PROVO — It's been a roller coaster ride for the Timpanogos Class of 2003.
The effects of the war on terrorism came too close to home, as beloved coach Frank Bramall was sent to the Middle East in December. After Bramall, who coached football and softball as well as teaching U.S. history, left to serve in the war, football players passed out yellow ribbons and students promised to wear them until he returns.
"The Class of 2003 has shared many memorable experiences," said Reed Belliston, senior class president. "We cheered Kristin Richards, who brought national attention to our school by winning the Gatorade National Player of the Year Award, and we shed a tear as we waved coach Bramall goodbye to the National Guard in Kuwait."
Timpanogos High School graduated 390 seniors on Thursday, including numerous academic and athletic scholars.
The volleyball team won state and regional championships, and both the tennis and wrestling teams won individual titles. The Class of 2003 accumulated more than $836,977 in scholarship awards, and the T-Wolves graduated four National Merit Scholars.
"It has been a red-letter year for Timpanogos High School," Belliston said.
While some are satisfied with stopping their education after a high school degree, others will move on to college, career or other opportunities. Speakers at graduation counseled the Class of 2003 to see their potential and remember the experiences that got them to where they are today.
"At this time we are all equally excited to face with confidence the opportunities that we have before us," said Eddie Norton, student body president. "I see nothing but promise for this student body class. Remember only you can decide the places you will go."
Danny Johnson plans to further his education at Utah Valley State College, where he will not forget what he learned at Timpanogos High School.
"Words can't describe . . . it's just, you know, it's really something," said Johnson as he waited for his graduation ceremony to begin. "It's just a feeling you get. It's a really huge accomplishment. It's a great feeling."
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