By Maria Sanchez-Traynor and Kate Larsen
Camera Staff Writer

While the year began in tragedy, members of local high school Classes of 2002 have grown from their experiences and say they are prepared to move on after graduation.

"I definitely sense more of a camaraderie and friendship," said Aron Kirschner, valedictorian for Monarch High School and one of the state's two presidential scholars. "Our class is very close. Everyone is very friendly."

Graduation ceremonies for 13 schools in the Boulder Valley and St. Vrain Valley school districts are scheduled for today.

John Happs, counselor at Centaurus High School, said the Sept. 11 attacks will definitely be a part of the students' memories of high school. Centaurus will graduate 213 students today.

"I don't think you can go through a Sept. 11 and not change," Happs said. "I still remember where I was when Kennedy was shot. Thirty years from now, they'll know exactly where they were."

While the fall terror attacks gave the students something extra to think about this year, many administrators said the classes from their schools have excelled.

"The greatest thing about the class is their togetherness," said Darrell Billington, the senior class sponsor at Fairview. "They lived though Sept. 11 and were freshmen when Columbine happened. They are phenomenal, uplifting people."

The seniors' prank of placing a huge inflated King Kong on the roof of the school is an example of their sense of humor, he said.

Even with the events of the year, the Class of 2002 has made some stories of its own.

Monarch High School graduates its first class of students who have attended the school for four years.

"The fact that we're a brand new high school will be their legacy," said Michael Riley, a Monarch counselor who works with the 310-member senior class. "They stand for a lot and will leave a great tradition."

Judy Lundquist, an assistant principal at Skyline High School in Longmont, said she is proud of the senior class's academic and athletic accomplishments.

The 270 seniors have been through a lot, she said.

"They've experienced lots of pain and sorrow," Lundquist said. "They lost their classmate Adam Acosta, and two of the seniors lost fathers." Acosta died in a car accident in February.

Bill Blick, principal at Olde Columbine High School in Longmont, said he feels like he is losing 21 of his own children in this year's seniors from the alternative school who graduated Friday night.

"They're a very passionate class," Blick said. "And a very compassionate class."

More than half of Olde Columbine's graduates are going on to college. And several have earned scholarships.

At Fairview, twin brothers Eric and Scott Manning, who are developmentally challenged, will give one of the speeches at the commencement. Scott Manning said he is excited about the speech but is a bit nervous about after the ceremonies.

"It's kind of sad," he said. "You won't really get to see all of your friends anymore. You pretty much have to get on with your own life."

Paulette Laging, Broomfield High School secretary, said many of the schools' students are feeling the same way but are also looking forward to getting out. "I think they're still a very positive and upbeat group of people who are very excited about going into the world," she said of the 321-member class.

Boulder High School Head Counselor Sue Olmsted said she's excited about seeing the class go into the world and grow up.

"Most of the kids are great, and you see them get better as time goes by," she said. "They're people in progress."

However, while the classes from the school may be ready to go on with their lives, many will still keep close contacts with those they leave behind.

At Nederland High School, where 42 students will graduate today, Assistant Principal Ed Hartnett said the size of the class has made them close. Nederland 42 graduates

"They are a close-knit group of kids who have developed what I see are lifelong relationships," he said.

June 1, 2002

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