Ignite Humanities: Class of ’71 Fund
Members of the W.F. West High School Class of 1971
History:
The Ignite Humanities: Class of ’71 Fund was created by members of the W.F. West High School Class of 1971 to spark curiosity, creativity, and cultural exploration in Chehalis students. Inspired by their own formative experiences at W.F. West High School—and motivated by a desire to give today’s students the same chance to think deeply, ask big questions, and see the world through new perspectives—the Class of ’71 established this fund to ensure support for humanities enrichment at W.F. West.
The fund’s first major initiative is the Ignite Humanities Lab, a two‑day summer workshop led by W.F. West and Chehalis Middle School teachers for incoming freshmen and sophomores. The Lab invites students to explore literature, history, philosophy, and the arts through hands‑on activities, collaborative learning, and encounters with guest educators. This year’s workshop is made possible in partnership with the Seaquist Foundation (Carla Lofberg & Larry Seaquist), which is providing primary support as the Class of ’71 prepares to begin broader outreach to classmates later this year.
As the program grows, the Class of ’71 envisions expanding opportunities for students to engage with the humanities both inside and beyond the classroom. Rooted in gratitude for the teachers and community that shaped them, the Class of ’71 created this fund as a legacy gift—one that will continue opening doors for future generations of Chehalis students to discover the power and possibility of the humanities.
Purpose:
The Ignite Humanities: Class of ’71 Fund was created by members of the W.F. West High School Class of 1971 to support humanities enrichment opportunities for Chehalis students. Inspired by the teachers, experiences, and community that shaped their own education, the fund encourages curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, and cultural exploration through programs such as the Ignite Humanities Lab. Through hands-on learning experiences in literature, history, philosophy, and the arts, the fund seeks to help students explore new ideas, engage thoughtfully with the world around them, and discover the lasting value of the humanities.
Eligibility Criteria
- Current or incoming student at W.F. West High School
- Interest in humanities subjects such as literature, history, philosophy, or the arts
- Willingness to participate in enrichment opportunities such as the Ignite Humanities Lab, workshops, or related activities
- Positive attitude toward learning, collaboration, discussion, and creative exploration
- Interest in engaging with new perspectives, ideas, and cultural experiences
Selection Considerations
- Demonstrated curiosity, creativity, and engagement in humanities-related topics
- Enthusiasm for learning, discussion, and collaborative participation
- Participation in school, community, or extracurricular activities related to culture, leadership, learning, or the arts
- Teacher recommendations or endorsements
- Willingness to actively participate in humanities enrichment opportunities, including the Ignite Humanities Lab
- Overall interest in exploring literature, history, philosophy, the arts, and broader human experiences through thoughtful inquiry and discussion