If there’s something to join at Silas High School, Jayce Hartman has likely given it a try – and done a really good job at it. His desire to try new things goes back to elementary school, when he started a Unified Sports program at Skyline Elementary so students of all abilities could participate.  

At Silas, he’s played tennis and baseball, and Unified basketball and soccer. He’s the ASB president and Unified Club president. Wanting to try something new, he gave show choir and musicals a try – and thinks he’ll keep it up through community theater.  

Not to be outdone by himself, he learned to play guitar and also became a member of the Mayor’s Youth Commission.  

Jayce works hard to bring people together and make sure they feel welcomed when they get there.  

Here's what Jayce had to say about his school experience and next steps.     

What’s an accomplishment you’re proud of?  
  
How far we’ve come in Unified Club and the relationships we’ve built. I’m happy with the senior I’ve been able to grow into. I’ve always looked up to seniors. I wanted to be the upperclassman that could lead underclassman.  

What are your plans for next year?   

I’m going to Washington State University. I’m excited to be a part of the big community there. I’m going to study to be a special education teacher. I’ve been surrounded by educators my whole life, and that’s played a huge role in me wanting to be a teacher.  

How has your school experience helped prepare you for that pathway?  

All of my activities have helped me learn to manage my time and to put myself out there, like being able to try out for a musical and find a group of people to connect with. I hang out with lots of different groups. Wherever you want to fit in, you can here as a Silas Ram. It never feels cliquey. We’re all part of the “Ramily.”    

Where have you shown the most grit in your high school career?  
 
I’ve shown grit by sticking with ASB and other commitments I’ve made. As the four years have gone by, I’ve balanced a lot of activities, worked to save money, managed to have a social life and find time for the people I care about.  

What are you looking forward to next year?   

I’m excited to see what life is like when I don’t have my parents to fall back on and to have independence. I’m sad to leave Silas, but it will be great to walk into a place where no one knows me – I can be whatever I want to be. And to take classes that really interest me. I want to dive into political science, human development and psychology. I want to understand the way people think and why people choose to do what they do.  

What’s something your biggest fan would say about you?   

I always show up.  

Describe yourself in three words.    

Outgoing. Involved. Caring.