Class of 2008

WASILLA — Dan Diselrod saved nearly an entire row of seats just before Colony High School’s graduation at the Multi-Use Sports Complex Monday evening. He had to; the night was an extra-special occasion for him and his family.

Diselrod was waiting to see the last of his five children graduate from high school, ending an era for his family and making the bearded father melancholy.

“She’s the last one to go,” Diselrod said about his daughter, Desi. “That’s pretty tough.”

And so it went Monday, as parents, grandparents and other family members watched some 200 graduates grab a diploma and open the door to the next chapter of their lives.

Carol Atkins and Mary Demientieff came all the way from Bethel to watch Lynzie Gilbert graduate. Atkins, who is Gilbert’s grandmother, said the occasion held dual emotions for her and Demientieff, Gilbert’s great-grandmother.

“It’s sad,” Atkins said. “But at the same time we’re so proud of her.”

As a steady stream of graduates marched into the arena to drum music, audience members stood on chairs screaming and waving, hoping to catch a glimpse of a son or daughter. Those cheers along with music and a decorated garage door — the official entrance way — ushered in the Colony High School Class of 2008.

After speeches and musical performances, the evening’s keynote speaker, former Colony football coach Randy Magner, urged the graduates to follow their dreams.

“You cannot have everything,” Magner said. “Prioritize your life. Pursue in earnest those things that are most important to you.”

But beyond the norms of getting a job and living as a productive citizen, Magner said the world needs good mothers, fathers, husbands and wives.

“Don’t be afraid to start your own families,” he said. “You will be of service to someone for all time.”

Magner’s advice could prove useful to Colony grads because of the range of professions they will pursue. Some will attend college, others will go into the workforce and others will begin careers in the U.S. military. One thing all the graduates had in common Monday is — whether they’re ready for it or not — making a transition from high school student to full-fledged adult.

Valedictorian Alexis Krell summed that notion up by reminding Colony graduates what they face.

“The problems of the world are many,” Krell said, adding that today’s graduates will be the ones to take on those problems.

No matter what Colony’s graduates decide to do with their lives, it was clear Monday their parents will have some adjusting to do as well.

“It’s hard to let the last one go,” Diselrod said.

Contact Michael Rovito at 352-2252 or michael.rovito@frontiersman.com.