By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News
The Heritage Hawks and Lady Hawks were celebrated in a Senior Night ceremony held Friday, January 30, at Francy J. Sheldon gymnasium. The heartfelt ceremony honored graduating seniors from both the boys and girls basketball programs prior to tipoff.
Before the Hawks and Lady Hawks took the court, the gym filled with applause as seniors were individually recognized for their perseverance and commitment to Tulalip Heritage High School athletics. Surrounded by family members, teammates, coaches, and community supporters, each senior was acknowledged for the time and effort invested throughout their high school basketball careers.
Senior Night is a long-standing tradition at Heritage, offering a moment to pause and reflect on the journeys of student-athletes who have represented the reservation’s high school with pride. For the celebrated seniors, the ceremony marked the culmination of years spent balancing academics, practices, games, and the responsibilities that come with being team leaders.
Raylee Fryberg-Lewis
“Heritage is the only place I could imagine playing volleyball and basketball,” said senior Raylee Fryberg-Lewis. “After so many seasons and games played, it just feels really good to be celebrating with my community. Tulalip is where I was born, it’s where I’m from, and it’s where I chose to attend high school. When I look back over the past few years, I think where I’ve grown the most is my confidence. Being able to play with my friends and family, they were always so supportive and believed in me when I was doubting my abilities. Their confidence in me made me want to be the best volleyball player and basketball player I could be, not just for myself, but for them as well. That’s what family and being a community is really all about.”
Raylee’s mom, Roselle, added, “As a Heritage alumni and her mom, Raylee’s decision to attend Heritage and play sports meant everything to me. To see her grow so much within her community, step outside her comfort zone with basketball, and witness all the community support she’s received just means the world to us. We love Rez kids!”
Lilly Jefferson
“I think your senior year of high school is one of the most important years of a person’s life because it reflects all the experiences, decisions, and memories of your childhood,” said senior Lilly Jefferson. “It’s not just the last year of high school, but the last time to seize opportunities that aren’t available to adults. With that in mind, I’d tell future high schoolers that this time in your life isn’t that bad, really, it’s the best. We don’t have to worry about being an adult and all the responsibilities, like paying bills. So do all the things and live it up with all the clubs, sports, and travel opportunities that you can.”
Lilly’s mom, Shawnee, added, “Lilly isn’t my first kid to choose Heritage and she won’t be my last. Her high school years have literally been like watching a dream play out. I’ve witnessed her thrive and expand her goals so much that she’s reaching for the sky now. She’s learned to create and enforce boundaries and even explore the world through programs offered at Heritage. She could’ve graduated last year, but didn’t because she wanted to have a senior year with friends. I couldn’t be more thankful for that decision because watching her and her younger sister, Madison, play together as Lady Hawks meant the world to me.”
Molly Jones-Charles
“Before Heritage, I never thought I’d actually play sports. Now, here I am, a varsity basketball player,” said senior Molly Jones-Charles. “Overall, it’s been a nice experience. My coaches and teammates have really worked with me to get me comfortable on the court, and it’s something I’m just really grateful for. Also, playing volleyball and basketball showed me just how supportive my family is. They came to so many games and were always cheering for me and my team to do good. Yeah, they can be loud, but that’s so I can hear them and know they are here supporting me, always.”
Molly’s guardian, Mitch, added, “I never once asked Molly to be the best shooter or score the most points. What I’ve always asked from her is maximum effort, to always give her best when she’s on the court. She never saw herself playing sports, but we’ve seen how much sports have helped her grow as a person. She’s flourishing now because she’s made lifelong friends here at Heritage by going outside her comfort zone and playing volleyball and basketball. I couldn’t be happier for her.”
Davien Parks
“Ever since my first day here, my experience has been awesome,” said senior Davien Parks. “The community, the fans, the school staff, everyone has made me feel welcomed. Seeing the support and following the basketball team is something truly special. So many times we’ve played away games and had more people from Tulalip in the bleachers than the home team fans. That gave me added motivation, game in and game out, to play my hardest every game. That’s pushed me to become the best version of myself and I can’t thank the community enough for that.”
Davien’s dad, Tyler, added, “I’m just overjoyed right now. It’s a heartwarming feeling to see the whole community come out and support my son. It’s pushed his game to another level, his confidence to another level. I’m grateful for all the community support, especially the elders who came out and watched and let Davien know how proud they are of him.”
Davis Bachand
“I transferred to Heritage from a bigger school for a reason, and it’s been everything I hoped it would be and more. I’ve had an amazing time at Heritage. I’ve been hoopin’ with these guys my whole life and getting to win on this level with them, to experience State with them, are memories I’ll never forget. And the community support here is like no other. Everyone knows me and my name, from adults to little kids in the community. Tulalip has made me feel like family.”
Davis’s dad, Aaron, added, “The Tribe has made our family feel so welcomed. We’re honored to be accepted as part of the family. As a dad, I think one of the coolest things to see is the little kids who run up to Davis when we’re out and about and tell him they watched his last game or tell him he had a good game. Those little things like that really do make a big difference.”
Tokala Black Tomahawk
“Knowing I was a Heritage Hawk for all four years of high school is something I’ll cherish forever. I loved playing in front of all my family. Everyone in the gym, I know who they are and they know me. That kind of support is really rare and something I didn’t take for granted. My favorite basketball memories are from last year’s State experience. I’m hoping we can run it back this year and win the whole thing. Then that will be my favorite memory.”
Tokala’s mom, Winona, added, “Out of Bubba and mine’s ten kids, Tokala is number eight to attend and play for Heritage. It’s amazing to see and be part of how the growing support system our Heritage students receive from the Tulalip community. Home or away, football or volleyball or basketball, Heritage fans do their part to make our athletes feel appreciated. The Heritage teachers and coaches have done a really good job of pushing Tokala to do his best and be his best, in and out of the classroom. I couldn’t be more thankful for that.”
Logan Paul
Logan’s big sister, Hannah, said, “It was a huge decision to take Logan out of private school and have him attend Heritage. Ultimately, we made the decision based on it being more important to have him in his own community, where he could build those community attachments with his peers and classmates. He adapted really well, especially once he got involved with sports (football and basketball). He’s continued to excel academically by getting 4.0’s, which we are so proud of him for. He’s also developed a real sense of pride for what it means to be Tulalip and what it means to be part of a community. Tulalip is Logan’s home now, and he’s made so many friends and learned who is family truly is.”
Families stood courtside as seniors were presented with flowers and keepsakes, capturing photos and sharing embraces that reflected years of early practices, late nights, and countless memories made inside the gym. As the final home games approach and postseason play looms, Tulalip Heritage High School proudly recognizes its senior Hawks and Lady Hawks for their contributions to the program. Their impact will be felt long after the final buzzer sounds.