PENDLETON – A sea of green flooded Warberg Court Saturday afternoon as 191 seniors received their diplomas at Pendleton High School’s 111th commencement.

“They’re a very special class,” said PHS principle Jim Gadberry during the ceremony. “They have definitely made this a better place.”

Gadberry commended 80 students who received scholarships from local and other agencies, schools and memorial funds. He emphasized that the school cracked the $1 million mark in grants, scholarships and awards this year, with more than $80,000 in local awards and more than $900,000 in nonlocal awards.

“We are pleased of what these students have earned,” Gadberry said.

Gadberry also praised the entire Class of 2003 for its hard work to raise money for its class and for its contributions to the school during the last four years.

“They’re obviously a tough act to follow,” Gadberry said.

Student Body President Paul Nolan spoke to his class about the importance of taking action to help those in need.

“It is my sincere hope that this class will help the unfortunate,” Nolan said.

Nolan referred to President George W. Bush’s “No Child Left Behind” mandate, and claimed it is not working.

“Our children are being left behind,” Nolan said, “and as a result they are not receiving the education needed to succeed.”

Nolan encouraged his class to step up and “stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves.”

“I’ve heard that the high school diploma has lost its worth,” Nolan said. “But I think we are among the most educated in the world.”

The Class of 2003 graduated 23 students with honors (3.5-3.74 GPA) and 42 with highest honors (3.75-4.0 GPA). Pendleton High School led the state this year with 51 percent of its graduating class departing with Certificates of Initial Mastery. The CIM is earned by students who demonstrate high levels of performance and meet requirements in state tests, work samples, arts, language and physical education. Ninety-six students earned this recognition.

Students were excited to be leaving high school and entering the so-called “real world,” but many will miss the security of high school.

“I’m going to miss my friends and the surroundings I’m already comfortable with,” said 18-year-old Joel Gilliland, who carried his walk partner down the aisle during the processional. “I really enjoyed hanging out with all my friends and the gatherings with everybody.”

Trever Burdin, 19, is excited to be moving on from high school and into the military.

“It’s nerve-racking,” he said. “But I’m finally getting out of school, and not coming back is actually pretty fun. I’m going to miss all the humor and all the good friends, though.”

Reveca Sanchez, 18, also is ready to say goodbye to PHS and hello to the world.

“I want to see other places,” Sanchez said. “I’d really like to travel – see new places, try new things, meet new people.”

Class speaker Nicole Rabitaille urged her class to stand tall as it takes on the world and “leave their own security.”

“Radiate a positive attitude with everything you do,” Rabitaille said. “Win or lose, you’ll always walk away a better person. Stand tall, be proud, because we are the Pendleton High School Class of 2003.”