Akel Hashim and Charlotte Seidel were co-Valedictorians in the 2008 Yelm High School graduating class, both achieving a 4.0 GPA. Mr. Hashim gave a moving graduation speech to his fellow classmates challenging them to take the education and experiences they acquired here in Yelm out into the world and soar to new heights.

CLICK HERE to see and hear this inspirational and moving talk from one of Yelm’s own!

Akel also represented Yelm High in Soccer, garnering several write-ups in the Nisqually Valley News. He was 3 year captain, Second Team All League his Freshman, Sophomore and Junior years, and First Team All League his Senior Year.

Akel was the recipient of several scholarships and chose his undergraduate work in Seattle at UW, where he just completed his first semester. He has decided to major in Physics and minor in both Mechanical Engineering and Spanish. He intends to get a PhD in physics, specifically quantum mechanics.

Akel recently told the Yelm Community Blog, “Simply put, I decided it comes down to what I want to do, not based on the job market, because I can always create wealth.”

Akel is the son of Yelm residents
Rosalie Saeker
and
Bill & Suzanne Hashim