Not even a little late spring drizzle could dampen these spirits.

On Friday evening, Sequim High School’s 101st graduating class endured the first significant rainfall at a commencement ceremony since being moved outdoors in 2007, but it didn’t stop 212 of SHS’s 223 graduating seniors from walking with their classmates to accept diplomas.

One graduate not making the walk was one of SHS’s six valedictorians, Eric Anderson, who participated in the six-part valedictorian speech with a prerecorded message from the hospital. Anderson, battling a life-long disease, revealed he had surgery to have his large intestine removed.

“(This experience) has caused a complete change of perspective,” Anderson said via recording, recalling the famous line from “Forrest Gump” about how life is like a box of chocolates (“You never know what you’re going to get.”)

Sequim High’s other 4.0 grade-point average valedictorians — Karen Chan, Jessica Craig, Alexis Cromer, Blake Eriks and Audrey Shingleton — each took a part in a presentation that highlighted what’s become known as a traditionally student-led commencement ceremony.

“I though their combined valedictorian speech at the graduation ceremony was one of the most unique of its kind and I have received loads of positive feedback about it,” SHS principal Shawn Langston said.

Langston awarded the school’s annual U-Turn Award to grad Michael Shimer for making strides to finish his senior year strong.

Before clanging the gong to announce each row of graduates, senior class president Megan O’Mera told her classmates it won’t be grades or athletic benchmarks that they will remember from their high school days, but rather, “We will remember each other and our own unique experiences and moments.

“In our pursuit of happiness,” she added, “we must not forget to be happy.”

Grads, grads-in-the-making

For the first time, Sequim High’s graduates got an extra assignment on commencement day. District staff brought students from grades K-8 to the line high school track on Friday morning and offer high-fives and well-wishes to Sequim High’s seniors. SLIDESHOW

At Friday night’s ceremony, Sequim schools’ assistant superintendent Ann Renker noted the connection between Friday’s graduation morning walk with the multi-grade-level walk and the evening festivities.

“They (the younger students) look at the graduates with respect and admiration,” Renker said, “saying, ‘I can be there one day. I can do something with my life.’”