Nearly 18 months ago, Michael Delk left Federal Way behind for a career in Hollywood.

Bit by the acting bug at an early age, the 17-year-old Delk has recently landed roles in the Nickelodeon sitcom “Victorious” as well as a Nintendo Wii instructional video.

Delk spent his freshman and sophomore years at Federal Way High School. After attending the International Performing Arts Conference in Los Angeles in 2009, his acting career gained momentum. Agents suggested that Delk relocate to L.A. for access to more auditions.

Completing almost two years of online classes through Federal Way’s Internet Academy, Delk will graduate with his Federal Way High School class on June 12 at the Tacoma Dome.

“I’m real excited I get to graduate from Federal Way High School instead of getting something in the mail,” he said, anticipating the moment of receiving his diploma. “There’s 12 years of hard work paying off. I really want to be able to feel that and say I got shake my principal’s hand.”

His budding acting career has meant skipping traditional high school rites of passage like dances, football games and assemblies. However, the timing of Delk’s work with Nintendo allowed him to attend the senior prom last month.

“That’s just what I’ve chosen to do,” Delk said of his career choice. “I’ve come to terms with that. I think I’m definitely on the right path.”

Next week, Delk will head back to California. He is currently enrolled in acting classes at Australian Institute of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles. He plans to attend film school in California and pursue a career in the entertainment industry.

Delk’s ultimate dream is to create films that have a positive influence on audiences — regardless of whether he ever wins an Oscar.

“If I can change people’s lives and how they live with my films, and help someone become a better person,” he said, “I’d be OK with that.”