With a little ‘pomp and circumstance,’ Liberty seniors achieved what they had waited 13 years for — they graduated.

261 students walked in to the famous strains and took their place in the seats of Safeco Field for their graduation ceremony.

“This is amazing, it’s like I can’t breathe,” senior Kelsey Upchurch said just before walking out. Like many Liberty students, Upchurch bedazzled her cap. Hers had a light bulb with a tiara around it, to symbolize her “last thought!” she explained.

Then the ceremony began and all thoughts turned toward the accomplishment the students had achieved.

“We’ve been waiting for this moment for 13 years,” senior class president Tracey Hale said.

For most of the ceremony, students and speakers focused on what made Liberty unique and different from the other local high schools. Liberty was the only area public school whose students decorated their caps for graduation.

“Liberty is founded on being unique,” senior Joshua Trager said. “We are different than Skyline and Issaquah. Our similarities make us good, our differences make us better. … Live not like the person in the blue gown but like the school that stayed out of the crowd.”

Valedictorian Heather Milligan also voiced the advantages of standing out from the crowd.

“Learn how to dance in your own way,” Milligan said. “Your steps are not being constantly measured. Let go and move however you want to.”

“Remember kids, have a great life and don’t get arrested,” she joked.

Senior Dylan Wallace urged his fellow classmates to close their eyes and remember as he played an amazing acoustic rendition of “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life),” originally by Green Day.

“It’s something unpredictable, but in the end it’s right. I hope you had the time of your life,” he sang.

And then, after a few more sage offerings from teachers and school board member Suzanne Weaver, the class of 2008 graduated, tossing their blinged-out caps into the air.

After relishing in their victorious milestone for a few days, many will venture out into the unfamiliar world. Some said that means college, others said travel and a few said they need time to find out what they want from the world.

Whatever path they take, their time at Liberty will serve them well, and allow them to step out of the box.