2026 Graduate Spotlight: Drew Bardwell, Klahowya

When Drew was in third grade, his family set out on an ambitious goal: visiting all 50 states. Their travels brought them back to Washington for a second time the following year, and by seventh grade, they decided to make the Pacific Northwest their permanent home.

Originally from Houston, Texas, Drew is grateful his parents made the move.

At Klahowya Secondary School, he quickly found a place to belong. He immersed himself in music programs, joined the cross country and track teams, and embraced opportunities to connect with classmates who shared his interests.

Outside of school, Drew enjoys playing music and building lego and Erector sets, a hobby that reflects his lifelong fascination with engineering and how things work.

For Drew, moving across the country wasn’t just a change of scenery, it opened the door to new friendships, passions, and experiences that helped shape his high school years and the person he is today. 

Q&A

Plans after graduation: Attending Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Indiana, to study chemical engineering. 

Greatest accomplishment in CK Schools: Being named Klahowya’s Citizen of the Year. 

Favorite memory in CK Schools: AP Chemistry with Ms. Turk.

A piece of advice that’s stuck out to him: “Don’t stress over anything. One bad grade or a bad test isn’t going to ruin your life.” 

Where he sees himself in 20 years: He hopes he’s a chemical engineer in a research role (i.e. he wants to build or create something new).