KIRKLAND – It was hard for Carly Bachar and Alexis Wachowski to explain what graduation from Hiawatha High School meant to them prior to Friday's ceremony.
"I feel like it's really an end to something. I never get to come back here," Bachar said of the school.
"End of an era," Wachowski added.
The high school's class of 2011 – with less than 50 students – chatted excitedly and shared last-minute hugs prior to the graduation ceremony in the school's gym.
"It means I'm finished. It means I made it," graduate Terry Griffis Jr. said.
Parent Steve Leonard said he was proud of his daughter, Aubrey, one of the class's six valedictorians.
"It means that time is moving on faster than you'd like," Leonard said of the milestone.
Other parents, such as Kim Shipley, were happy to see their children move on.
"It's sweet. It's my last one," she said of her son, Richard. "I'm excited. I'm ready."
As they entered the gym in pairs, graduates met each other at the center aisle, hugging or sharing a special handshake before they continued on to the stage.
When diplomas were presented, Principal Christine Lewis shared each student's name, parents' names and what the student planned to do after graduation.
Valedictorian Michele Novelli recalled the class's first day of kindergarten, as students took shelter during a tornado warning, and other memories during their school careers, such as a pretend marriage involving a class couple during fifth grade.
"Our class has been anything but mediocre," Novelli said.
Senior year defined the class, whose "chaos, confidence and hunger for life" will make it stand out, she said.
"I welcome you to the end of what is only just the beginning," Novelli said.
Ryan Manzer, valedictorian and class vice president, announced the senior class's gift, which was money donated to the school science department.
"Our thank you to Hiawatha High School is giving back," he said.
At one point, graduates walked into the bleachers, presented fathers with memory books and mothers with roses, thanking parents for their knowledge and support. Senior awards and scholarships also were presented to students from various community organizations or funds.
Valedictorian Trucker Harber talked about lessons learned from his late father, such as doing whatever it takes to make his dreams come true. He thanked his mother and sister for their support through his school career.
What the students overcame to reach milestones in their school careers is just as important as the act of graduating, he said.
"We're not just some group of kids. We're the class of 2011, and we can do anything we set our minds to," Harber said.
Valedictorian Diana Ascencio told students to remember those who helped them along the way, thanking parents and teachers.
"There's no turning back now. It's time to move forward," Ascencio said.
One hundred and eighty days ago, students entered the school on their first day as seniors, said valedictorian Micaela Canchola-Gutierrez. Now, they would leave as graduates.
She read the school's motto, a Mark Twain quote, reminding students to dream big and take chances. Though the future is a mystery for the graduates, Canchola-Gutierrez told her peers not to be scared of the unknown and said they would always have the support of their families.
"As you take on life's journey, don't be afraid to make a few stops along the way, to explore, dream, discover," she said.
Canchola-Gutierrez encouraged students to remember each other and cherish memories made during their school careers.
"... This place has shaped you more than you know," she said.
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