Bonney Lake Graduates Show Off Their Swag

Zachary Jurjevich-Volin talked about “swag,” or walking confidently, during Bonney Lake High School’s graduation ceremony Tuesday night.

And with good reason. The 321 graduates in the Class of 2012 collected almost $2.76 million in scholarships. It was announced that was a school record, by almost double. The school also had seven valedictorians, all with perfect 4.0 grade point averages.

Jurjevich-Volin was one of four student speakers who all discussed how successful they have been as a class, and how there’s no reason they can’t continue that success as they move on to college or careers.

“We have and always will love each other,” he said, comparing the class to a family. “This class will never be forgotten.”

He said if they set their minds to it, they can achieve anything.

“We can change the world, one step at a time,” he said.

Kylynn Cook echoed his remarks. She stressed overcoming struggles to achieve success with hard work and dedication.

“We have the ability to do great things,” she said. “We have bright futures ahead.”

Another class speaker, Andrew Cunningham, talked about overcoming failure in wrestling as a freshman and later becoming a state champion.

“I never gave up on myself,” he said, adding his family was the main reason he stuck with it.

Cunningham said we all have to persevere through our challenges.

“Just do it,” he said.

The final graduating speaker was  Cassandra Neumann. She talked about constantly facing challenges and pushing through them.

“Tonight we start our life’s journey on who we want to become,” she said, adding “nothing can stop you” and “grab your dreams.”

The graduation took place at the Showplex at the Puyallup Fairgrounds. More than 3,700 attended.

Valedictorians were: Cunningham, Emily Lydia Gaub, Moncerrad Yoselyn Leos, Alise Jillian McCoy, Meaghan Clarissa Oakes, Sarah Katherine Suchower, and Kayla Brianne Wyatt, with Quinton Russ Palm the salutatorian.   

Editor's note: Check this site Wednesday for more photographs, along with a list of all the graduates and a story on the scholarship winners.