The rain didn't dampen their spirits. The Canby High School Class of 2022 graduated on June 3, donning ponchos and shower caps over their grad caps. During what the city proclaimed to be "Honoring the High School Class of 2022 Week," Canby celebrated the young adults who weathered the COVID-19 pandemic and are looking forward to the future.

The class of 2022 has been through a lot. As sophomores, their "extended spring break" at the onset of the pandemic turned into two years of canceled sports, performances and activities. They navigated online and hybrid learning and, when schools reopened, wore masks throughout the day.

Now, though, the graduating class and their families came out in full force to Cougar Stadium, not socially distanced and most maskless, to celebrate their moment.

"I have witnessed time and time again students embracing challenges head on. We are a class that seeks out things that challenge us and will help us grow," said senior class President Tate Leder. "Despite hardships and setbacks such as the pandemic or our own personal struggles, we made our senior year a memorable one."

Between speeches by students and teacher Ryan McCormack, voted in by seniors, the Cantalinas choir sang "The Chain" by Fleetwood Mac and the band played Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture."

Another moment of celebration was recognizing Principal Greg Dinse's retirement. For the final time, he led the students onto the track playing the bagpipes, in full highland attire, as has been his tradition during his seven years at CHS.

During his remarks, Dinse paused to snap a selfie with the entire graduating class. As students walked across the stage to accept their diplomas and shake the principal's hand, many of them handed him a signed golf ball as a token to remember them by.

"I guess I'll have to take up golf now," he joked with one student on stage.

This year, 12 students graduated with a 4.0 grade point average. Many students were recognized for their accomplishments at a June 2 senior awards ceremony.

When the students had all crossed the stage and tassels had been moved from right to left, the seniors tossed up their grad caps and breathed a sigh of relief. And then they were graduates.

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