All the people taking pictures on Saturday afternoon can be guaranteed one thing: there will never be a "better-looking" graduating class, said valedictorian Regan Patrick at the Class of 2004 graduation ceremonies.

After some enthusiastic applause, Patrick thanked the teachers and parents whose hard work pushed them forward to graduation.

"Any credit or recognition we receive from here on out must be shared with all of you," he said.

In several instances throughout his speech, Patrick referred to the Class of 2004 as "the elite," highlighting their achievements in academics, athletics and the arts.

In athletics, he said, there were many instances where Grade 12 students "made the Eagles formidable," such as Brian Loden's basketball skills or Jeff Moser's talent on the badminton court.

He also mentioned the talented cast that put on the spring musical production of Grease, the cosmetology students who won several medals at the 2004 Cosmetology Provincials, and the academic achievements of students.

"We are the elite. In the field of athletics, academics and arts, we have exemplified our passion," he said.

Drew Krainyk provided the tribute to the teachers, saying that students going to the Comp hear many rumours about their teachers. Len Williams, who provided the reply to Drew Krainyk's tribute to the teachers, said that teachers also hear many rumours about upcoming students, and in 2001 the Comp staff heard they had a great class coming over from the junior high schools.

"True to form, the class of 2004 has lived up to those lofty rumours," he said.

Williams, who retired this year from teaching along with Glenda Shupe and Darlene Martin, said he couldn't help but think back to his first graduation in 1969 as he prepared to graduate from the Comp school a second time.

"One of the greatest gifts of being a teacher is the lasting impression one can afford on one of our students I feel that here, in this graduating class, I will have many friends for life," he said.

Principal Ken Larson paid tribute to the three retiring teachers, saying that "we are better because of these people."

Paying tribute to the students, Larson also said that, at WCS, they have become accustomed "to achievement."

Kristin Beahm provided the tribute to the parents, breaking into tears as she said how much she appreciated her parents' efforts. Doug and Kathy Loden provided the reply.

Kyla Carrier provided the tribute to the school board. Bruno Tuchscherer provided the reply.

The ceremony concluded with the WCS Grade 12 choir singing "That's What Friends Are For" and "Like An Eagle."