Perseverance and hard work are two characteristics in full supply for the Class of 2008 at Kelly Walsh High School.

Whether they battled medical issues, lived all alone or are graduating a year late, this year's class has more than earned its right to a high school diploma, said principal Brad Diller.

"There are just a lot of great kids that come to our school," Diller said. "Sometimes I think that we, as a community, get bogged down in looking at things that don't go so well.

"They're going to go across the stage on Friday night and get a diploma," he said. "It's gratifying."

Kelly Walsh's graduation is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, at the Casper Events Center. A total of 339 students are graduating this year.

Diller said the seniors also took advantage of every opportunity Kelly Walsh offered them. Top students didn't shy away from taking industrial arts classes, and students excelling in math competitions were just as successful in foreign language competitions, he said.

"They've just taken advantage of a lot of things in high school," he said.

Senior Faith Engen said the teachers at Kelly Walsh have made her high school experience a great one.

"I just have to say the support we get from the teachers is amazing," she said, adding that the senior class has also supported each other throughout the year.

"Everyone is really bold," Faith said. "We have some amazing people in our class."

Class valedictorian Caleb Atwood added that what truly sets the Class of 2008 apart from past seniors is its dedication to the community. Kelly Walsh seniors made an effort to be actively involved in community events, he said.

"We were kind of involved in everything around the community," Caleb said. "The community gives a lot to us and our class did a really good job of giving back."

Journalism and yearbook teacher Liz Masterson was a student teacher at Centennial Junior High when the Class of 2008 started eighth grade.

"They made me love eighth-graders, and that's really saying something," she said. "They're very hard workers and very talented."

Working with seniors involved in student council and journalism was a real treat, Masterson said. The students achieved every goal they set this year, in large part because of senior leadership.

"Overall, they're just really fun to be around," Masterson said. "I probably never laughed so hard in my life, just on a bus trip with the kids."

Caleb said the years ahead look pretty bright for the 2008 graduates of Kelly Walsh High School.

"Our class has a lot of wonderful potential to make the future the way we want it," Caleb said.

Reach education reporter Jasa Santos at (307) 266-0593 or at Jasa.Santos@trib.com

Kelly Walsh graduation

The Kelly Walsh High School graduation ceremony is Friday at the Casper Events Center. Commencement begins at 7 p.m. This year's valedictorian is Caleb Atwood, and the salutatorians are Paul Bonifas and Lance Faulkner.