The Kentlake High class of 2009 threw their caps in the air and walked with smiles and hope into their future Saturday following graduation exercises at ShoWare Center in Kent.

Kentlake principal Diana Pratt presented the class during the ceremony and she accompanied two sets of singers on the piano.

Pratt said, “316 of you have met the rigorous standards for a high-school diploma.”

She also noted 191 of the students expressed an interest in continuing their education, five were joining the military three were national merit scholars and one was a finalist.

Pete Reardon was the staff teacher and spoke to the class of his disappointment when he was in high school and did not meet his goal of becoming a state wrestling champion.

“It wasn’t until years later,” Reardon said. “I learned the lesson from my coach who said, ‘those who stay are champions.'”

Senior speaker Ashley Skinner said, “I want us to remember everything. In this moment right now we have made our parents proud. The big moments are going to come and that is when we will find out who we are.”