The North Beach School District honored two former students as Graduates of Distinction and an Honorary Hyak for dedication to local schools at an annual assembly June 1 at the North Beach Jr./Sr. High School.

Assistant Principal Wendy Hensley McCoy and physical therapist Devin Timpson were the two former students and ACE Hardware businessman Steve Buck was the Honorary Hyak, who was celebrated for years of service and support, especially for the high school.

“These are three of some of the greatest people I have ever met in my life,” said outgoing Principal Brett Mackey, who presided over his final Graduates of Distinction assembly before he leaves at the end of the school year for a new position in Eastern Washington.

“I started my career here 16 years ago and I got to watch both of these two play basketball,” Mackey said, referring to McCoy and Timpson, both distinguished student athletes at North Beach. “And I got to see Mr. Buck contribute an astronomical amount to our school and our community.”

Supt. Deboarh Holcomb, in her first year with the district, noted Buck has been a staunch supporter of North Beach, sponsoring the high school football score cards, helping obtain new uniforms, adding railing and steps for the bleachers, or just helping with contributions and donations for school clubs and activities. He has been a softball coach and was the founder of the North Beach Booster Club.

“He’s been an active community member and sponsor of the North Beach School District for many years. His generosity in the form of donations and his presence at district events exemplifies Steve’s commitment to the students and staff. … Steve Buck believes in doing it right and will always be a true Hyak.”

Timpson returned to North Beach from the San Diego area, where he followed his dream to become a physical therapist after graduating with numerous honors.

“As a Graduate of Distinction, you must have left the high school for 10 years and done something amazing with your life,” Holcomb said. “And that is what we are here to celebrate today.”

Timpson developed a physical therapy program for senior citizens as part of his North Beach senior project. He also was past ASB President, excelling in athletics and academics, Holcomb noted. In addition to numerous awards and records, he was on the all-academic team and even featured in 2004 in Sports Illustrated’s “Faces in the Crowd.” After high school, Timpson did his undergraduate work at Washington State University on a track scholarship, earning a Bachelor of Sciences degree in biology. He went to work for West Seattle Physical Therapy before heading to San Diego to attend the University of St. Augustine, where he received his doctoral degree in 2013. That same year, he launched Timpson Physical Therapy and his own practice.

“Devin is an honored scholar, an athlete and a true Hyak. He will always be remembered for both his academic excellence and his athletic pursuits,” Holcomb said.

Timpson thanked his family, with his mother, Patrice, working as the administrative assistant and tech coordinator in the district office.

“As a student here, I have — and you guys have — a unique opportunity that most students across the country do not really get to experience,” he said. “North Beach provides a learning environment unlike any other high school, in that it does really provide a lot of access to your teachers. It fosters small class sizes, and the continuum of education from middle school to high school is amazing. You literally just walk from upstairs to downstairs.”

McCoy was lauded by Holcomb for her “amazing strengths and leadership qualities.” As North Beach student Wendy Hensley, she earned National Honor Society recognition, as well as acclaim as an athlete in volleyball, basketball and fastpitch. She attended Eastern Washington University after high school, majoring in English and earning her teach certificate.

As a teacher, McCoy returned to North Beach “and quickly became the favorite teacher to many,” Holmcomb said. “She displayed a natural ability to develop strong relationships built on mutual respect for her students.”

McCoy thanked her family, all those who supported and encouraged her along the way, and husband Ken, also a Hyak, confiding that he proposed to her on the gym floor after she beat him in a couple games of basketball.

“I was lucky enough to be hired to replace one of my high school teachers who had retired, and I haven’t regretted taking that job and moving back to this community one time,” McCoy said, noting she is finishing her 13th year at North Beach.

“I didn’t end here by accident – in Ocean Shores, at this school, married to my high school sweetheart, or raising my two kids,” McCoy emphasized. “I planned for it. I was ready when the opportunities were available and I pushed myself to make sure I was ready when those opportunities came about.”

Graduation note: The 2017 North Beach High School graduation ceremonies will start at 5 p.m. at the Ocean Shores Convention Center this year, instead of at the high school.