Federal Way Public Schools Graduates of Note

Jay Barfield

Engineering Student, US Naval Academy

Thomas Jefferson High School
Graduate, Class of 2007

There were times when Jay Barfield resented the long hours of homework he was required to complete as a student in advanced courses in Federal Way schools.  But these days, he's grateful to have worked so hard.

Barfield, a 2007 Thomas Jefferson High School graduate, is currently a student at the United States Naval Academy working toward a Bachelor's Degree in Systems Engineering.  Admittance to the Naval Academy is highly competitive and requires a recommendation from a United States Congressman. 

Barfield attended Brigadoon Elementary, Twin Lakes Elementary, Federal Way Public Academy and Thomas Jefferson High school.  "I can’t think of anywhere else that could have prepared me for academic success as well as the Federal Way school system," he said.  "In middle school, I was constantly challenged and encouraged by my teachers and classmates alike.  This environment of struggle and growth continued at Thomas Jefferson, where I took a heavy combination of IB and AP classes.  At the time I may have resented the heavy work load, but looking back I can say that it set me up with a strong work ethic and a solid determination to follow through on my visions and goals."

Among Barfield's most influential teachers was Barry Linn, a ninth grade English teacher at the Public Academy.  "He emphasized that learning should be its own award and made sure that his classes were about earning knowledge rather than earning a grade.  This is an approach to school that I’ve carried ever since," Barfield said.  Participating in sports, working as a lifeguard and finding time to relax every day also helped Barfield succeed in school.

Barfield has also enjoyed success outside the classroom.  He considers one of his biggest accomplishments to be leading a group on a two-week hike through New Mexico deserts and mountains at the Boy Scouts of America Philmont Scout Ranch.  "I learned valuable lessons about perseverance and resourcefulness," he said.

After college, Barfield plans to be commissioned as an officer for the U.S. Navy.  "I’ve been spending time preparing for that role," he said.  "In the past two summers, I’ve spent a month on an amphibious assault ship training near Pearl Harbor, sailed the Chesapeake Bay for two separate one-month tours, trained with the Marine Corps in North Carolina, been underway on a submarine and flown practice aircraft used by pilots in training.  I’m personally set on flying, and have been studying up on everything about aviation."

Barfield offers the following advice to current students:  "Challenge yourself as much as you can.  Taking AP classes over regular classes might make it harder to get that A, but it also gets some good experience.  The same goes with sports and work – you could do neither and have plenty of free time on your hands, but keeping busy will always be more rewarding in the end," he said, adding:  "Keep working hard and be proud of where you are from, and where you are going."

To current educators, Barfield says:  "Keep the education process centered on learning.  Grades and standardized test scores may be important, but we must not forget that the mission of schools is to help students learn, not to build applications and resumes."