By Kevin Hanson

The Courier-Herald

With futures as bright as the Monday night sky, members of Enumclaw High School's graduating class of 2006 took their ceremonial final steps.

During a well-paced commencement exercise at the White River Amphitheatre, the group of 316 ended one era and set out to forge another.

Prior to making their important walk across the stage with diploma in hand, students heard from peers who recalled the ups and downs of a long career in public education.

Class speaker Chelsea Krotzer took classmates from &#8220four-square and wall-ball” through the awkward days of middle school and, finally, to high school, &#8220where we got used to the classes and the chaos.” She proudly recalled surviving the district's &#8220reinvention” process, all the gossip and rumors and even &#8220teachers who continued to teach even when some of us refused to learn.”

In the end, she said, &#8220We now have the knowledge. All we need is the strength.”

Speakers Nicole Koontz and Bradley Parker remembered that high school success can be measured in different ways - &#8220you don't need to have a great football team to enjoy the games” or &#8220if you had senior-itis as a sophomore, you weren't alone.”

In parting, they said, &#8220go out and make us proud…and be sure to have some great stories to tell at the reunion.”

EHS Principal Terry Parker reminded the graduates, &#8220you've accomplished many great things.” In particular, he noted this year's class has landed scholarships worth nearly $290,000 next year alone and more than $630,000 during the next four academic years. He also took the opportunity to recognize the top 10 scholars in this year's class: Ryan Abbott, Hillary Gamblin, Amanda Hart, Katherine Hatch, Nicole Koontz, Shandra LeClaire, Brian Schraum, Jory St. Luise, Nicole Shrunks and Dylan Welsh.

Both Superintendent Art Jarvis and School Board President Lorianne Taff reminded students they can take pride in their accomplishments, but to remember those who offered a helping hand along the way.

&#8220At some point in your life,” Jarvis said, &#8220pay it back.”