EVERETT – If the artistic “mortarboard wisdom” adorning graduates’ caps is a reflection of how Arlington High School seniors are feeling about their future, some are facing it with gusto, while others need a little humor to bridge the gap.

For every colorful cap with the words “The sky is the limit,” “This diploma’s for you mom and dad,” and “I’m psyched” and “Academy bound,” others “Still have no idea what they’re doing” and have “Already forgot everything.”

With proud parents, extended family, friends, teachers and school staff packing Xfinity Arena in Everett for the AHS class of 2017 commencement ceremony Thursday night, 350 graduates received their diplomas with the knowledge that they will have plenty of support behind them on the road ahead.

The ceremony opened with “Pomp and Circumstance,” performed by the Arlington High School Band, under director John Grabowski. The AHS Air Force Junior ROTC presented the colors, followed by a welcome from outgoing Principal Christine Hinojosa.

Senior Class President Nicholas Mendro and Vice President Robert Neeleman served as masters of ceremony to warm up the audience for meaningful speeches from six valedictorians: Madison Schimpf, Christina Domanowski, Mendro, Drake King, Andrea Ramirez and Morgan Bryson.

“Wow, look at us, Arlington,” said a beaming Schimpf.

Schimpf took a moment to recognize a small band of seniors, herself included, who represented the last class to attend the historic Trafton School before it closed. Her message talked about treating failure as an opportunity for growth.

Domanowski talked about a heady period in school that had parents and community members lining streets for sendoffs of successful Eagles teams and individuals bound for state and regional competitions in girls soccer, volleyball, cross country, golf, and track and field among them. The school has also won the Stilly Cup, defeating Stanwood in football seven years in a row now.

“And the band was there for all of them,” she said.

In closing, Domanowski said, “We can proudly say, ‘We are from Arlington.’”

A grateful valedictorian Drake King got the added bonus of a packed arena singing “happy birthday” to him.

He took a “wait and see” approach to the journey ahead.

“Whether our education prepares us for the real world, we’ll find out sooner than later,” he said.

Hinojosa thanked the teachers, extended family and staff who all worked diligently to support the students and keep their best interests at heart. Before finishing, she welcomed former AHS Principal Brian Beckley to the podium to present him with a plaque for his commitment to Arlington students.

In officially accepting the class of 2017, district Superintendent Chrys Sweeting said she is proud to honor and celebrate the accomplishments of the students’ learning journey that began year ago, and she thanks Arlington students for the warm welcome she received when she took the helm a year ago.

“Whether headed off to college, a vocational school, the military or you’re just going to figure things out, my greatest hope and desire is that each of you will always keep learning, and you will seek to become a better human being, and serve others.”

Devon Nutter, senior class public relations and Faith Gould, senior class activities coordinator announced the graduates, who were congratulated by a receiving line of school board members and student advisors to the school board.

Arlington High School Flight choir under Jeff Swanson’s direction performed an eclectic version of Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now.”