Oak Harbor High School class of 2002 graduated Monday night at the gymnasium at the school, ready to venture out into the adult world.

And, this class should have no problems achieving its goals. It’s one smart class, said a teacher advisor.

“This year we have five four-point-o students, so we have a very academic-oriented class,” said Ray Cone. “There’s a lot of people not far behind them.”

The graduates demonstrated this point while they gathered in Parker Hall prior to the ceremony. An air of cool confidence streamed from the approximately 360 students adorned with purple caps and gowns and gold sashes, while waiting for the moment to line up in order and head to the gym.

“I’m just waiting to get my diploma,” said Nicholas Lamczyk as he sat quietly and calmly.

Lamczyk will head to North Virginia Community College in the fall to study business. He hopes to open his own coffee shop someday.

Looking equally tranquil seated at a table, chin resting in her palm, was Christine Knox.

“I want to go to sleep,” Knox said. No jitters there.

Knox and her group of friends said they just wanted to get their diplomas and be done with high school.

Knox said she will take baking classes at Skagit Valley College, eventually becoming a pastry chef.

Leaving high school in the dust seems to be a theme among these graduates, perhaps demonstrating that they are fully prepared for adulthood.

“I’m excited to graduate and I’m excited to move on with my life,” said Cody Nowak. “I’m going to miss my friends here.”

Nowak will move to Federal Way in July, where he will attend DeVry to study electronic computer technology and computer engineering technology. He hopes someday to design computer systems for cars, as well as automobile interiors and exteriors.

During the commencement ceremony, Oak Harbor High School’s five valedictorians shared a speech they all wrote and planned together.

Tiffany Gordon, Theresa Black, Kate Waller, Rachel Cichowski and Kyle Kingma based their address on the poem, “Everything I Need to Know, I Learned in Kindergarten.”

“If we base our lives on simple ideas, it’ll accomplish a lot,” said Theresa Black of the theme for the address.

The five worked diligently in the preparation of the address, which lasted exactly six minutes and 38 seconds, said Rachel Cichowski.

At least one student, while happy to be graduating, realized the long-term consequences of finishing high school.

“I’m excited,” said Pat Metcalf. “But I don’t want to be an adult.”