Alumni Spotlight: Captain Eli Creighton (NTHS '08)

Captain Eli Creighton is a North Thurston High School graduate who now serves as an appellate attorney in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG) for the U.S. Army, stationed in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. He attended South Bay Elementary School and Chinook Middle School.

Captain Creighton reflected on how the North Thurston Public Schools community supported him and prepared him for his next steps in life!

Tell us about your educational journey.

I was lucky enough to participate in programs like PACE in elementary school and subsequently in AP classes in high school. I played on the varsity boys’ golf team throughout high school and made it to the State championship my senior year.  I got my B.S. in Criminal Justice from Portland State University. I then took some time off from school, but ultimately returned and completed a dual-degree program at Seattle University, earning both a Juris Doctor and a Master of Public Administration. Before joining the Army, I was a special deputy prosecutor with Thurston County.

What are some of your favorite memories of your time in North Thurston Public Schools?

Our class had a real tight-knit feel from first grade on, especially during high school at North Thurston. Unfortunately, during our time at NTHS, our class experienced a lot of loss, both of students and parents. But we clung together and supported each other.  It helped ease the pain knowing that everyone supported and loved one another.

There were great extracurriculars, especially the sports teams. Not that we were particularly known for winning, but more so the camaraderie and love of sport. I still look back fondly—especially since two of my teammates were my groomsmen—at the hijinks we got up to on the golf course.

Speaking of weddings, Mr. Brady Olson (social studies teacher) was the officiant at my wedding. I lost my father during my sophomore year, and Brady—whether consciously or not on his part—stepped in to fill that fatherly gap. He was my AP US History teacher, and I got to be his teacher’s assistant the following year. He constantly checked in on me and helped me through a very difficult time. Brady and I remained close after I graduated, and he has continued to make a big impact on my life.

How did your NTPS experience prepare you for success?

We had great teachers, not only in high school as we were gearing up to enter the real world, but throughout my time attending NTPS. Whether it was Mr. Kiekhaefer using baseball to teach us math and life skills in second grade or Mr. Metler challenging us to learn new instruments in middle school band class, I had the impression that every teacher truly wanted the best for us. They wanted to see us succeed, and, in turn, we, as students, wanted to succeed. Thus, it instilled in us a passion for continuing to learn and seeking education whenever and wherever possible.

What advice do you have for current NTPS students?

“Be curious, not judgmental.” — Ted Lasso

You can learn something from everyone around you; we all have greatness to offer.  Always lead with empathy. You will find that not only does your heart grow, but so does your intellect if you ask questions instead of making judgments.  I can promise that, in 100% of cases, approaching a situation or interaction with empathy at the forefront will lead to a just result. It may be difficult to do so at times, but keeping an open mind about why someone else tackles a problem differently than you may just lead to an entirely new way of understanding.

Know an NTPS graduate doing great things? Let us know at communications@ntps.org!