By KIRBY NEUMANN-REA
News Editor
June 18, 2008

The puzzle of life is a theme sometimes put to new high school graduates.

But this year, the Hood River Valley High School Class of 2008 put the puzzle in the hands of their principal — literally.

One hundred of the 280 graduates handed Steve Fisk a puzzle piece as they shook his hand after receiving their diplomas.

Balmy spring weather smiled on the proceedings at Henderson Stadium, and Fisk had plenty to smile about in the bittersweet occasion.

In the past, students handed Fisk marbles as a parting gesture, but this year a group got together and assembled a puzzle and wrote the message, “Thanks and Good Luck, Mr. Fisk,” on the back. They left it to Fisk to re-assemble the puzzle and read the message. Fisk leaves July 1 after nine years in Hood River for a similar position in Spokane.

The new principal, Karen Neitzel, who is currently assistant principal, presided over Commencement. Volunteer of the year awards went to Leslie Yasui and Leslie Hidle, whose children Matt Yasui and Katie Hidle graduated Friday. School board chairwoman Jan Veldhuisen Virk presented the awards.

Mimi Gunderson and Herlinda Rivera Ortiz gave their welcomes in English and Spanish, respectively, followed by the presentation of exchange students and valedictorians by Assistant Superintendent Connie Kennedy and Vice Principal Brent Emmons.

Abel Cruz and Kelbe Thompson gave the class speeches.

Thompson admonished her classmates, “If I may be permitted to offer one piece of advice to my fellow classmates, I would ask them to remember this: knowledge is power.

“And as citizens of the United States of America, it is our duty as well as our privilege, to have the power to bring about change. As learned students, we have the power to make this life beautiful and just for all. As informed citizens we have the power to make the future a wonderful adventure, and so I implore you to hold on to that power, and to use it for the good not just of our community, or our nation, but the world.”

A few minutes later, it was time for the tassel-shifting ceremony, led by Associated Student Body President Kent Chen. Once the tassels were moved, fireworks erupted courtesy of Eye Opener Lions and the graduates filed out to the north end of the stadium, to the Bob Marley tune “Three Little Birds.”

“Don’t worry ‘bout a thing/’cause every little thing/gonna be all right.”

Friends and family held balloons and signs, cameras and hugs for the new graduates, most of whom went off to the Hood River Elks Lodge for an all-night party.

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Here are the winners of the 4:30 a.m. prize drawings:

Salvador Mendoza — scooter; Cassidy Braun — laptop; Elliot Arens — Wii system; Alex Van Slyke — snowboard; Ashley Braniff — TV; Kylee Staughton — tent set.