Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — All the traditions were observed Sunday afternoon during the Hayden Secondary Schools Class of 2011 graduation ceremony.

A video montage of photographs highlighted the seniors’ growth from children to adults. There was the presentation of flowers — mostly orange roses — from the graduates to their families. And the faculty and staff started a silly string war, which quickly became a losing battle, after the class was presented.

But Sunday’s ceremony seemed different.

Maybe it was because, as most classes claim, the Class of 2011 is the closest group of friends, Salutatorian Lysa Valora said. She said 28 of the class’ 38 graduates had attended school together in Hayden since kindergarten — some earlier than that. She said it was a closeness that only grew after classmate Robert “Bobby” Donelson died in 2008 when they were sophomores.

Valora said the class cried, healed and moved on together while keeping the memory of Donelson close to their hearts. She said his death made them stronger, realize the importance of friendship and understand how blessed they were to live in Hayden.

“We are a big family, and no one can lay a finger on us,” Valora said. “I love you guys so much, and I could never in my wildest dreams have asked for a better group of people to grow up with.”

Donelson, who died of acute heart failure caused by an undiagnosed genetic defect after collapsing during a walk at school, was recognized several times during the ceremony. While somber during those moments, the event reflected the optimism that lies ahead for the seniors.

Valedictorian Brian Hoza said before Sunday, most choices had been made for the seniors.

“As of today, the choice is now yours,” he said. “You can choose whether or not you want to go to college, where you want to live, what job you want to do and what you want to do with your life. How neat is that?”

Of the 38 seniors, 22 will attend four-year colleges or universities, eight will go to two-year or vocational schools, one will join the military and seven will enter the workforce.

Counselor Nicole Dolence said the seniors earned $366,763 for their college educations.

Principal Troy Zabel said the seniors had the highest cumulative grade-point average of any class during his seven-year tenure. He said a majority of the class took advanced placement courses. He said they earned more welding certifications than previous classes.

Zabel said what stood out in his mind about the seniors was their character, class and potential.

“Knowing the potential of this class, I can assure every person in this gymnasium that our future is in good hands,” he said. “Now go out there and live like you mean it.”