Commencement ceremony draws big crowd to Puyallup fairgrounds

By Kevin Hanson

The Courier-Herald

Another Enumclaw High School graduation ceremony has come and gone and, once again, the numbers tell the tale.

There were approximately 270 students, filled with unlimited potential, walking across a makeshift stage to receive their diplomas. In the stands were about 2,500 friends, family members and well-wishers, there to help share the special evening. Earning special recognition were the Class of 2003's Top 10 scholars and seven who jump-started their higher education through the Running Start program, simultaneously earning a high school diploma and two-year degree from Green River Community College. Continuing the numbers game, it was pointed out this year's EHS grads will be receiving $340,000 in scholarships, and have already secured more than a half-million in scholarship money over the next four years.

The Enumclaw High Class of 2003 made its final appearance Monday night during commencement exercises at the Western Washington Fairgrounds in Puyallup.

"During your time at Enumclaw High School you've accomplished many great things," said EHS Principal Terry Parker. This class will be remembered for "a legacy of pride you leave behind," he said.

District Superintendent Art Jarvis offered his observation that the Class of 2003 is "an absolutely remarkable group with a fabulous future." School board member Michael Goodfellow, who had a son in a graduation gown, said he came to know this class as "caring, hard-working, funny and smart."

Class speaker Meaghan Dean recalled the transition from freshman to senior, assuring her classmates they have what it takes to achieve success. But, she reminded, each reached the graduation milestone due to "the support and encouragement of friends, family and teachers."

Jason Buffer told his peers that "we're leaving the coolest place in the world" but expressed confidence that "school prepared us for a new world full of challenges." And Drew Thim offered some sage advice, well received by his classmates: "Kick back and enjoy the next two and a half months of summer because, God knows, you've deserved it."

The EHS Class of 2003 was head academically by Lacey Androsko, Christina Barrans, Shannon Collins, Andrea Crusen, Jennifer Estes, Caitlin Hart, Alicia Hoffer, Rebecca Jones, Brooke McCully and Andrea Stanton. Earning their two-year college degrees during high school were Barrans, Rebecca Brunette, Cammie Cleveland, Estes, Rachel Graham, Janae Leggett and Carrie Olmstead.

Kevin Hanson can be reached at khanson@courierherald.com