Class of 2005 Reunion
June 5, 2025
Not many people would celebrate the 20th anniversary of their 8th grade graduation, but Waldorf students do! Last weekend we hosted nine members of the Class of 2005 (which includes WHWS Strings teacher Liza Varon & former Kindergarten teacher Mr. Traesti!) for a very special gathering, and it was incredible to reconnect with our alumni and hear about their lives and adventures since leaving WHWS. Some who came live in Bellingham, Seattle, and Orcas Island, but others traveled from as far as Washington, DC and Kalispell, Montana!
They reminisced with Pedagogical Director Mrs. Zook (their class teacher from 6th-8th grade), spoke their old morning verse, sang together, posed with the stone shelter that their class built in 3rd Grade, visited the rock in the woods which honors their classmate Jake Merrill, and laughed at favorite stories and memories as they walked the halls and wandered around campus.
“Then we sat and shared with each other a little about where we’ve been these last 20 years (geographically and otherwise). We talked about what we have held onto from our time at WHWS, and what about ourselves now would surprise our 8th Grade selves. It was really beautiful to sit and be with each other, to listen and share with such generosity, and to reflect on the journeys we are all on.” - Ben Phillips
On Saturday night, the group shared a meal at a local restaurant and their server happened to have attended the Waldorf school in Sandpoint, Idaho (!), and understood what it meant that they were gathering—and also what Eurythmy was.
This is a class of carpenters, lawyers, business owners, teachers, entrepreneurs, musicians, artists, parents, and friends—some who see each other often, others who have now reconnected for the first time in 20 years!
Some reflections from the day:
“Even after 20 years, if you needed something, anyone from our class would be there for you.” ~ Sophie Vautaux
“Thank you for teaching me how to give a proper handshake! It’s really valuable to be able to give a good handshake.” - Mark Beck
“I’m willing to try new things without a fear of failure.” ~ Liza Varon
“I still make stuff with my hands, I sing, garden, do woodworking. We’ve all got more of a flame than the average person.” ~ Kevin Robey
“Waldorf is a community that you know you’ll always have. And we walked away with so many life skills.” - Katie Tse