Shorecrest's 304 Seniors March On

Shorecrest's 304 seniors walked across the stage at Comcast Arena in Everett Sunday in sneakers, super high heeled pumps, traditional black shoes and flats, to celebrate the end of their high school careers while getting a send-off to the next stage of their lives.

The Shorecrest Concert Band led by Vincent Caruso warmed up the crowd along performances by the school's Highland Dancers and Pipe Band.

As "Pomp and Circumstance" was played by the band, the senior boys came in dressed in green gowns and gold stoles while the girls entered wearing blue gowns and gold stoles.

Principal Pat Hegarty addressed the students and spoke of their unique character and accomplishments.

Seniors Sho Kato and Amy Williams followed with a stirring, "Rondo" flute duet from "Andante and Rondo."

Seniors Iverine Bungiranto, Samantha Kaser, John Lynch and Michael Potter weaved together a speech called the "Pillars of Change" that included references to cultural, national and world events while making note of what happened at Shorecrest the last four years--20 percent more students in the Class of 2011 enrolled in Advanced Placement classes, the movement to save drama director Andy Kidd's job, the "Hey Ya" lip dub and other creative risks taken by the class.

After a presentation of the class by Hegarty and Superintendent Sue Walker, and acceptance of the class by School Board vice president Maren Norton, noting again, its accomplishments, diplomas were handed out.

Hegarty along with senior class advisors Toni Nyman, Stacia Tellefson and honored teachers Jon Kallestad and Andy Berkbigler presented the diplomas to students while senior senators Angie Bonato, Jedi McCourt-Harper, Noah Paisner and Connor Wingo read the names.

After moving their tassels from right to left, the graduates flung their caps in the air and filed out of the arena in foursomes arm-in-arm to meet awaiting parents, family and friends.