They spent most of their lives waiting for this day. They earned their credits and passed their mandatory tests. Along the way, most made lasting friendships and lifelong memories. Now it is time for members of the Class of 2016 to don their caps and gowns, and take that culminating walk across the stage.
This graduation season, more than 5,500 local high school seniors will take those final steps, ending a journey that for most of them began as kindergartners in September 2002.
They come from than three dozen high schools and high school programs. Soon they will be off to hundreds of colleges, universities and trade schools. Some will serve their country in the military, and others will enter the work force. On Sunday, The Columbian looked at a half-dozen members of the Class of 2016, each of whom overcame a unique obstacle on the way to earning that high school diploma.
And now, before the graduates go their separate ways, The Columbian takes a look at their commencement and baccalaureate ceremonies, and honor graduates, in a full-page feature on Page A4 of today’s paper — and below.
