Washougal graduates walk past family and friends at Fishback Stadium, on the way to receive their diplomas. A beach ball was tossed skyward after all the diplomas were awarded. Dawn Feldhaus/Post Record

In a ceremony tinged with fond recollections and feelings of appreciation, hope and relief, the Washougal High School Class of 2008 graduated Saturday night.

Principal Gerry Stavney set the tone for the evening at Fishback Stadium, by announcing the graduation ceremony was dedicated to the memory of Ivan Svistun, a WHS student who lost his battle with cancer in June 2007.

This latest class of graduating Panthers has been awarded more than $786,950 in scholarships, Stavney added.

Valedictorian Erin McCarthy reminded audience members of several major events that occurred during the past four years - including Hurricane Katrina hitting the Gulf Coast, and Saddam Hussein being convicted and hung, as well as the deaths of classmates Kyle Cook and Svistun.

'The road traveled has definitely not been easy," McCarthy said.

After sharing information about the lives of Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Edison, she implored fellow graduates to "stick to your morals and values.

"Don't let anything or anyone take those away from you," McCarthy added.

While speaking in appreciation of the tight-knit relationships that have formed over the years, salutatorian Rachael Hoover thanked "family, teachers, best friends and pets."

Salutatorian Tamazine Davison referred to the past but also spoke in anticipation of the "memories that we are getting ready to make."

Senior Class President Kyle Schlauch talked about having a thirst for knowledge and his aspirations to become an army general and U.S. president.

"I'll miss every single one of you," he told his classmates.

The ceremony also included a vocal performance by Caroline Young, a senior who sang "Remember Me This Way."

Teacher John Carver told graduates "Your time has finally arrived."

He spoke of entering the future with humility and courage.

"Graduation is a long, long way from the finish line," Carver said. "Character counts, and I believe you're full of it."

Stavney presented Marjorie Matteson and Samantha Smith-Cornelison with "Bootstrap" awards for overcoming "a lot of adversity."

Washougal School District Superintendent Teresa Baldwin encouraged graduates to dream big, pursue paths of lifelong learning and build dreams around their talents.

"Come back and brag about your progress," she added.

Read the rest of the story in the June 17 issue of the Post-Record