42 Famous Alumni from Washington State High Schools

These pretty famous people not only grew up in Washington state, they went to high school here as well!

Who’s got (high school) spirit? Yes we do! Some 34 high schools in Washington state have famous celebrity former high school students. Included in the list below are famous athletes, serial killers, actors and actresses, musicians, and even famous TV show hosts that once upon a time called Washington state home.

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T’is the season for high school homecoming dances and football games and school spirit is in the air. Perhaps you have a child who is currently in high school or will be in a couple of years. I can relate to that: My child, Willow, is in the 7th grade and one of her teachers has been encouraging her to think of middle school as training for high school. I like to think that maybe someday she’ll grow up and be famous (for something good, I can only hope). I made a list of some notable and pretty famous people who not only grew up in Washington state, they went to high school here, too.

For example, did you know actor Garrett Dillahunt graduated from Selah High School?

Garrett has been in soap operas, popular TV shows including NYPD Blue, Law & Order, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, CSI, and starring roles in Deadwood, Raising Hope, The Mindy Project, Fear of the Walking Dead, and Dead to Me. He's also had roles in many amazing movies including Winter's Bone, No Country for Old Men, 12 Years a Slave, and more. Pretty impressive acting resume for a guy from Selah!

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WHICH PART OF WASHINGTON STATE DID THESE CELEBRITIES GRADUATE?

These famous alumni went to public and private high schools in Aberdeen, Auburn, Bainbridge Island, Bellingham, Bellevue, Bothell, Edmonds, Kenmore, Kirkland, Lake Stevens, Maple Valley, Mercer Island, Mount Vernon, Quincy, Richland, Shoreline, Spokane, Sunnyside, Tacoma, University Place, and Yakima.

RELATED: 5 Famous Alumni That Went to Davis High School in Yakima

Most of the celebrities on this list graduated in high schools on the Western and Eastern side of the state. There are also a few sprinkles of Central Washington high school students who went on to amass great stardom.

42 Famous Alumni from Washington State High Schools

Gallery Credit: Reesha Cosby

Dan Chihuly

Dr. Bonnie Dunbar

Gary Larson (compliments of The Simpsons)

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