Gray skies could not dampen the mood at ShoWare Center Friday as Lindbergh High School held its graduation for the class of 2014.

The school had about 270 graduates in their commencement exercises. The graduates were asked many questions to consider by student, staff and administrative speakers, including ‘What comes next; why doesn’t it feel real and why not me?’After running through a list of history makers, Principal Tres Genger said, “Class of 2014 I challenge you to be one of those individuals and ask, ‘why not me?'”

He challenged the students to be great and defy the odds. Parents, relatives and friends cut into the ceremony with boisterous yelling and shout-outs to the graduates in between speakers.

There were nearly 850 total Renton School District high school students, who graduated this year on June 13. Graduates completed all 22 credits in language arts, mathematics, the sciences, social studies, career and technical education and electives. In addition, students passed their classroom- and school-based tests, and state tests. They also completed and presented a multi-year culminating project and plan for beyond high school.

Photos by Tracey Compton