Port Townsend High School Named One of the Top 20 High Schools in Washington State

Port Townsend High School has officially been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Top 20 High Schools in Washington State, earning the distinction of “Best High School.”

This recognition places PTHS among the top-performing schools in the state and reflects the dedication of our students, staff, and families to maintaining high standards of learning and engagement. The U.S. News rankings evaluate schools on several key outcomes, including graduation rates, student proficiency in reading, math, and science, and the percentage of students who take Advanced Placement coursework.

A large banner recognizing this honor will soon be proudly displayed on campus to celebrate the collective effort that made this achievement possible.

PTHS to Receive “Washington Schools on the Rise” Award

Adding to this exciting news, Port Townsend High School will also receive the Washington Schools on the Rise Award this Thursday from the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP) and the Association of Washington Student Leaders (AWSL).

This award celebrates schools where students and adults work together to improve school culture and elevate student voice. It recognizes those that foster inclusive, equitable environments where student leadership is authentic and where decisions about culture and improvement are shared.

This Thursday, our ASB Executive Council, alongside ASB Co-Advisors Samantha Massie and Logan Stegner, will accept the award on behalf of the school. Following the presentation, we’ll celebrate this milestone with a special cake reception to honor the students and staff whose collaboration makes PTHS a truly exceptional place to learn.

Celebrating Culture, Collaboration, and Continuous Improvement

These two honors, one celebrating academic excellence and the other recognizing school culture and leadership, capture what makes Port Townsend High School special.

Every day, our staff and students work together to make PTHS a place where belonging and engagement come first. We believe that when students feel a genuine sense of belonging, are engaged in relevant and meaningful learning, and are taught in ways that allow all students to succeed, then outcomes will continue to rise, not only in academics, but in confidence, connection, and purpose.

These recognitions are not the result of a single program or initiative, but of the steady, daily work of our entire school community to create a culture where every student can thrive.

Last Saturday’s Casino Royale - themed Homecoming Dance marked the culmination of an incredible week of spirit and connection at PTHS, and it did not disappoint. With over 500 students in attendance, it was the most well-attended dance in recent memory, filling the gym with energy, laughter, and a genuine sense of belonging.

Behind the scenes, the event was made possible through remarkable student leadership and staff collaboration. ASB Co-Advisors Samantha Massie and Logan Stegner coordinated efforts with both Port Townsend and Chimacum ASB teams, as well as local PTA groups. “It involved coordinating with Chimacum ASB and the PTA from Chimacum and Port Townsend,” said Massie. “Also a lot of hard work by the PT ASB decorating the gym.” The results were stunning. “In the past, we have lamented the fact that we don’t have a way to divide the gym in half so that it wouldn’t look so empty,” Massie reflected. “It did not look empty Saturday night.”

Student Leadership in Action

A defining feature of this year’s dance was that, for the first time ever, three students from Mr. David Egeler’s CTE AV Club, Wylder Browne, Luciano Sarti, and Django Lynge, took charge of the DJ booth. The trio brought energy and musical insight that resonated with their peers in a way that few professional DJs could match.

Egeler shared how this milestone was years in the making. “We started the DJ Crew under the banner of the A/V Club three years ago,” he explained. “We wanted to DJ for Homecoming then, but the ASB students were not yet receptive to the idea. We had to prove ourselves first, so we got our own gigs at Finnriver and the Blue Heron graduation party.”

That perseverance paid off. “Those guys have never had as big of an audience nor as big of an audience response as they had at Homecoming,” Egeler said. “Instead of a middle-aged DJ playing their favorite hits, it was their peers.” Beyond the music, the experience offered real-world learning tied to CTE values: “They learned to show up on time, practice, and to make their clients happy. Some wanted to leave early or show up late, but they had to be there to have the opportunity to play, so they learned a bit of discipline, too.”

A Night of Belonging and Connection

ASB Executive Council member, Sarah Fisher, described what it was like to see the gym filled with energy and connection. “So many people showed up and so many people were excited to just be there,” she said. “The energy throughout the whole dance was really upbeat. A lot of people danced with all different kinds of people. It was very inclusive.”

Sarah also pointed to how the school’s focus on community may be fueling that spirit. “It made me feel really happy because I know that, especially this year, our school’s been really close. I think that’s maybe due to the Houses or just more participation in ASB, but I think the students here are really happy to see so many different teachers and staff engaging.”

Spaces for Everyone

Inclusivity extended beyond the dance floor. The mini gym was transformed into a quieter space for students who wanted to step away from the music, complete with a soda bar and a film screening. “I am very impressed with Parker and his mixologist skills,” Massie said with a smile. “I think it was nice for students to have a quiet place to socialize.”

The “Beverage Agent,” as Parker Fettig was known for the night, manned the soda bar, while various movies played on a big screen for those who just wanted to unwind and connect in a different way.

A Shared Celebration

For Massie, the night represented the best of what school events can be. “There was a very positive vibe at the dance. There were a lot of smiling faces,” she said. “When more than two-thirds of the student body shows up for an event, I consider that a success.”

Student DJ leadership, ASB organization, and inclusive planning all combined to create a night that perfectly captured the Port Townsend High School spirit. As Egeler noted, his students are already thinking ahead: “We’re setting goals. So far, all the equipment used is my personal gear. That’s not sustainable, so we’re saving up money and fundraising to buy our own DJ sound system. Once we can do that, practice and rehearsals will be available on a consistent and regular basis.”

More than just a dance, Casino Royale was a reminder of how student leadership, creativity, and collaboration strengthen our school’s sense of belonging and pride. When students lead, and the community supports them, the result is something truly special.

This marks the first in this year’s Senior Spotlight series, where we highlight Port Townsend High School seniors and their senior projects throughout the year. These projects represent the culmination of students’ passions, creativity, and real-world learning, each telling a unique story of curiosity, growth, and purpose.

For senior Destini Rosas, that story began with a fascination for language and culture that grew into an unforgettable journey halfway around the world. Her senior project took her to South Korea, where she immersed herself in daily life and produced a video blog (vlog) capturing her experiences, reflections, and cultural discoveries.

“Ever since I was younger I've always been interested in language and culture,” Destini said. “Since I grew up in a small town I feel like that encouraged my curiosity for the rest of the world.”

That curiosity led her to explore Korean language and culture firsthand. One of the most meaningful parts of her experience came from putting her growing language skills into practice. “I think the most meaningful times or experiences that I had in South Korea was me having a little bit of knowledge of the Korean language and then implementing those skills when talking to people,” she shared. “To then see the surprises on their faces and just the relief that they would feel after hearing this foreigner from America speak their language.”

Destini began preparing early, well before the start of the school year, so she could plan the logistics of travel and gather footage for her vlog. “I actually asked to see if I could start my senior project sooner than the usual dates,” she explained. “I wanted to start the project before school started because I felt like I would have more time to actually think about it and to also prepare for it to enable for me to be able to get the footage I would need.”

Her time abroad also solidified her future goals. “I know for sure now that I want to go study in South Korea,” Destini said. “As well as a professional aspect, I want to go and get a job in South Korea. I went to South Korea as a vacation but now that I've been there, I have seen what it’s like.”

To other students considering a project that involves travel or cultural exploration, Destini offered simple but powerful advice: “I would encourage them to have confidence even though maybe you might be a little scared. Just know that it always gets better and it's a ton of fun. I've had a lot of fun traveling, and just traveling alone is very nerve-wracking, but it does get better and you just have to make the most of it.”

Through her project, Destini demonstrated not only initiative and independence but also the power of global learning and personal growth, setting a strong example for what senior projects can be.

Last year’s Senior Spotlight series featured a wide range of inspiring projects, from environmental restoration and community art initiatives to student-led performances and local volunteer programs. This year promises even more creativity and impact as we continue to share the stories of the Class of 2026. Stay tuned as we celebrate the remarkable work our seniors are doing to make a difference, both here in Port Townsend and beyond.

Come Say Goodbye! All are invited to tour the Lincoln Building to say farewell before the building is removed next year. After the tours, participants are encouraged to gather in the Alumni Room of the Port Townsend High School gym to sign a memory book and share stories. To sign up for a tour, please complete the form: Lincoln Building Tours Fall 2025.

To learn about the history of the Lincoln School, please visit our webpage. You can also read more in the recent news article in the PT Leader: Timeline set for Lincoln Building demolition, community welcomed for tours.

Tour Dates & Times
Friday, October 17th at 6 pm

Location
450 Fir Street, Port Townsend, WA

Questions
info@ptschools.org

• Tuesday, 10.14 at 5:00pm: 🚩 Senior Night 🚩 Varsity Girls Soccer at Memorial Field
• Wednesday, 10.15: College & Career Fair in the PTHS Gym
• 11:00 - 11:25am: Grades 9 & 10
• 12:05 - 1:10pm: Grades 11 & 12 at the Fair, 9 & 10 in Grade-Level House Advisory Classes
• Wednesday, 10.15 from 1:30 - 3:15pm: Staff Facilities Presentation and STI & PBL Planning
• Wednesday, 10.15 from 5:00 - 8:00pm: Drop-In Financial Aid & Food Truck Night for 12th Grade Students & Families
• Friday, 10.17: 🚩Redhawk Friday🚩- Wear Red or Redhawks/ Rivals Gear
• Friday, 10.17 at 5:00 & 6:30pm: JV & Varsity Volleyball at Chimacum
• Friday, 10.17 at 7:00pm: 🚩 Senior Night 🚩 Varsity Football at Memorial Field
• Saturday, 10.18 at 1:00pm: Varsity Girls Soccer at Memorial Field
• Monday, 10.20: PSAT Testing for Interested 11th Graders (10th Graders May Participate if Space Permits)
• Monday, 10.20 from 3:20 - 4:20pm: Staff Independent House Support Time (HST)
• Monday, 10.20 at 3:30pm: 🚩 Senior Night 🚩 Boys Tennis Match at PTHS
• Wednesday, 10.22: Healthy Youth Survey in House Advisory Classes
• Wednesday, 10.22 from 1:30 - 3:15pm: PERTS Reflection in the PTHS Library
• Wednesday, 10.22 at 3:30pm: 🚩 Senior Night 🚩Girls Swimming at the Mountain View Pool
• Wednesday, 10.22 at 5:00 & 6:30pm: 🚩 Senior Night 🚩 JV & Varsity Volleyball at Chimacum

Website: https://highschool.ptschools.org/
Location: 1500 Van Ness Street, Port Townsend, WA, USA
Phone: 360.379.4520

Port Townsend School District No. 50 does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of race, creed, religion, color, immigration status, national origin, age, honorably-discharged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. The district provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and all other designated youth groups listed in Title 36 of the United States Code as a patriotic society. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:

Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator
Carrie Ehrhardt

1610 Blaine Street

(360) 680-5756

cehrhardt@ptschools.org

Title IX Officer:
Carrie Ehrhardt

1610 Blaine Street

(360) 680-5756

cehrhardt@ptschools.org

Section 504/ADA Coordinator
Shelby Macmeekin

1610 Blaine Street

(360) 379-4501

smacmeekin@ptschools.org

Title IX inquiries may also be directed toward the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR):https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html

Discrimination Procedure