PSCS Alumni
The Alumni of Puget Sound Community School are one of the most valuable resources for the school. They comprise a network of individuals with worldwide representation. This is a powerful association whose members bring their compassion and will to effect positive change back to their peers, neighborhoods, and communities. From serving in the war in Iraq to running a successful record label - to honing their skills at culinary art school - to travel; from returning to PSCS to facilitate tutorials to pursuing a career in dance; the work of our graduates surrounds you. With an education from PSCS, our alumni have gone on to pursue their passions in a wide range of fields. Their stories take many forms; here are some of them.
Jostin Darlington Sept 02 – June 06 “I currently reside in Nashville, TN as president of a major funded, independent record label. I love almost every aspect about my career. I am constantly asked about my age. Nobody understands how I could be so dedicated, so driven, and so independent at such a young age. Keep in mind, most of my co-workers are over 30. ‘It’s hard to explain, I went to a really awesome school,’ I tell them. No matter how much I try to explain the mystery of PSCS to them, they don’t understand. The only real explanation for my success at such a young age is Puget Sound Community School. The most valuable thing PSCS gave me was the time to really understand who I am and what I wanted to do with my life. PSCS let me run my record label almost full time for two and half years, earning high school credit for what I considered my job. Once I decided what I wanted to do, it was nothing but support and learning. PSCS is the reason I am who I am.”
James Whitely Sept 02 - June 05 “I am a CBRN (Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear) Defense Specialist in the Marine Corps. Despite the job I do, my passion is and always has been writing. PSCS offered me the chance to study closely with staff members and develop my skill in my own way. Although I am in Iraq now, I plan to attend college upon my return to the states.”
John-Michael Spangler Sept 94 - June 00 “The greatest testament to a school’s credibility and success can be found in its alums. Ask any student what they got out of school and they would tell you they got an education. Ask a PSCS student what they got out of school and they would tell you respect, a sense of self, empowerment, a sense of curiosity, the love of learning, the list will go on and on. PSCS gave me the ability to meet people’s eyes when I talk, to become excited about the task at hand, and to fully engage with the world around me. This has allowed me to be successful in school, work, and life in general. PSCS fostered my natural love of learning so greatly I am currently working towards my Masters in Education.”
Mia Karpov Sept 95 - June 99 “PSCS offered me endless opportunities within the school and greater community. It is an invaluable skill to meaningfully connect with people no matter where you go. I am currently preparing a trip to Kenya with Village Volunteers, where I will live and work in rural village clinics, orphan feeding programs and schools. Visit http://miakarp.livejournal.com for more info.”
Nicolas Tipp Sept 96-June 98 “PSCS taught me several lessons about independence and making your situation what you need it to be. With the freedom to not go to class you are challenged to make an education out of whatever your environment has to offer. I am currently making my environment (Los Angeles) the best school I could imagine. Last year I quit school (USC) and managed a recording studio in San Francisco. Now I’ve returned to USC and I’m working around town at the Hollywood Bowl and the LA Philharmonic. I’m recording recitals at the Colburn School of Music and traveling with the football team doing audio at the games.”
Drew Johnson Sept 01-Feb 04 “I would have to say the number one thing that PSCS gave me is Ultimate Frisbee. I have grown so much through Ultimate. I have become ten times more confident and outgoing, and I truly have found something I love. I am now working part time at a restaurant to save up to go traveling next year and playing Ultimate as much as possible.”
Aidan Young Sept 95 - June 98 “PSCS gave me the freedom to make my own choices and provided me role models that held me accountable to those choices. At 15 I started pursuing a career teaching nature and music. At 21 I became the Director of Creative Arts for the Riekes Center, a non-profit mentoring organization in Menlo Park, CA. Directors usually have a degree and 5 years of experience in the field. PSCS taught me how to get that experience and responsibility before I was old enough to vote!”