2026 Graduate Spotlight: Kyra Potter, Barker Creek

When Kyra arrived at Barker Creek Community School, she didn’t have a single high school credit on her transcript. A complicated relationship with school and a series of personal challenges made it difficult for her to engage in the classroom.

Although she wasn’t ready to give up, the thought had crossed her mind: maybe high school just wasn’t for her. Her mother encouraged her to give Barker Creek a chance, and that decision changed everything.

At BCCS, Kyra found a fresh start. She began showing up to class on time, ready to learn and complete her assignments. She built meaningful connections with her peers, including a close friend that became an important source of support. She also gained valuable work experience as a student intern at the David McVicker Teaching and Learning Center.

Kyra credits BCCS’s welcoming environment and supportive staff for helping her rediscover her potential. Their encouragement helped her believe in herself, stay focused on her goals, and realize that success was within reach. 

Now, she leaves BCCS with a diploma, new experiences gained, and a bright vision for her future.

Q&A

Plans after graduation: Taking a gap year before enrolling in college, most likely Olympic College. 

Greatest accomplishment in CK Schools: Getting her job as a student intern. 

Favorite memory in CK Schools: Meeting her friends at Barker Creek. “Before that I had no friends other than my mom and it became really lonely.” She vividly remembers meeting her first friend in the BCCS parking lot during a fire drill. 

A piece of advice that’s stuck out to her: It’s not advice, but two boys in elementary school [at PineCrest] and the principal [Paul Nash] were so kind and understanding and even gave her a new coat. It’s stuck with her to this day. 

Where she sees herself in 20 years: Out of Washington, hopefully somewhere warm.