It’s My Thing: Art changes course for track star Charity Fleck

Ilwaco High School graduate Charity Fleck was literally a track star. In her junior year season she placed second at district and fourth at state in both the 100 and 200 meters, was a key to the girls 4x100 team winning district and placing fourth at state, as well as the girls 4x400 team winning a whopping 10 times that season, plus taking second at district and third at state. She also made it to state in multiple events both her freshman and sophomore years as well.

But when senior year came around, Fleck had started looking for a different direction to find her joy. Art had been something that was gaining interest with her, but once she found painting it changed her path and she chose to not compete her senior year.

The 17-year-old, who has lived in Ilwaco the last nine years, will be moving to Bellingham in the fall to attend Western Washington University.