Medical Lake's Burris to attend Pepperdine University

For Stephanie Burris, being the valedictorian of her graduating class was a goal she set in her freshman year. She accomplished it back in March.

"(Setting that goal) got me to take harder classes and really focus on my studies," Burris said. "For it to happen after four years is amazing."

Burris will speak in front of her class Saturday, June 6, at the Medical Lake High School 2015 Graduation ceremony at Eastern Washington University's Reese Court.

One of Burris' passions is music, something she's loved since she was a child.

"My sister and I would listen to Broadway CDs," Burris said. We would sing and dance to those. Music was kind of something we got into. I started band in fifth grade, which was something I was looking forward to because I learned how to actually play music."

One of Burris' mentors is Craig Johnson, the director of the middle school and high school band programs. Burris describes Johnson as "her rock."

Burris was involved with band throughout high school. Her main instrument is the clarinet, though she also plays the saxophone. She competed in the WIAA/WMEA (Washington Music Educators Association) state and ensemble band choir competition four years in a row - placing third in the competition's solo clarinet division in the last two years.

"I'd practice 1-2 hours a night and that was just individual practice," Burris said.

In addition to band, Burris was the Knowledge Bowl team captain for two years. In March, Medical Lake's Knowledge Bowl team finished third at the Washington State XXXIII Knowledge Bowl championships.

"We grew as a team over the year and by the end we were one of the teams to beat," Burris said. "I'll miss all of the experiences and friends I've made over the years."

Burris is also the principal clarinetist with the Spokane Youth Symphony. While high school band is more of a "fun thing," performing with the symphony tested Burris' musical abilities. When she's not performing with the band or the symphony, Burris is playing in concerts, or with friends.

"People think I'm crazy for wanting to perform in front of thousands of people for fun, but that's something I really love," Burris said.

Burris will attend Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif., on music and academic scholarships and plans to major in both music and psychology.

"After learning how difficult it can be for a professional musician to make it, I considered a second option for my career," Burris said. "I took an AP psychology class and fell in love with the subject."

Burris is unsure if she wants to go into the science or counseling fields of psychology.

"And if I find out I don't love it (psychology), I can always change my major," she added.

Burris would also like to go to graduate school to study music, play in a local orchestra or teach private music lessons.

Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com.