One popular theme that resonated through the gymnasium at Oak Harbor High School Monday night was change. As the class of 2004 graduated, it was clear changes are in store for all the seniors, whether it’s college in the fall, a stint in the military or just looking to move off the island.

It was standing room only in the gymnasium as friends, family and teachers were on hand for the hour-and-a-half ceremony. People without tickets were able to watch the festivities on the big screen in the adjacent fieldhouse.

The graduates assembled in Parker Hall donned their caps and gowns and were ushered into the gym with the high school Wind Ensemble playing the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance.”

Senior Kanessa Stratton was the first graduate to speak and touched upon optimism in these trying times since Sept. 11, 2001.

Talking about light as a symbol for hope she said, “Darkness is essential for light to be visible.”

She added, “For most of the Class of 2004, we have played together, learned together and grown up together … we look forward to our future and not on our past.”

Fellow graduate Jan Dominguez talked about how she changed over the past four years.

“High school is the most challenging years of our lives,” Dominguez said. “Well, at least until we have children of our own.”

She talked about the excitement of her freshman year and how by her sophomore year, she was settling on a path of study in the sciences. Then she found another interest when she participated in the culinary arts program that took third place during a recent state competition.

“I’ve learned more about the food industry than I ever thought possible,” Dominguez said.

“My last year has been filled with renewed excitement and anticipation for the step beyond high school — the next change,” Dominguez said.

The top five graduates from the class of 2004, Louis Draghi, Stacey Donnell, Scott Donnell, Andrew Horning and Kareen Kanjo, came to the podium and gave advice from a very credible source — fortune cookies.

“Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there,” Kanjo said.

Other pearls of wisdom included, “Smile, because life is too short not to,” and, “If it doesn’t point to Jesus then what’s the point.”

Retiring Principal Dick Devlin spoke and offered some statistics about the graduating class.

They received more than $102,000 worth of community-based scholarships. Devlin said is an all-time high from the community. The graduates also received $1.59 million worth of national scholarships. In all 107 seniors were awarded scholarships this year.

Four students received ROTC scholarships and one student is will attend the United States Air Force Academy. Awards are listed inside today’s Whidbey News-Times.

Devlin also recognized Brooke Chesnut, Sara Grayson, Jonathan Meyer and Curt Sendaydiego. They have the distinction of not only receiving their diplomas, but also Associate of Arts degrees from Skagit Valley College.

Devlin, who first became principal of Oak Harbor High School when the class of 2004 entered kindergarten, donned a graduation cap and was given an honorary diploma for his years of service to the school.

Joining Devlin in retiring from Oak Harbor High School are Jeff Stone, Kathy Bowen, Mary Durkee and Jan Racicky.

Draghi and Stephanie Black were named Outstanding Boy and Girl during the ceremony.

After the tassels were turned, graduates met with friends and family in the fieldhouse.

For many graduates, it was a time to congratulate each other and get a final photo. Soon they will move on to the next stage of their lives.

Josh Martindale is heading into the Navy.

“I figured it was only right,” Martindale said, adding that it was also the easiest and quickest way to pay for his education.

Fellow graduate Nick Teeters is also Navy bound. However, he chose to enlist as a way to see the world.

“I want to get out of town,” Teeters said. He hopes to be able to visit London and possibly live there some day.

For Marisa Soto, she chose Western Washington University in Bellingham because it is off the island but still close to home.

Ashley Johnson is going to Nebraska to be close to friends and family. She hopes to eventually be a Cornhusker and attend the University of Nebraska.

Animals appear to be in the future for Scott Spears. He is moving to Renton where he will begin studies to become a veterinary technician.

Home is where the heart is for Kaleka Akana Quidachay. However, her home is in Guam so she’s heading back there. Eventually, she hopes to attend college in Hawaii.

She came to Oak Harbor a year-and-a-half ago when her school closed due to damage from a typhoon.

Quidachay enjoyed her time here and appreciates the education she received. She learned videography and photography while attending Oak Harbor High School, two subjects that weren’t available in Guam.

“I’ve met a lot of nice people and they’ve been really welcoming,” Quidachay said.

With that, the students started scattering to begin their new lives as adults.

You can reach News-Times reporter Nathan Whalen at nwhalen@whidbeynewstimes.com.