Moses Lake student doubles as sailor

ILWACO, Wash. — On Friday, Liz Palmer, 17, transforms herself from a farm-raised teen to a real-life sailor when she steps onboard the historic Lady Washington.

Donning a sailor’s 18th century garb, the Moses Lake High School junior will sing and teach sea shanties and take part in other educational programs during public ship tours.

But Liz’s time on the ship isn’t just spent entertaining the public.

Helping sail the boat, working with the ship’s cook and engineer, and assisting the shiphand, who cares for the rigging, will likely fill her days.

Palmer leaves Friday for her third stint on the ship and will return home at the end of November.

From April 23 through June 25, she will take part in a nearly two-month sail along the Columbia River, visiting Astoria, Ilwaco, Cathlamet, Kalama, Vancouver, Washougal, Stevenson, Hood River, The Dalles, Arlington, Umatilla, Pasco, St. Helens and Rainier.

The ship is a replica from the days of Capt. Robert Gray’s travels. Gray’s ship was called the “Columbia Rediviva,” which the Columbia River was named after in 1787. 

The Lady Washington was modeled after a vessel that traveled with Gray.

When onboard, Liz finds she’s usually one of the youngest people there.

“There are college students, definitely,” Liz commented. “But I haven’t heard of any high schoolers doing this. I’m a bit of a guinea pig.”

She saw the vessel for the first time while visiting her grandmother in Westport, Wash.

Liz was so interested in the ship, that she walked onboard and asked crew members how they got hired.

Liz’s mom, Dianna Palmer, said she knows her daughter is doing really well and doing something she really wants to do.

“The school district and the seaport (Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority) have been really great about it,” Dianna explained. “I feel she’s safe on board. She’s not allowed to leave unless two people accompany her.”

Liz’s dad is Calvin Steele, who made beef jerky for the ship’s crew this week.

Moses Lake High School Assistant Principal Josh Meek said the school works from a very focused plan in order for Liz to complete graduation requirements while missing chunks of the school year.

She earns some class credits while she’s gone, but takes her core classes when she returns home.

Liz plans to use her experience on the ship to complete her senior project, which is a high school graduation requirement.

Starting in 2008, all high school students in Washington state were required to complete a 25-hour project, which includes a written portion and a presentation.

Meek meets with Liz and her parents several times throughout the year to revisit the plan that’s been established for her.

“It’s been a unique project,” Meek said. “We’ve been glad to be able to support her and still maintain her commitment to her education.”

Moses Lake High School plans to send several of its U.S. history classes to the Port of Pasco during the Lady Washington’s visit between May 22 and May 31.

It will be the first time Liz will present herself before her peers, Meek said.

For more information and a ship schedule, visit ?www.historicalseaport.org.