The Salem Hills graduation committee selected the football field for the school's ceremony on May 27 with the theme "The Tradition Starts Now." Guests were treated to a view of the Wasatch Mountains and a surprise: Sky divers delivered an American flag. There was a gun salute and fireworks to send graduates off with a bang. They celebrated with an all-night party in the school.

An event likely to become a tradition is the senior barbecue at Salem Pond the day before graduation. School administrators flipped burgers while kids signed yearbooks, played with Frisbees and rocked out to music.

Launching a new school was fun and hard work, both principals said. Committees in both districts recommended the name, colors and mascots to the school boards.

Desert Hills' mascot is Thor the Norse god, with black and gold. They are simply called "Thunder." Using the AC/DC song "Thunderstruck" during athletic events has been awesome, Brooks said.

Desert Hills is completing a time capsule with items from the school's first year. It will be opened in 10 years.

Salem Hills students are the "Skyhawks" with colors dark and light blue and white.

"It's time to fly …" the school's concert choir belted out at graduation for a rendition of the school song. "We are the Skyhawks."

"It's got a wonderful message that really speaks to the graduates," said choir director Justin Bills, who created the song. It includes electric and bass guitar, drums and piano for a hip tune.

Teachers and parents alike may have wondered how students would get along as they were converging from rival high schools. Salem Hills kicked off the first day of school last fall with a big assembly to start the bonding.

"It's brand new and everyone is kind to each other," said new graduate Rachel Shively. "We don't care that you're from Payson and I'm from Spanish Fork. Now we're all buddies, and it's great."

Brooks said he was proud of his students' positive outlook and cooperative attitudes. "United by choice was their philosophy," he said.

e-mail: astewart@desnews.com