photo by: Nick Krug

Lawrence High graduates toss their caps in the air at the conclusion of the Lawrence High School's 2016 Commencement on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at Allen Fieldhouse.

The graduates of Lawrence High School began their commencement by walking past two rows of applauding teachers, many of whom also gave high-fives or hugs to students as they filed through. The gestures of congratulations, though, went both ways, Lawrence school board President Vanessa Sanburn told graduates Wednesday.

“The parents, families, teachers, friends: anyone who talked you through a late night study session, gave you something you needed to keep going, or simply believed in you,” Sanburn said. “This day belongs to all of you, too.”

Nearly 350 seniors celebrated their graduation from Lawrence High at the school’s 142nd commencement ceremony. Graduates in black robes filled the bleachers at Allen Fieldhouse, where the ceremony was moved because of weather concerns, bouncing balloons and beach balls among them as students were called to receive their diplomas.

As part of her commencement speech, senior Kaitlyn Preut told her classmates that she hadn’t been the perfect student, and the fact that she is leaving high school well prepared for the years to come is due in large part to the efforts of her teachers. But Preut said along with the advice teachers and adults have provided them, she wanted her classmates to focus on one that is sometimes left out: the importance of loving oneself and looking for opportunities for growth.

“Loving yourself allows you not only to take chances, but be confident in those chances,” she said. “And it means always having someone to rely on, because when it gets tough you know you can stick it out.”

In her speech, senior Liliah Henderson also encouraged students to find the opportunities that best suit them. Henderson said whether students plan to attend college, trade school or have other plans, they should commit to what they’d like to achieve as individuals.

“It’s so easy to get caught up in what everyone else is doing,” said Henderson, who delivered her speech in rhyme. “Stick to your morals, focus on what you’re pursuing.”

For some students, their experience at Lawrence High is what allowed them to figure out what it was they’d like to pursue. Senior Sophia Taylor said she thinks the environment at Lawrence High allows people to express themselves, which she said is a big part of figuring out who you are.

“Especially at Lawrence High, I think we all learn that it’s OK to be yourself, and not to conform with everyone else,” Taylor said.

For Taylor, one of her favorite experiences at LHS ended up being influential as well. Taylor said the best part of high school was being on the softball team and playing alongside her classmates. Next year, Taylor is going to play softball at the University of Northern Colorado and plans to major in either physical therapy or sports medicine.

Relationships among students also influenced senior Price Morgan, who said the bonds he has with classmates, teammates and others at Lawrence High are what will stick with him. Morgan, who will attend the U.S. Air Force Academy to play football, said that’s something he’ll look for in the future as well.

“You surround yourself with the right people and have the right mindset, you can really accomplish anything,” he said.