ARLINGTON — U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen spent the evening of Tuesday, May 22, at Arlington High School’s Class of 2012 senior awards night, introducing speakers who would honor graduating seniors with military service academy appointments.

Larsen, a 1983 graduate of Arlington High School, expressed the honor he felt at returning to Arlington to present the students with their honors.

“It is a privilege to introduce these military academy appointments,” he said. “I am really proud of the commitment shown by these three young men. I am confident that they will go on to serve our nation with great integrity.”

Larsen introduced local representatives from each military branch who awarded the students.

Ralph Graves, an almost 30-year veteran of the armed forces, was introduced by Larsen and presented Arlington senior Blake McPherson with his U.S. Military Academy appointment.

Tom Doughty, a 22-year Navy veteran, presented Alvin Abes with his U.S. Naval Academy appointment. Doughty spoke of the benefits of a military appointment, including a paycheck during college and a guaranteed job after graduation.

“I’m proud of you,” he told Abes, before giving him his certificate.

Steve Cook, a member of the military academy appointment board, presented Robert Kephart with his Air Force Academy appointment.

“Robert Kephart competed and was one of 1,000 who received this offer,” said Cook.

Chief Petty Officer Rich Woken presented Dana Canaria and Kriszl Pinede with Navy ROTC Scholarships amounting to $180,000 each.

In addition to military appointments, graduating seniors who received other scholarships and awards were also honored during the event.

Arlington High School had 11 valedictorians this year. Alvin Abes, Evie Aylesworth, Sara Deeter, Jennifer Domanowski, Michelle Domanowski, Kelsey Ghirardo, Kyle Kilmer, Kelsea Lothamer, Hannah Peseau, Katrina Roys and Joshua Scarth all maintained a 4.0 GPA for their entire high school careers. Between them they took 54 advanced-placement classes and scored above the 90th percentile of those taking the SAT. Their career ambitions after high school range from being an engineer, to a nutritionist and even an English teacher.

Kephart received a Washington Scholar award from the 39th Legislative District. Sondra Cooper and Allanah Hoobler were recognized for completing their Associate of Arts and Sciences degree from Everett Community College.

Deeter and Kilmer received the awards from the Puget Sound Association of Phi Beta Kappa. Arlington School District Superintendent Kristine McDuffy awarded Sadie Hitsky with the Superintendent’s Scholar “Leadership with Heart” award. “This person exemplifies leading with compassion, integrity and respect,” said McDuffy. Hitsky was awarded a check for $500 and a glass heart inscribed with the award.

School Board Vice President Kay Duskin awarded Deeter with the Arlington Public School’s Board of Director’s award, for her time spent volunteering as a student board member.

“Student board  members put in a lot of extra time,” said Duskin. “We would like to recognize Sara Deeter for two years of service.”

Following those awards, students were honored with community scholarships as well. Deeter received the Sandra Lee Pascua Memorial Scholarship, the Everett Elks Lodge District, State and National award. McPherson was honored with the Troy Dawn Memorial Scholarship. Shawn Berg received the George and Leona Bohannon Scholarship, the Pilchuck Tree Farm scholarship and the Rotary Club of Arlington scholarship.

Kilmer received the Eleanor Roosevelt Scholarship, the United Steelworkers Local 12-591 Fallen Workers Memorial Scholarship, the Everett Elks Lodge District and State award, the Afton Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, the Pilchuck Tree Farm scholarship, and the Stanley D. Boyer Award and Duskin Family Scholarship. Dan Radion received the Verd-Starr scholarship.

Brittany Bovard was awarded the Arlington Windermere Community Service Scholarship. Colton McCoy was awarded with the Everett Elks Lodge National award. Michael Imboden was given the Pilchuck Tree farm scholarship. Scarth also received the Stanley D. Boyer Award and Duskin Family Scholarship.

A total of 67 Arlington students received Dollars for Scholars foundation scholarships.