Congrats, class of 2010

The sun broke from the clouds Friday and Saturday, as the 2010 graduates of Camas and Washougal high schools celebrated the culmination and accomplishments of the past four years. Camas High School, with a senior class of around 330 students, gathered at McKenzie Stadium in Vancouver on Friday. It has been some time since the Papermakers' graduation was not held at Doc Harris Stadium, but Principal Steven Marshall made the crowd feel at home when he commented, "We may be standing on Evergreen School District's turf, but tonight, this is our house." Graduating senior Jordan Ilarde welcomed the audience with kind words, emphasizing the ties and friendships that held the class of 2010 together. "Regardless of our roots, today, we are together as one class," she said. "We hold our heads high with our futures in mind, with our pasts in our hearts." Devynne Barret, Geoffrey Broschart, Karen McLellan, Kathryn Norcross, Natalie Stone and Abbey Trautman, all valedictorians, each spoke a few words to their fellow classmates. Broschart said, "I'm only 18, so I can't give any life lessons, but I do want to say that you should disregard the social norm, and try to stand out." Speaking of the future, Jocelyn Brannan, the salutatorian of the class of 2010 commented, "we must remember that it is our actions that make a difference." Two musical performances accompanied the speeches and awards given out that night. The first performance was a song written and performed by Seanna Pitassi, accompanied by Shelby Bodily and Tonya Burton, the second was a song written and performed by Sarah Isaacs. English teacher Matt Loop, who was chosen as the faculty speaker, relayed stories of individual students that brought a smile to his face, and a laugh from the crowd. Loop has been a teacher in the Camas School District for 16 years. Superintendent Mike Nerland spoke soon after, saying, "on behalf of the Camas School District and the Camas High School community, it is my honor to present to you, the class of 2010." Washougal High School's class of 2010 graduation was held Saturday, at Fishback Stadium in Washougal. Principal Gerry Stavney spoke to the students, their families and staff, saying, "a large number of these students have brought honor to our high school." Valedictorian Shane Phillips said, "I am sure that there are some lessons we can all take. In short, we chose to experience both the good and the bad." "Staff and faculty can say what they want, but its going to be awfully quiet around here without us," said Phillips. Salutatorian Hailey Bischoff then delivered inspirational words to the crowd. "You now have an education and you can go out in the world and accomplish," she said. "Make a goal, work hard, be determined and be happy. When you do all of these things, you will fulfill your dreams." Steven Goolsby delivered a vocal performance entitled, "You and I Both," accompanied by fellow senior Kyla Grant. English teacher Heather Santos was chosen to deliver the commencement address, saying that, "big, small, and all in between, we gather here to celebrate the class of 2010. We want to celebrate all the natural ability that you have shown, in order to get here today." Washougal School District Superintendent Teresa Baldwin gave some advice to the graduates, stating, "wherever you land, wherever you live, be a neighbor, don't get a credit card, and eat your fruits and vegetables."

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