Last Thursday was senior recognition day for the VHS track and field team. Prior to the start of a track meet held at Charles Wright Academy, five Vashon seniors with their parents, along with exchange students on the team, were recognized and presented with a bouquet of flowers.

Seniors on the team this year include Kenese Parker, Erica Walker, Peri Roberts, Julie Wilson and Taylor Hernandez. Exchange students who were also recognized were Selma Jonsdottir from Iceland and Daniel Schwarz from Liechtenstein.

In the track meet itself, three Vashon athletes took victories for the Pirates. The first-place winners were Landon Summers, who won the 1600 meters in 4:59 and the 800 meters in 2:17; Codi Williams, who won the 300-meter hurdles in 54.6, and Samantha Clements, who won the triple jump at 28 feet, 9 inches.

Alex Soriano also placed second in the discus event with a throw of 96 feet, 5 inches. Overall the Pirate boys and girls placed third as a team at the four-way meet.

Vashon coach Kevin Ross said it was important to recognize the seniors at the meet because of their commitment and dedication to Vashon’s track and field program. Ross noted the fact that the graduating seniors had never had the opportunity to compete at home in the VHS stadium in the last four years, as the facilities no longer meet the regulations to hold a meet.

However, he said, “they represented our community and have been an asset to the VHS athletic department.”