A Personal Reason Behind the Senior Zero Out Program for Ferry County Students

Living in Ferry County is something special

Class of 2026 | Curlew High

Let's chat about Waywinds Senior Portrait Zero Out - This program is personal to me for reasons that go far beyond photography.

I grew up under the poverty line. I understand what it feels like to grow up in a family where survival and necessity always came before extras. And while senior portraits may seem small to some people, families who have struggled financially understand that things like professional photography are often completely out of reach.

The truth is, if I had graduated on the traditional timeline, professional senior portraits would not have been on the docket for my family either.

Life took a different path for me. I didn’t finish obtaining my high school diploma until I was 30 years old. And while I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity to have been provided so that I could eventually accomplish it, I also know what it feels like to carry the weight of hardship, setbacks, and feeling like you’re behind everyone else.

That perspective shaped the way I see students in our community.

Not every graduating senior has the same starting line. Like many rural areas, Ferry County makes it substantially harder on families. Some students are overcoming obstacles most people never see. Some are balancing responsibilities at home, financial struggles, mental health battles, grief, instability, or simply trying to make it through each day while still working toward graduation. But every single one of them deserves to feel celebrated.

That’s the heart behind the Senior Zero Out Program.

I created this program because I know firsthand what it’s like to feel like certain experiences are meant for “other people.” I know what it’s like to grow up believing professional photos, milestone celebrations, or luxury experiences simply weren’t realistic options.

And I never want a student in our community to feel forgotten because of financial hardship.

This program exists to make sure every graduating senior has access to professional portraits that honor who they are and how far they’ve come — regardless of income, background, or circumstances.

Because making it to graduation is an accomplishment worth remembering.

And every student deserves to see themselves reflected with dignity, confidence, and pride.