ARLINGTON — The 10 graduates of the Stillaguamish Valley School shared their personalities at the graduation June 18, with Luke Thompson setting the stage with a deep-voiced, “Howdy.”

The staff speaker, Sue Webber encouraged the small class to step out of their comfort zone and challenge themselves.

“Go boldly out of the harbor,” she advised them.

Student speaker Josh Wilson was more serious than Thompson, acknowledging that he had been visualizing the moment since he started high school four years ago. He was proud to have conquered the three-horned beast — the WASL — and pondered the meaning of the diploma.

Josh Franett followed with his valedictorian address. He maintained his cool and delivered an excellent speech even after having misplaced the written document.

Franett looked on the bright side, quoting Milton Burl, “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.”

Salutatorian Hannah Atwood had a chance to ponder the meaning of being just another number, and John Wetmore shared his truth about thinking he would never graduate, but he did.

Then Principal Ed Aylesworth made his speech in verse, honoring his students and wishing them his best advice for the future.

“When things may look grim and a little bit dreary,

Endorphins are great to help you see things more clearly.

A hug and a kiss make things oh, so much better

Most times much better than a note or a letter.”

The students and their families then enjoyed a slide show, “Best Days,” created by Linda Elves.

Another staff speaker, Andy Jones told his graduates to work hard and enjoy it, to consider the impact of their actions in seven generations, and to travel.

“That will bring out the best in you,” he said.