Susie Slater, Klahowya

When Susie was a sophomore, both of her older siblings moved away from home. Suddenly, the lively and sometimes chaotic household she had always known felt much quieter.

As she adjusted to the change, Susie found comfort in dance, a passion she pursued since childhood. The studio became both an outlet and a source of balance amid a busy schedule filled with challenging college-level coursework, National Honor Society activities, and competition on the Klahowya Secondary School tennis team.

Her dedication to dance extends far beyond the stage. At West Sound Dance Academy, Susie serves as both a youth instructor and office assistant, helping mentor younger dancers while supporting the day-to-day operations of the studio. Her hard work and talent have also earned her leading roles in recent productions, including the Snow Princess in The Nutcracker and Cinderella in a ballet adaptation.

Susie’s household may have been quieter, but her high school years were anything but. Whether in the classroom, on the tennis court, or under the spotlight, Susie has embraced every opportunity to grow, lead, and inspire those around her at Klahowya.

Q&A

Plans after graduation: Attending Linfield University and majoring in secondary education. She will be a member of the school’s dance team. 

Greatest accomplishment in CK Schools: Balancing her extracurricular activities, specifically dance, and her academics. 

Favorite memory in CK Schools: Tennis season with her friend Brooklyn. 

A piece of advice that’s stuck out to her: “No one cares. If you do something embarrassing; no one is going to remember it.” 

Where she sees herself in 20 years: “Hopefully I’ll have a good job and a house, a dog and maybe a cat. I could see it changing a lot … I’m just trying to live in the moment.”