It was with pride that OASIS alternative high school teacher Marta Branch spoke of her students during the graduation ceremony on June 6.

Using the words of environmentalist and journalist Paul Hawken, she told the class: “Civilization needs a new operating system, you are the programmers, and we need it within a few decades … There is invisible writing on the back of the diploma you will receive, and in case you didn’t bring lemon juice to decode it, I can tell you what it says: You are brilliant, and the Earth is hiring.”

Seven students graduated this year: Kris Acosta, Sheri DeRaimo, Brian Duke, Samantha Fuchser-McKinstry, Natasha Lafler-Ryder, Darren Stevens, and Kyle Wahlberg. Valedictorian Lafler-Ryder and Salutorian Duke both received a high school diploma; the other students all received GEDs.

Each student had a chance to speak, and they all told Branch that without her support and patience, it would not have been possible to complete the program. They also gave credit to their families, and the opportunity that OASIS gives to students who want to learn, but in a non-traditional way. OASIS is an acronym for Orcas Alternative Student Initiated Studies.

“OASIS lets you learn about things you’re passionate about,” Duke said.