“Live the life you love; love the life you live.” — Bob Marley

POLSON — A full ship of 101 Polson pirates raised their diploma flags high in the air on Saturday afternoon and set sail for adventure into new waters after the Class of 2009 graduated from Polson High School.

Inspiring words, fond memories, and tears of joy were shed by many at the high school’s commencement ceremony. Valedictorian and all-state softball player Sarah Newton spoke to the graduating class’s prospect, equating the students’ futures to the game she loves.

“Sometimes you get a vicious fastball and you strike out, but sometimes you get a hit, and others you get a homerun — but like the game in life we must hold our heads high no matter what, and keep getting up and going for it again,” Newton said.

The valedictorian encouraged her peers to reach for their dreams and leave their mark on the world.

“Don’t let your dreams, just be dreams,” Newton said. “Find a passion, live by it, and make an impact.”

Co-valedictorian Sean Foot remarked to the audience that the Class of 2009 was without a doubt the best class the school had seen, setting a record for total scholarships received, adding, “Let’s go out in the world and break more records.”