Two Rivers’ courtyard felt more like a family room than a school facility last Wednesday evening , June 8. There were lots of people, lots of conversations, a bunch of cameras snapping away, and a baby’s high-pitched giggles punctuated most of the talk. Mainly, though, there was an overwhelming sense of pride shared by all who came to see the Two Rivers Class of 2011 receive their high school diplomas.

Principal Tom Athanases, who many students said made their school feel like it was a family, set the tone for the event, joking about budget cuts, greeting former students, and, when it was time to introduce the graduates, getting a lump in his throat with the first one.

“Oh, boy, he said, about a minute into his introduction of Stephanie Davis-Wines’ accomplishments and future goals. After a few seconds, he came back, composed and described her becoming a mother and getting married, her involvement with the Snoqualmie Tribe and the canoe family, as well as her hopes of helping people, either as a massage therapist, or with a psychology degree.

Following a school tradition, Athanases introduced each of the six graduates before they accepted their diplomas from School Board President Dan Popp.

“At Two Rivers we feel strongly that each student is an individual… and each has their own stories, and we’d like you to get to know them,” Athanases said.

Dylan Chouinard hopes to attend the Northwest Renewable Energy Resources school for training to become a windmill technician. His father encouraged him to try it, and he is confident that he’ll be successful because “I have a whole lot of people behind me, motivating me,” he said.

Ontonio Gaudio completed coursework in three venues this past year – Two Rivers, Mount Si and the Snoqualmie Valley Virtual Academy, Athanases said, and after another emotional pause he said “And this young man is an Eagle Scout.”

Gaudio’s future plans are to study welding and some day open his own body shop, restoring old cars. “Fixing up old cars to me is my peace, my Zen,” he said. “Making something old look new, it’s really rewarding.”

Royel LaBeach received a $500 Rotary scholarship during the ceremony for his dedication to learning, and meeting every goal he sets. His future plans include studying aviation mechanics, but his dream has been to become a pilot, since the first time he flew on a plane as a child. He’s taking a realistic approach, though,saying “I think that job is always in demand, at least the mechanics aspect.”

Shannon Shewmaker has shown great initiative this year, accomplishing much of her work through independent studies as she balanced school with work at Highline Community College and the commute to her home in Auburn.  She is undecided about future plans, but hopes to continue her studies. “I need more schooling,” she said, adding “Whatever career I might pursue should always be needed, because I’ll always need a job.”

Nate Vasquez has his next job already picked out, rock star, and he’s already made a good start down that path. Athanases described how his band, Voices of a Monarch, along with two other Two Rivers bands were highlighted the Gravity Fest battle of the bands last year.  Vasquez, a drummer, said he’s also interested in the technical production side of the music industry, but he’s ready to try for his first choice of careers.  “I’m prepared,” he said. “My dreams keep me prepared.”

The ceremony also included grandfatherly advice, from Superintendent Joel Aune’s own grandfather. Some of the 10 “big ideas” from his grandfather that he offered the students  were: be tough; always tell the truth, listen more than you talk, love and respect yourself, and number-one, enjoy the ride.

Aune then told the students to go out and find their own truth, and councluded, “Thank you for setting good examples for us.”