“Life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out shouting, ‘WOO HOO! What a ride.’”

CHARLO — Even at times when it seemed so far away, this graduation day came fast, Charlo class valedictorian Rochelle Toussaint said. Gathered with the other 27 Charlo High School class of 2009 graduates, Toussaint was one of three speakers on Sunday among her classmates and a gym full of well wishers.

The hundreds of paths they’d now split up to take, after so many happy times they’ve shared, wouldn’t always be easy, she said.

“The world can be hard, but I have total confidence in this class, that we can make it,” Toussaint said.

Of the classmates who listened in black and purple robes below, some had chosen to take the road to serve their country, or continue with school at places like Salish Kootenai College, the University of Montana and Montana State University. Others were jumping into the workforce or letting life come, and deciding where to go when it does.

Class salutatorian Ann Thompson also gave a speech.

Commencement speaker Dr. Garry Kerr, a professor at UM, told the students that this crucial step is one of many that they can push themselves to achieve.

“Don’t stop now,” he said to them. He shed the gown he wore on Sunday, and many years ago for his own high school graduation, to reveal another layer - an honorary shawl from a tribe in Africa, and another, his lab coat used during his work at the state crime lab.

As the layers of life continue to form, don’t forget you are who you are, Kerr said, ending the speech in plain clothes. What else can’t they forget, he asked.

“Don’t stop now,” the Charlo graduates said.

Superintendent Bill Colter, principal Steve Love and trustee Dianna Kelley handed out diplomas. At the end of the walk across the stage, each student was given a rose, which in the boys cases were handed off to their mothers.

Graduate Josh Sharbono made it all the way near the back of the gym to see his mom and keep with tradition.

“I forgot your rose,” he told her.

She accepted a hug instead.

Then the class of 2009 marched out as grads together, down an old path through the gym but on to many new things. Oasis’ “Wonderwall,” helping them on their way.