Several hundred 12th-graders in Utah chose to end their high school experience with a beginning: graduating from a brand-new school.

Opening last fall, high schools in Salem and St. George gave seniors the choice to stay at their old school or make a fresh start in a new school, paving the way for generations to come.

"It's been exciting to have the kids work together to start traditions," said Salem Hills High School Principal Ann Anderson.

Salem Hills High School, in Nebo School District, had an enrollment of approximately 1,000 students for 2008-09. The graduating class was 218. Students came from Spanish Fork and Payson high schools.

"They could have stayed where they were. But these kids decided to come and make a difference," said Troy Bohling, assistant principal at Salem Hills.

Desert Hills High School, in Washington School District, had 723 students with a graduating class of 103. Students came from Pine View and Dixie high schools.

Mortarboards are in the air this time of year as an estimated 30,000 seniors at 113 public high schools statewide hold commencement exercises in May and June. Another 700 charter school students also are donning caps and gowns this spring.

Students at Salem Hills High have myriad reasons for choosing to leave their old schools and familiar faces behind to become their new school's first graduating class.

Some said they wanted the opportunity to create traditions and programs for others to follow. "I felt it was time to try something new. And I'm glad I did," said Salem Hills senior class president Stephanie Griffiths.

Some teens wanted to meet new people. "I've made some of my best friends here," said Linsey Johnson, Salem Hills valedictorian.

Others saw the small graduating class as an excellent chance to excel in sports, leadership and other extracurricular activities. "I just wanted to start fresh," said Jacob Bracken. He ended up being captain of the wrestling team.

Having such a small senior class opened up fun options for the graduation ceremony. High schools in Washington District generally use Dixie State College as a commencement site. Nebo District high schools have been using Utah Valley University and Brigham Young University.

Desert Hills graduates fit well into the school's gym for their ceremony on May 21. "It was a nice intimate atmosphere," said Desert Hills Principal Ray Brooks.