For their senior project, Zakk Lawson took a hands-on and heartfelt approach by diving into the world of candle-making. Inspired by the warm and welcoming environment at The Chandlery, a local candle shop, Zakk began working there in December and quickly found themselves pouring candles, applying labels, and stocking shelves nearly every weekend. “I had always been there and thought it was a good place, very inviting. I liked the owners,” Zakk shared. “I thought it would be a good place to go to and support.”
Under the guidance of co-owners and mentors Jordan and Elysia, Zakk learned the craft of making handmade candles. “It was actually very easy to learn because it was more about making the scents and pouring the candle,” they explained. “At the Chandlery, the scents are all made by Elysia. They showed me where they melt the wax, the jars they had to pour the candles in - it was a very easy and simple process.”
Zakk’s mentors played a significant role not only in teaching the technical aspects of candle-making but also in offering support during challenging times. “When I got on academic probation, they were super kind,” Zakk recalled. “They let me just relax and do school work as needed… They were just willing to give their space and time to help me, which was super generous of them.”
While the craft came naturally, the biggest hurdle for Zakk was simply getting to and from the shop. “The challenges were less about making candles and more about time,” they said. “I have no mode of transportation so I’m constantly walking, which is super exhausting.”
Zakk’s work at The Chandlery was more than just production, it was a way to connect with others and be part of something bigger. “After pouring all the wax, we would seal the jar once solidified, then I would put the final stickers on. Finally, we would stock the candles and talk earnestly with our customers about the candles,” Zakk said. “It was a good way to build community and share that we’re good people that want to share a good product.”
This project not only helped Zakk develop valuable skills but also created lasting ties to the greater Port Townsend community. It’s a reminder of how senior projects can foster a deep sense of belonging for students while strengthening relationships with local businesses.
Looking ahead, Zakk plans to begin working at the same company as their sibling after graduation, and while they may not pursue candle-making professionally, it will remain a meaningful hobby. Their advice to future seniors? “Make sure you have a car, and a license to drive it! Take your time, and if there’s any stress that gets in the way, make sure your health is your priority.”
Zakk’s story is a shining example of how senior projects at PTHS can be more than a requirement - they can be a path toward connection, confidence, and community.
It’s not every day that a freshman qualifies for the state tournament, but that’s exactly what June Harper has done. Today, she competed in Liberty Lake, representing Port Townsend High School and showing what’s possible when hard work, mental toughness, and a love for the game come together.
“I was pretty shocked,” June said, recalling the moment she found out she made the cut for state. “I knew I played as well as I expected, but I didn’t know that was good enough to make it to state.” In a sport like golf, where every shot matters and consistency is key, qualifying for the state tournament as a ninth grader is a major accomplishment.
Throughout the season, June’s focus has been simple: get better. “I went from double-paring almost every hole to getting bogeys and pars,” she explained. Her growth as a golfer has come not just from practice, but from learning how to mentally reset after setbacks. “You can’t think about your past shots or past holes,” she said. “Your mind has to be on that next shot, the next hole - because then, that one will be amazing.”
At Port Townsend High School, we believe that athletics are about much more than just playing a sport. They’re about learning perseverance, building mental fortitude, and finding a team, even in individual sports. “Golf is really an individual sport,” June said. “You don’t have teammates to rely on or to motivate you - it’s completely your game. People can encourage you a lot, but it’s up to you to turn your game around.”
That said, June is quick to credit those who have supported her, including her coach and her grandfather. “Coach Corbit has been an amazing coach, really helping me and showing me how much I can accomplish,” she said. “My grandpa has done a lot too, with tips that he’s learned golfing throughout his life and just being there to support all the time."
Joining the golf team has helped June feel connected to her new school. “It has helped me meet so many talented new people, especially the girls on my team,” she said. And beyond the friendships, golf has taught her lasting life lessons. “In golf, you learn to block out other background noises and focus on what you are doing right now,” she reflected. “During Leagues, I didn’t do great the first round of 9 holes, and they said I could quit. But I didn’t stop playing, which brought me to where I am now.”
Looking ahead, June is excited to test her skills and learn from the best at Liberty Lake. “I’m pretty excited to see these amazing golfers, who have skills that I want to strive for,” she said. “It’s going to be a great experience, especially as someone who wants to get better for next year and the year after.”
Her goals moving forward? “To just continue to improve and for the entire girls golf team to achieve state.” And her advice to younger students starting out? “Don’t give up, no matter how you’re playing -because there is always going to be a next shot.”
Good luck at state, June! Port Townsend is proud of you.
About Port Townsend High School
Website: https://highschool.ptschools.org/
Location: 1500 Van Ness Street, Port Townsend, WA, USA
Phone: 360.379.4520
Non-discrimination statement
Port Townsend School District No. 50 does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of race, creed, religion, color, immigration status, national origin, age, honorably-discharged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. The district provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and all other designated youth groups listed in Title 36 of the United States Code as a patriotic society. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:
Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator
Carrie Ehrhardt
1610 Blaine Street
(360) 680-5756
Title IX Officer:
Carrie Ehrhardt
1610 Blaine Street
(360) 680-5756
Section 504/ADA Coordinator
Shelby Macmeekin
1610 Blaine Street
(360) 379-4501
Title IX inquiries may also be directed toward the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR):https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html
