Story Photos
 Last-minute adjustments keep R.A. Long High School graduates Eric Lassen, center, Jessica Freeman, right, and Matt Ellis, top, busy Saturday during ceremonies at Longview Memorial Stadium. Bill Wagner / The Daily News
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R.A. Long grads say goodbye school, hello world
Sunday, June 15, 2008 11:07 AM PDT
By Carrie Pederson
Printable version
E-mail this articleR.A. Long High School graduates bid farewell to their classmates and their childhoods in a windy commencement ceremony at Longview Memorial Stadium on Saturday evening.
Senior speakers Katie Gosch and Brian Keppinger revisited the 1990s with their classmates - the days of collecting Beanie Babies, watching music videos on MTV and playing the Oregon Trail game on the computer.
"We are among the last remnants of the '90s," Gosch said.
They remembered the awkwardness of being freshmen and then becoming more independent as juniors, getting to choose classes and have a later curfew.
"We've all heard these are the best years of our lives, and for many that has been true," Gosch said.
But, "if that were true this would be the saddest day of our life," she said. "It's been a blast, but it's time to move on."
Approximately 170 graduates received their diplomas Saturday. Many of the students went beyond the minimum requirements and exceeded college admissions standards, guidance counselor Katrina Miniutti said.
They earned an estimated $200,000 in scholarships, she said. "The time money and effort you have invested in these students has been well-received."
"I present to you a class you will be proud of," Principal Andrew Frost told the crowd in the bleachers. "Give them a chance and an opportunity to be their best. They will not let you down."
Student speakers Suzanne Murray and Amy Thompson had some words of advice for their classmates.
"Beyourself. Never trade in the person you are for someone you are not," Thompson said. "Have a good time in life. Don't pass up a good laugh."
Don't try too hard to be normal, the first or the best, said Murray, quoting actress Judy Garland. Genius is more often found in a cracked pot than a whole one, she said, quoting writer E.B. White.
Board member Barb Westrick also had advice to give the graduates, taken from an inspirational man she had seen on the Oprah show.
"Try to go after your childhood dream," she said. "You may not always be successful, but you will have fun while trying.
It was hard to hear the first part of board member Gary Slyter's speech, but once he got the microphone straight he message was simple. "I remember graduating from R.A. Long as if it happened yesterday but I don't remember a darn speech," he said. "Good luck."
Finishing his inaugural year as principal of R.A. Long, Frost bid farewell to his first graduating class. "I only wish I had a chance to know you longer than one year," he said. "You can and will make a huge difference in the world."
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