Lawrence High School graduates throw their caps and let out a cheer at the conclusion of commencement ceremonies at Allen Fieldhouse Sunday.

The 134th commencement ceremony Sunday marked another milestone for tradition-rich Lawrence High School.

The 366 graduates who participated could feel the excitement of the moment Sunday afternoon at Allen Fieldhouse.

“It feels great – just a lot of weight lifted,” said Josh Little, who has no current plans but is leaning toward attending Johnson County Community College.

Graduates talked about their memories as Chesty Lions, including the girls basketball team winning a state championship in March and a slew of academic and fine arts achievements.

“I think we’re ready. We’re all really excited and really anxious,” said Xin Liu, who will attend the University of Washington in Seattle.

As they prepared to move on, several graduates said they most appreciated the people in their class.

“It’s just a really great group of people. We always step up to the plate when it’s needed,” said Ellen Hernly, who will attend Kansas University.

Commencement speakers urged graduates to create success in the future by building on their foundations at Lawrence High.

“We now begin to look to you and ask that you begin to endeavor to make this world a better place for future generations,” Superintendent Randy Weseman said.

Graduate Jon Samp told classmates they should thank their teachers for setting examples.

“In the midst of this, we learned how to learn,” he said.

The ceremony was the second of the day in the steamy fieldhouse, but family members and friends kept it lighthearted. They fanned themselves with programs and sounded air horns as graduates had their names called.

As is the custom, beach balls made their way through the sea of graduates in black gowns.

Graduate Quintin Rucker was voted by classmates as Lawrence High Citizen of the Year, and psychology teacher David Platt was named teacher of the year.

The fun nature of the ceremony included graduate Levi Klundt removing his black gown when his name was called to reveal a green Free State High School one underneath. He borrowed it from a friend as a joke, and classmates obviously knew his personality as a jokester as they laughed about it.

Klundt said he’s a proud LHS graduate.

“I think we were a pretty independent class,” he said.

The new graduating class has a total 422 members, although not all participated in Sunday’s ceremony, administrators said.

“What do you think? The class of 2008 is an outstanding group which will be missed,” Principal Steve Nilhas said.

Timmia Hearn-Feldman, one of 13 valedictorians, said their status as Chesty Lions will not change.

“We’re spreading to the far ends of our country and beyond, but our memories join us forever,” she said.