Clear skies greeted the Camas High School class of 2008 graduation ceremony Friday, at Doc Harris Stadium. Some attendees kept on their shades. Clarice Keating/Post Record

It was Friday the 13th, an unlucky date, but Camas High School graduates got lucky with beautiful weather and a huge turnout at the 2008 commencement ceremony.

With 333 seniors walking across the stage, it was one of the largest classes in history.

"Congrats to class of 2008," said student body president Christina Stulbarg, kicking off the ceremony with a welcoming speech. "We've made it."

After a performance of "Lonesome Road," sung by Jordan Hensley, Chelsea Jordan, Autumn Rees, Dustin Tran and Marina Pitassi, the valedictorians and salutatorians took the stage.

Valedictorian Macy Sullivan reminded everyone that the "C" in Camas stands for change, and Paige Webberley reminded the crowd that, "Growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional."

Richard Zimmerman will move on this year with the class of 2008; a new principal will take the helm at CHS.

"I wish the class of 2008 only the best. No matter what I've said in the past," he joked.

The seniors picked English teacher Matt Loop to be the honored speaker. Loop graduated from CHS in 1989, and is in his 14th year teaching in the district.

There were also a handful of students who, in addition to earning their high school diplomas, were also taking home an associate degree. They were Nathaniel Boerke, Samuel Hafer, Julianne Lawrence, Melissa Meline, Jennifer Park, Lina Sien, Devin Sirios and Briana Wernow.

"Living in a small town, many of us have spent our lives together, and we have all arrived here tonight from different backgrounds, lifestyles and experiences," said Stulbarg. "Likewise, we will leave here to follow a variety of paths, which will certainly change all of us forever."

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