PROVO — This year's graduates of Lone Peak High School have reason to have school pride.
Lone Peak has won more state championships in the school's first three years than any other school in Utah's history.
Since the Class of 2000 were sophomores, the Knights have earned seven state athletic trophies, including three this year.
Students also garnered academic awards, receiving about $635,000 in scholarships. The top 30 students in the class of 2000 earned a grade point average of 3.97 and an average of 28 out of 36 on the college-entrance exam.
"You can't pass by our school," said Principal James Starr, "without feeling the great pride we have in our school."
"And we are only going to get better," he said.
Some 500 graduates received diplomas in front of family and friends at the Brigham Young University Marriott Center Friday.
Carl Ingersoll and Pam Beckstrand were lauded as the school's teachers of the year. After 40 years in education, Ingersoll is retiring.
Several graduates were lauded by their peers at the evening rites. Libby Nelson and Ben Allen were voted Knights of the Year, and Nicole Robertson and Cade Garrett were honored for outstanding service to the school.
Drew Millar, student body president, urged this fellow graduates to "not be afraid of failing."
"Failing is a part of life," he said. "Some of life's greatest lessons are learned the first time around. I'd rather be one who tried and failed than he who failed to try."
Overcome your fears, he urged, and "don't let anyone tell you what you can and can't do."
E-mail: jeffh@desnews.com