Nurture an Open Mind: A Glimpse into Bush Senior Projects

Seniors worked solo or in dynamic groups and brainstormed several creative topics, which challenged them to think critically about how best to cultivate the campus and community around them. Approximately thirty projects were completed over two busy weeks, covering themes such as sustainable farming, conservation, mental health, and other important subjects. 

“After twelve years of schooling, senior projects are an opportunity for students to give back to the communities that raised them,” said Rachel Ladd, Program Manager. “Many of the amazing programs we have today at Bush are a result of a senior project a student dreamed up. The Wellness Center, plant identification signs across campus, and afterschool tutoring are direct results of senior projects from years past.  This year’s seniors have risen to the occasion and have had a profound impact on our school and beyond. The ripples of these projects will extend far after they leave campus. I have so much pride and gratitude for the class of 2025!”

While several students opted to connect with local businesses and off-campus organizations, many decided to enact their desires for change right here on campus. Student musicians Duncan F.-S. ’25 and Benjamin H. ’25 shared the vision to propel the Bush Music Department by creating a professional-quality video that highlights the scope and sequence of the K-12 music curriculum. From choir concerts to music showcases to Venue, they hoped to show new Bush students the diversity of the music program and spark interest in the school’s unique course offerings.

“We believe Bush has amazing offerings and teachers in each of the divisions, but have also noticed that enrollment has been a bit of an issue, especially in the high school, as students have so many different opportunities at their fingertips,” said Benjamin. “With new programs like jazz band and orchestra starting up this year, we wanted to find ways to get more students involved and eventually grow our programs to be able to match those of larger peer schools.”

"Our most enjoyable experience was getting to see the talent and passion for music at all grade levels, which further motivated us to help continue to extend that culture of creativity to more students in the high school,” said Duncan. “We would love to leave with the knowledge that we helped both the dedicated teachers as well as the school administrators devise plans to strengthen the school's music offerings by addressing scheduling, space, and credit-based barriers that may be preventing high schoolers from participating in music at Bush.” Click here to view Duncan and Benjamin’s senior project video.

Upper School students Charlotte S. ’25 and Eva G. ’25 used their visual art skills to paint a colorful, inspiring, and creative mural on the public walkway wall facing the Lower School playfield. Their senior project, Beyond the Grey: Turning Vandalism to Vibrance, aimed to add depth and visualization to a community-accessible area.

Their extensive mural begins at the legacy of Bush and takes viewers on a breathtaking journey through the beauty of Washington. Salmon, an essential part of the Pacific Northwest’s economy and culture, is featured throughout the mural, surrounded by cascading blue waters and the state tree, the Western Hemlock. “There’s salmon at three different stages of their life cycle,” said Charlotte. “The fry at the beginning is newly hatched and has the egg sac still attached, and then it’s followed by an adolescent salmon, then finally, the full-grown salmon. We wanted to make this model representative of the Lower School journey.” At the center of the piece is the striking summit of Mount Rainier, Washington State’s most notable landmark, highlighted by a multicolored sunrise.

“I’m a Lifer here at Bush, and I remember going into Middle School and being so captivated by all of the art statues,” said Eva. “Once I made it to high school, I realized there wasn’t as much art representation in the Lower School. So, I think having this sort of display available for the Lower School kids will be very inspirational.” Be sure to check out Eva and Charlotte’s fantastic mural before the end of the school year!

Student leaders Dylan K. ’25, Kara M. ’25, and Mayu R. ’25 blazed trails off-campus by connecting with other independent institutions throughout the community to create a new student-led affinity conference for students of color called FUSE Seattle (Fostering Unity, solidarity, and Equity for Seattle Independent Schools). As the visionaries behind this impactful project, they aspired to create a new event in place of the Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC), which empowered students and leaders of color from independent schools across Seattle in a supportive and collaborative environment.

“In the absence of national student diversity conferences like NAIS’ SDLC, FUSE Seattle stands to capitalize on the momentum of student agency and activism around promoting social justice in Seattle,” said Head of School, Percy Abram. “I commend Dylan, Kara, and Mayu on their forethought, vision, leadership, and legacy. I am hopeful that ten years from now, FUSE will still be going with an active and engaged group of students continually pushing to make our world safer and more equitable.”

The students enjoyed tasty food, danced, and heard business advice from keynote speaker Harold Fields, who is the owner of Seattle's Japanese restaurant, Umami Kushi, and an involved Bush parent. They were also visited by other insightful speakers who shared their cultures at the connective gathering.

“We had an amazing speaker who explained the history of Capoeira, which is inspired by the Afro-Brazillian culture,” shared Mayu. “People were dancing and playing different instruments—it was really fun.”

“I love our senior project program,” said Dean of Students Sara Fischer. “It gives students the time and space to dive into a passion project and excel. These eleven days offer a break from the chaos of the school year, providing the freedom to reflect, collaborate, and create. Without the usual time crunch of the day-to-day school grind, many students find this period empowering as they engage deeply with the work they have chosen and created. This gift of time enables them to conclude their careers with a project that is unique to them and one they can be proud of. Many are also taking meaningful risks, such as teaching classes, presenting to peers and professionals, and stepping outside their comfort zones. They're learning just how challenging it is to plan lessons, adapt when things don’t go as expected, and think on their feet.  These are powerful life lessons that will be very helpful to their future selves.”