By Dennis Box-The Courier-Herald

Bonney Lake High graduated its second class of seniors as emotional parents and cheering friends took in the pomp and circumstance Saturday afternoon.

The graduation took place at Pacific Lutheran University's Olson Auditorium. The program listed 319 students as graduating from the school, which is in its third year. Bonney Lake had no seniors its first year.

Caitlin Sellers was the class valedictorian. There were 34 students listed as receiving the highest academic honors, which is a grade-point average of 3.76 to 4.0. There were 11 honor society members.

The program noted 48 students receiving scholarships as of June 5.

The class of 2008 was the first for Sumner School District Superintendent Gil Mendoza.

The class speakers were Casey Knowles, Ryan Sutton and Nicole Hicks.

“I know deep down all of us have a list of things we will miss,” Knowles said. “Go onward Panthers, do great things and enjoy yourselves. As the great philosopher Ferris Bueller said, ‘Life moves pretty fast. You have to stop once and a while and enjoy it.'”

“This ceremony marks the end of our first act,” Hicks said. “I implore you not to think of these years as the best years of your lives. Not with so much ahead. We've only just begun.”

The Bonney Lake jazz ensemble and wind ensemble, directed by Don Neptun, played a musical medley along with “Pomp and Circumstance” and “Fanfare and Recessional.”

Following the class speakers the Bonney Lake High School Chamber Choir entertained the crowd singing “For Good.” Karen Fulmer, who retires at the conclusion of this school year, directed the choirs.

After the choir, Mendoza presented the class and each senior's name was announced as they received their diplomas.

Following the presentation, members of the class of 2008 flung their mortarboards in the air and headed out into the world filled with hope.

Dennis Box can be reached at dbox@courierherald.com.