AUBURN - As you embark on your future, don't forget the things you have learned in the past.

That was the message almost 300 students heard Friday evening at Holland Stadium during the Auburn High School graduation ceremony.

School officials and peers told members of the class of 2008 that they will face plenty of challenges during their post-high school journeys. But whether they head to college, the military, the work force or somewhere else, they will be able to draw on their time in Auburn to make it through.

Principal Brian Morgan, an AHS graduate, told the crowd during the ceremony that he has been able to reflect upon his upbringing for guidance through his life.

“I can always find the experience necessary to face my life's challenges,” Morgan said.

The experiences Senior Class President Gabriel Hayes will remember can be summed up in one word #* quaking. During his speech, Hayes drew on his upbringing as a Quaker to describe his class' individuality.

Quaking, he said, can be anything from holding the “Senior 500” scooter race, to hanging out during beach day in front of the school, to competing on the chess club.

“This class has enabled me to not be afraid of who I am and to let my true self show,” Hayes said. “Let's keep quaking.”

During the ceremony, school officials also recognized one special graduate who accomplished two milestones. District employee Charles R. Ockenfels retired this week after a 29-year career.

But Ockenfels, who joined the Navy after high school, was one unit short of graduating. He finally received his diploma Friday.

After the ceremony, some of the graduates shared the high school experiences they cherished the most.

Shane Woodman, 18, said he'll remember all the times he spent during the midday break in the lunchroom.

“That was the best time to be with your friends,” Woodman said.

For Jessica Pote, 18, it was last year's choir concert.

“It was the solo I had to sing during 'Pie Jesu,' ” Pote said.

Kevin Dyer, who played goalie in the Auburn lacrosse team, said his favorite memory was definitely this season with the team.

“Just being with the guys, with so many seniors, it was a lot of fun,” said Dyer, 18.

Abigail Reese, the class salutatorian, told her peers during a speech that their success is now in their own hands. A failure only fails once, she said, but a successful person will fail many times.

And during those successes and failures, Reese instructed the class to remember its roots.

“Remember this place,” Reese said. “No matter how much we couldn't wait to leave it, this is where we grew up. ...This is where it all began.”

Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net.