Spokane Valley High graduate Fyre wants a career helping others

Lucas Fyre went to Spokane Valley High School looking for something a little different than the traditional high school experience.

His older sister attended the school, and Fyre shadowed her one day to see if he would like it. He did.

“Teachers cared a lot about their students,” Fyre said. “Since it was a smaller school, kids were given opportunities to do what they wanted.”

His family used to live in Millwood, but moved to the Mica area. But Fyre never left Spokane Valley High School. “I’ve been going to Spokane Valley schools my whole life,” he said.

Like many high school students, Fyre was considering what career he wanted to pursue. “I thought about being a chef, and then I took a cooking class,” he said. “I’ve definitely tried to do art, but art has never been my passion.”

He has played the alto and tenor sax for years, but exploring music wasn’t for him. “I enjoyed it, I was good at it but it was never anything I wanted to do,” he said. “My specialty is people.”

Fyre found that he’s able to connect with people, and people often come to him for help when they’re dealing with something. He began doing research on how he should respond in certain situations.

Fyre decided to study psychology at Eastern Washington University, with the goal of becoming a therapist. Fyre wants to be able to help make therapy more available, he said.

“Mental health is a very big part of everyone’s life that is so often neglected,” he said. “Mental health is something that needs to be talked about more, especially with teens.”

His family contributed to his people skills, particularly his ability to communicate well. He’s the youngest of six children. “Living in a house with five other kids, you learn to use your words, especially when they are so much bigger,” he said.

Fyre said his school encouraged him to explore what he wanted to do. “Things change throughout high school and Spokane Valley helps you change with it,” he said. “It’s definitely a place that encourages you to succeed.”

School counselor Suzanne Ruth-Scott said Fyre has been a model for other students and is one of “Spokane finest.” “This young man has a talent for letting a smile be his umbrella,” she said. “Whether days are gray, situations are difficult, Lucas has the genuine ability to flash a supportive smile while actively listening to another.”

She said Fyre has exceeded academic and leadership expectations and has a strong work ethic. He has made a positive impact on students and staff at Spokane Valley High School in his four years there, she said.

Along the way Fyre has worked hard to be independent and to take leadership positions. “I’ve worked to be as independent as I can,” he said. “I applied for scholarships. I applied for college. I’ve worked hard to show kids that you can do everything you want.”

He’s been involved in student government for several years and is student body president this year. Over the years Fyre said he learned a lot about leadership. “Failure isn’t the end,” he said. “It’s just another step.”