OREM — A sea of red engulfed the McKay Events Center May 22 as more than 500 Spanish Fork High School seniors filled the arena for graduation rites.

"The Adventure" was the theme for the exercises that saw 555 students receive their diplomas on their last night as Dons. Two valedictorians were named, Andrew Glenn and Joshua Bohling, with Andrea Hales receiving salutatorian honors.

Academic achievements were abundant in a senior class that boasted 24 students with perfect 4.0 grade point averages, with another 135 students sporting GPAs of 3.7 or better.

Various speakers on the evening recounted the accomplishments of members of the Class of 2007. Athletic achievements included a state championship by the Dons' girls track and field team this spring, accompanied by deep runs into the state tournament by the basketball, football, softball and baseball teams. Other achievements included high placement by the Dons' choir at the Choir World Cup, achievements in drama competitions and, perhaps most importantly, raising enough money to fund the building of two schools in South America.

Principal Dave McKee concluded his remarks by awarding an honorary diploma to Spanish Fork resident Sidney Sargent, a World War II veteran and retired custodial worker for Nebo School District.

Senior class president Micah Love began the evening recounting some of the favorite memories and achievements of the senior class. Glenn followed, addressing "Adventures in Learning." Glenn quoted Nelson Mandela in saying, "Our greatest fear is that we're powerful beyond measure," noting that this senior class has experienced a 12-year adventure in the learning process of a public education.

Fellow valedictorian Bohlin, also the school's Sterling Scholar in computer technology, then addressed the audience on "Adventure in Literacy." Bohlin spoke of the impact the students' literacy and aptitude in different areas helped steer them to certain paths in life.

"Our decisions to become literate in areas of interest will shape our lives, and make a difference in all the lives we touch," Bohlin said.

Hales then addressed "Adventures in Leadership," stating how the graduating class had grown from mistakes and relied on the leadership of those that they know. Hales also compared the graduates to former Brigham Young University football player John Beck, who was recently drafted to play in the National Football League. Hales said that the graduates would be drafted to different cities, different schools and different walks of life, each with the promise of good things to come.

"The great thing about a new adventure is a new beginning," Hales said.

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