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Skyview High School graduates Pisila Vasi, left, laughs as Tanner Stimpson looks at the many items wrapped around her neck before the start of the Skyview graduation at the Idaho Center Thursday night.
Mike Vogt/IPT
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Bryan Dooley
bdooley@idahopress.com
Friday, May 29th, 2009

NAMPA — Skyview High School staff bid a fond farewell to the senior class of 2009 Thursday night at the Idaho Center (audio slideshow).

The group of about 240 students anxiously counted the minutes as they waited outside the stadium to receive their diplomas.

"It's just now starting to sink in," said Audriana DiBene, who plans to study psychology at the College of Western Idaho. "It won't hit me until I actually have (my diploma) in my hand."

A.J. Burns, who is preparing to study aerospace engineering at Brigham Young University and go on a religious mission, said he was nervous but excited to graduate.

"I'm gonna miss it, but I'm looking forward to the future," he said of his alma mater.

Tucker Brock, another CWI-bound grad who plans to study sports medicine, had similar feelings.

"I'll remember all the amazing people here, all the cool teachers," he said.

Josh Donohue hadn't settled on a post-high school path as of Thursday's ceremony.

"I don't have any plans," he said. "I'm just really excited to be here. You always plan for this day but you never think it'll actually happen."

Asked what he'll remember most about his time at Skyview, his response came instantaneously: the boys basketball team's 4A state championship win, capping an undefeated season.

The victory was also high on a list of the student body's academic and athletic accomplishments presented by Student Body President Cameron Ricker during his opening address.

Donohue thanked his parents for their support: "You always gotta thank the people who got you here; I sure didn't do it on my own," he said.

Valedictorian Mark Wismer shared similar thoughts in his address to the class.

"I would like to say thank you to all the parents, the teachers, the friends. You guided us here, and I know it wasn't easy," Wismer said.

Salutatorian Miranda Hair offered words of encouragement to her fellow graduates.

"Today is the day we become accountable. Today is the day we decide where to go from here," she said. "Keep your goals high, and push yourselves higher."