Principal Message

Lakes Principal Ray Kurtz

A Message from Principal Ray Kurtz: Celebrating Summer and Opportunities for Lakes High School Students!

Hello Lakes Families and Students,

As we are closing out another fantastic school year, I want to highlight some important upcoming events and exciting opportunities for our Lakes High School community this summer.

Graduation Ceremonies — June 5 & 6

Congratulations to the Class of 2025! We are so proud of our Lakes High School graduates and all CPSD graduates who will be crossing the stage this month. Please join us to celebrate these outstanding achievements — each graduation ceremony will be live-streamed on the CPSD YouTube channel.

  • June 5 at the Tacoma Dome (2727 E D St, Tacoma, WA 98421):
    • Gravelly Lake K-12 Academy — 1 p.m.
    • Clover Park High School — 4 p.m.
    • Lakes High School — 7 p.m.
  • June 6 at Clover Park Technical College McGavick Center (4500 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood, WA 98499):
    • Harrison Prep — 6 p.m.

We can’t wait to cheer on our seniors as they step confidently into their next chapter!

Lemonade Day — June 7

Come support our CPSD fourth-grade entrepreneurs from Custer and Idlewild Elementary Schools on Saturday, June 7, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Swing by their school parking lots to grab a cool glass of lemonade at their drive-thru stands.

These students have been learning about business ownership, product development, and marketing, and they’re excited to share their creative lemonade recipes with our community!

Summer Vacation — Early Release June 11

The last day of school is Wednesday, June 11, and students will be released early. Thank you to all our dedicated staff, students, and families for another wonderful school year. Please enjoy a well-deserved summer break!

Summer Volunteer & Activity Opportunities for High School Students

This summer is packed with ways for Lakes students to get involved, give back, and have fun:

CPSD Summer Volunteer Opportunities

Earn community service hours by representing CPSD at these fun community events:

  • Saturday, July 19 — City of Lakewood SummerFEST (11 a.m. – 6 p.m.)

 Help at the district booth sharing CPSD info, leading activities, handing out swag, and connecting with families.

  • Saturday, September 6 — Fiesta De La Familia (12 p.m. – 6 p.m.)

Support our booth at this lively family celebration and assist with activities.

Interested? Fill out the Microsoft Form (link coming soon) to sign up!

Red Cross Summer Youth Volunteer Program at JBLM

(Ages 14–18, Military ID required)

 Gain medical setting experience at Madigan Army Medical Center.

  • Dates: July 7–31
  • Apply by June 6 via email: [email protected] (subject line: “Youth Program 2025”).

Late Nite at the YMCA

(Middle & High School Students)

 Free activities like basketball, volleyball, swimming, and clubs.

  • Grades 6–12: Mon–Thurs, 4–8 p.m.
  • Grades 9–12: Fridays, 5–9:30 p.m.

Register at YMCA Late Nite.

Need a free ORCA card? Visit our summer school sites or the district’s Secondary Education Office.

Pierce County Library Summer Reading Program

Join the Summer of Stories from June 1–Aug. 31.

 Sign up online or at your local library, track your reading, and earn prizes! Visit the PCL Summer of Stories page to learn more.

JBLM Summer Youth Activities

(Military Families)

Enjoy Mario Kart tournaments, bowling, dodgeball, Freedom Fest, youth sports, and more! Check the JBLM events webpage for details.

If you have any questions or need more details about any of these opportunities, please don’t hesitate to call the Lakes High School office at 253-583-5550.

Thank you, Lancer families, for your continued support. Here’s to a summer full of celebration, growth, and fun!

With Lancer Pride,
Principal Ray Kurtz