Hermistons class of 2012 is moving on and so is high school principal Buzz Brazeau.

He served as principal for eight years and said his time in Hermiston was the highlight of his educational career.

We are here to honor the students and recognize that they have made it, Brazeau said. … the class of 2012 qualifies as one of the finest in Hermiston High School history.

Students in purple and black robes filled the Purple Gym at Hermiston High Saturday morning for the 102nd Commencement.

Brazeau is leaving Hermiston to be the superintendent of the Central School District serving the cities of Independence and Monmouth.

Courtney Howard, one of five class speakers, recognized Brazeau as a fellow graduate and asked him to lead the class in the Bulldog clap one last time.

Howard also delivered the farewell speech, telling her classmates they will always be connected through their roots at Hermiston High.

As this ceremony comes to a close, the feeling is bittersweet, Howard said. … We came here today as high school students and leave here as graduates.

Patrick Linnell, class speaker and one of three valedictorians, issued the class prophecy, citing what students will be doing, but in the end he said this class will make the community proud.

Every one of us here today has the potential to do something great. Dont say you dont have enough time, Linnell said. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur and Michelangelo.

Maloree Moss and Laikyn Carnes are the other two valedictorians. Brazeau said when the school has multiple valedictorians, a salutorian is not chosen.

Contact Anna Willard at awillard@eastoregonian.com or 541-564-4536.