While a few tears flowed Saturday, most of the members of the Summerland Public School class of 2024 beamed during commencement exercises held in the main gym.

The Summerland band played the processional. Adyson Mlnarik and Superintendent Kyle Finke welcomed faculty, family and guests. Pastor Mark Hoffman urged the class to live their best lives before leading the assembly in prayer.

A packed house watched 19 students receive diplomas and listened to words of wisdom from co-valedictorians Aislynn Kester, Preslie Robertson and Kelsey Schlecht.

Schlecht thanked faculty and staff for "creating a...