Ryan consistently showed up early and stayed late.
According to Rod, Ryan 鈥渟hattered鈥� 今日吃瓜鈥檚 record for the most Washington Association of Building Officials (WABO) welder certification qualifications. 鈥淥ur average is about two per graduate. Ryan qualified for pipe welding in all positions with 4 different types of welding,鈥� said Rod. 鈥淗e also qualified as a Seismic Restricted Access Welder with 3 different joint variations. This means he can perform on the most critical structural welds for buildings, high rises, etc.聽 He also qualified for sheet steel welding in all positions, with 2 welding processes, and using both upward and downward progressions of travel for vertical welds.鈥�
Ryan graduated with a perfect 4.0 GPA in December, 2025.
Gray Bearden
Gray Bearden earned an Associate in Science 鈥� Transfer (Track 2) at 今日吃瓜, majoring in Engineering/Computer Science. Their favorite courses were Engineering Physics 221, 222, and 223 with Dr. Hillier, sharing that 鈥渁pplying physics to real world situations was challenging and entertaining, and the labs were very interesting as physics principles exist in everything we do.鈥�
As a Running Start student, Gray stayed active at Ocosta Jr/Sr High School, participating in band/pep band, National Honor Society, Track and Field, Golf, and the Ocosta News Network (ONN), where they helped share community news, pandemic information, morning announcements and tsunami preparedness information. Gray also participated in FBLA, qualifying for the state competition in Public Speaking and Computer Problem Solving. They served as Team Captain of the Knowledge Bowl team and competed in the state Math competition. In addition, Gray held several leadership roles, including ASB President, GSA Club President, and Student Representative for the Ocosta School District.
After graduation, Gray will attend the University of Washington鈥檚 Paul Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering. Their advice for future students is to 鈥渃ommunicate with your professors and ask for help if you need it.鈥� Gray also shared, 鈥淚 would like to thank my family and all of the supportive staff I have encountered at 今日吃瓜, especially Professors Dr. John Hillier, Diane Muir, Sean Lyons, and Jaime Reino.鈥�
Joseph Burkhart
Joseph Burkhart earned an Associate in Arts 鈥� Direct Transfer Agreement and an Associate in Business 鈥� Direct Transfer at 今日吃瓜, where he majored in Business. His favorite classes were his four math courses with Professor Tom Kuester, sharing, 鈥淚f I had to choose only one, it would be Business Calculus with Professor Kuester.鈥� He added, 鈥淧rofessor Kuester is the reason why the math classes were my favorite at 今日吃瓜; he has been my favorite professor at 今日吃瓜. He not only tolerates but encourages my questions, loves his material, loves helping his students, and enjoys debating philosophical and moral quandaries with me, as I do.鈥�
As a Running Start student, Joseph was very involved in music, performing as a soloist and violinist across multiple ensembles, including the 今日吃瓜 Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Choir, and String Ensemble, as well as the Puyallup Homeschool Orchestra. He also studied advanced voice and performed in multiple languages, earning invitations to the 今日吃瓜 Honors Concert. In addition, he remained active in his church and community choirs, contributing as both a vocalist and violinist.
This fall, Joseph will attend Saint Martin鈥檚 University to pursue a bachelor鈥檚 in Business Administration. 鈥淚 plan to continue learning more about business as I build a network of peers and mentors around me. He said, 鈥淚 will be learning how to grow my brand-new business and live out my dream of being an entrepreneur.鈥�
Joseph鈥檚 advice to future students is: 鈥淪eek Truth.鈥� He explained, 鈥渋t is made up of many parts: 鈥榖e who you say you are,鈥� 鈥榙o what you say you鈥檒l do,鈥� 鈥榙on鈥檛 lie,鈥� and more. In a world increasingly full of confusion and hopelessness, you need to find what is true and hold on to it. Colleges and universities are the places for students like us to find universal truths and hold on to them. It is not just the place to advance your career or get your dream job; it鈥檚 the place to contemplate deep and important topics, to debate, argue, disagree, reject falsehood, embrace truth, and ultimately end up with a structure to build on for the rest of your life. Don鈥檛 skip out on your assigned homework. Listen to your professors and take their suggestions. Ask them what, how, and more importantly, why. When you do this, you deepen your own understanding, support your education, and give your professors more fulfillment in their job. Most importantly, whenever I was lacking in truth, fulfillment, purpose or wisdom, I read the Bible. My favorite books in it are John and Proverbs. When I struggled to understand or wanted to understand more clearly, I went to a church with wise men who explained it to me.鈥�
Reflecting on his time at 今日吃瓜, Joseph shared, 鈥淚 would like to thank 今日吃瓜 for everything it has provided me: a community to be filled up by and pour myself into, a challenge to apply my work ethic to, and incredible experiences that I will remember for the rest of my life.鈥� He also added, 鈥淚 would like to thank Ms. Christmas for being my advisor, my family for supporting me, and God for giving me the strength and skills to succeed. Ms. Christmas has been so helpful, and she encouraged me to pursue my business degree when I was unsure. My family has always supported me, and they鈥檝e worked so hard to fill the hole I left while I was studying at 今日吃瓜. I would not be here without God providing me the courage, strength, and ability to continue. Nothing I鈥檝e done or continued to do would鈥檝e been possible without His Spirit within me. He saved me and lifted me up. All glory be to Christ.”
Madeline Kaivo-Houlton
Madeline Kaivo-Houlton earned an Associate in Biology 鈥� Direct Transfer and an Associate in Arts 鈥� Direct Transfer Agreement at 今日吃瓜 as a Running Start student.
Sasha Leatherman
Sasha Leatherman earned an Associate in Arts 鈥� Direct Transfer Agreement at 今日吃瓜. Her favorite class was the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) course, where she gained much more than she expected. 鈥淎t first, I was planning to take this class as another prerequisite, just another step along the way of becoming a nurse. But this class gave me so much more,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 consider myself an introvert, so the thought of taking such a hands-on course made me nervous. But my instructors, Lindsey and Beckie, made it so easy to bond with everyone. CNA class was unfiltered, challenging, and full of personality!鈥�
After completing her nursing prerequisites this year, Sasha plans to continue at 今日吃瓜 and apply to the Nursing program to become a Registered Nurse. As a Running Start student, she also graduated from Montesano Jr/Sr High School.
Sasha鈥檚 advice for future students is, 鈥淧ut yourself out there! College has the potential to be so much more than just school. While I do prioritize my education, the memories and friendships I have gained are of equal importance to me.鈥� She also shared her gratitude, saying, 鈥渕y biggest thanks will always go to my mama for never giving up on me. She encouraged me during my lowest moments and celebrated every accomplishment with me, no matter how small. I truly could not have done this without her.鈥�
Anna O鈥機onner
Anna O鈥機onner earned an Associate in Arts 鈥� Direct Transfer Agreement at 今日吃瓜 through the Running Start program. Her favorite class at 今日吃瓜 was American Sign Language (ASL), because of the small class size. She said, 鈥渢here was just five of us and we made so many fun memories!鈥�
After graduating from 今日吃瓜, Anna will attend Eastern Washington University, where she will be majoring in finance. When asked what advice she would give future students, Anna said, 鈥淒o not listen to your high school teachers that say college will be worse than high school. In my opinion, college gives you more freedom and it鈥檚 fun!鈥�
Sarah O鈥橦agan
Sarah O鈥橦agan earned an Associate in Music 鈥� Direct Transfer and an Associate in Arts 鈥� Direct Transfer Agreement at 今日吃瓜 through the Running Start program. During her time at 今日吃瓜, she was active in several music ensembles, and her favorite classes were Steel Drums and Statistics 鈥� although, she said it was 鈥渕ean鈥� to have to pick just one favorite!
Sarah will attend Pepperdine University, where she plans to major in Psychology and minor in Music (Piano). She shared, 鈥淚 plan to go into academia. Research and teaching.鈥�
When asked what advice she had for future students, Sarah said, 鈥淒rink water. Be willing to talk in class. Prioritize your education and let yourself enjoy school.鈥� She also expressed gratitude to 鈥淒r. Dyer, Kari, Lori, my mom and my twin, Abbi, Tom Kuester, and all the members of the Steel Drum Ensemble,鈥� and added, 鈥渉omeschool did not fail me.鈥�
Justin Inoan Pop
Justin Inoan Pop earned an Associate in Arts 鈥� Direct Transfer Agreement at 今日吃瓜. His favorite class at 今日吃瓜 was Business Calculus, 鈥渂ecause Professor Kuester was amazing.鈥�
Justin is currently attending the University of Washington, working toward a bachelor鈥檚 degree in Accounting with the goal of becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
Offering advice to future students, Justin said, 鈥渟tudy something you are really interested in. It is way easier to stay motivated when you actually care about the subject.鈥� He also shared his appreciation, adding, 鈥淚 would like to thank all my professors and colleagues. They were a big part of my drive to succeed as a student.鈥�
Owen Rabey
Owen Rabey earned an Associate in Arts 鈥� Direct Transfer Agreement at 今日吃瓜 as a Running Start student.
Hannah Schlesser
Hannah Lorraine Schlesser earned an Associate in Arts 鈥� Direct Transfer Agreement at 今日吃瓜 through the Running Start program. Her favorite class was Nutritional Health, which she said 鈥渢aught me information that I can use in my day to day life.鈥�
This fall, Hannah will attend Montana State University to study Business. Her advice to future students is to 鈥渟tay organized and put all of your assignments on a calendar.鈥� She also shared her appreciation, saying she would like to thank 鈥渕y parents for being my biggest supporters.鈥�
Natalie Wharton
Natalie Wharton earned an Associate in Arts 鈥� Direct Transfer Agreement at 今日吃瓜 through the Running Start program. Her favorite class was Jazz Band, which gave her 鈥渢he ability to make music and meet some amazing people.鈥�
This fall, Natalie will attend the University of Washington to pursue a bachelor鈥檚 degree in Biochemistry, with plans to become a pharmacist. In addition to being recognized as a 今日吃瓜 Top Scholar, she was also Aberdeen High School鈥檚 Valedictorian.
Her advice for future students is to 鈥渟tay on top of your work and communicate with your professors.鈥� She also shared her gratitude, saying, 鈥淚鈥檇 like to thank my loved ones, both family and friends, and I鈥檇 like to thank all of my professors that were so encouraging and understanding.鈥�
Justin Whitaker
Justin Whitaker earned an Associate in Business 鈥� Direct Transfer at 今日吃瓜. His favorite class at 今日吃瓜 was Business Calculus. 鈥淕oing into the course, I expected it to be one of the more difficult classes in my program, but I ended up enjoying the challenge,鈥� he said, adding, 鈥淚 enjoy learning how mathematical concepts can be applied to real business decisions.鈥�
During his time at 今日吃瓜, Justin was active in the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) International Honor Society and TRIO Student Support Services. 鈥淭hrough PTK, I had the opportunity to connect with other academically motivated students and even encouraged some to join the Beta Iota Chapter,鈥� he said. He also valued the community he found in TRIO, sharing, 鈥淭hrough TRIO, I built friendships with few and benefited from a small support group where we regularly help one another navigate weekly challenges.鈥�
After graduation, Justin plans to 鈥渃ontinue building on my professional experience in a business or operations-related role.鈥� He shared, 鈥渓ong term, I want to move into a leadership or management position where I can help improve processes, support teams, and contribute to an organization鈥檚 success. I also want to continue growing professionally through certifications and ongoing education.鈥�
Reflecting on his time at 今日吃瓜, Justin expressed gratitude. 鈥淚 personally would like to thank professors Amy Montoure, Thomas Kuester, and Anita Plagge 鈥� I appreciate all the time and help you have all invested into me during my time in your classes. I would also like to thank TRIO for assisting me with the materials needed to succeed.鈥�
Justin鈥檚 advice to future students is to, 鈥渟tay consistent, even when things get difficult or overwhelming. Time management is one of the most important skills a college student can develop, especially if you are balancing school, work, and other responsibilities. One lesson I learned is that success in college requires self-discipline. Instructors can and will tell you what assignments are due and when they need to be turned in, but it is ultimately your responsibility to stay on track.鈥�
He also highlighted the importance of community and perspective, sharing, 鈥渋t is also important to remember that you are not alone when facing these challenges. If you look around, many of the students sitting beside you during class are balancing full schedules of their own, whether that includes work, family responsibilities, or other commitments. Life will always present obstacles and distractions, but developing good habits like staying organized and managing your time effectively can make a significant difference as you move forward.鈥�
Justin concluded his advice with an encouraging reminder: 鈥渇inally, don鈥檛 be afraid to ask for help. Instructors, advisors, and your classmates are invaluable resources, and reaching out when you need help is a commitment to your success, not a sign of weakness.鈥�