“Diverse in thought, united in purpose.”

Not a bad creed to go by.

Sequim High School’s graduating Class of 2012 celebrated one final big step toward the future Friday evening, and not even the threat of rain could dampen their spirits.

As it turns out, they got blue skies to match their sunny dispositions.

“As long as we try our hardest and do our best, we will be successful,” said graduating senior Evan Hill, the faculty-elected speaker.

For the most part, laughter took the place of tears — from co-valedictorian Lorenzo Gonzalez’s solliloquy about chickens and death to Hill’s good-natured chiding of SHS’s unique staff to Julie Buerner’s rather not-so-random dream.

Co-valedictorians Hailey Estes and Sarah Marble challenged their classmates to continue to learn and to remember their special times at SHS.

Allison Little Dog was awarded the graduating class’ U-Turn Award, a faculty-picked  honor for a student who overcame great obstacles to graduate.

Sequim High School principal Shawn Langston reminded the class, “Living a life of gratitude takes a minute to learn and a lifetime to master.”

More than 190 SHS students accepted diplomas in Friday’s ceremonies, with dozens of those attending an alcohol- and drug-free, post-graduation party at Sequim Community Church.

Sequim High seniors head to colleges, universities, trade and military schools with nearly $3.3 million in scholarships.

See more graduation photos online at www.sequimgazette.com.