Hmm. Hmmm. Hmm. Hmm. Hmmm. Hmm. Hmmm. Hmmm. Hm. Hm. Hmmm. Hmm. Hmmm … A a melodious sound, indeed, those opening bars to “Pomp and Circumstance No. 1.” And bars that our high school graduates will forever associate with their final moments at North Kitsap High School and Spectrum Community School.

Chances are, they’ll be humming it months after they’ve received their diplomas. It’s a fine tune, indeed, as those who’ve turned tassle before can attest. Sir Edward Elgar was definitely onto something when he penned it.

But before the bars begin to fade and our young grads are off into the real world, college or a mixture of the two, trying to make ends and grades meet, we’d like to be among the first not to congratulate them but rather to thank them.

For the past three years, they have been an integral part of the North Kitsap community. Whether it was their leadership, can-do attitude, endless energy, enthusiasm in and outside the arenas of academics and sports, the students who grew up before our eyes into promising young men and women should be thanked by all. Applauded by all.

You set a grand example for the classes that will follow and those that once walked the halls of your schools, the streets of your community. For this, you are to be commended.

Well done and our heartiest congratulations Class of 2004.