PROVO — A patriotic Lone Peak High School said goodbye to the Class of 2003 Thursday.
Some 526 Knights received their diplomas and began a brand-new journey.
"Throughout our lives, communities will change and the memories of school will fade, but you will always be there," said Trevor Wright, student body president and salutatorian. "Represent yourself by who you are, by how you treat others, and by the legacy you leave behind."
Although the theme for Lone Peak's graduation ceremony was "We seek truth, we'll endure the consequences," the program featured an overwhelming reverence for America.
Students sang and played patriotic music and a senior class officer gave a tribute to America. Erik Yingling said our armed forces are in Iraq fighting to protect freedom for everyone.
"No matter where we go or what we do, we should live our lives by the ideals of our country," Yingling said. "When we honor and uphold those ideals, we will personally all be fighting to keep this nation free."
Principal James Starr gave a tearful goodbye to his students, who have realized numerous academic and athletic accomplishments.
"On most days in most classes you will find the best faculty in the state of Utah performing a victorious feat of educational excellence," said Starr with a voice trembling and tears welling up. "They have encouraged students to pursue their dreams."
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