Six hundred nineteen graduates reached the apex of their high school careers as they walked across stages to receive diplomas Friday and Saturday.

This was a moment 12 years in the making.

Both high school auditoriums were standing room only for the 2013 commencement ceremonies. Friday’s Flathead commencement included 325 graduates and Glacier’s Saturday ceremony had 294.

Each school had several speakers who reminded students of their class legacies, accomplishments and potential for future achievement. Students entering the military, current military in the audience and veterans were recognized at both ceremonies.

After principals certified the class, graduates filed to the stage.

In the private moment of reflection before the cue of their name to walk across the stage, there were smiles, searching looks for family, deep breaths and sighs of relief from graduates.

At Flathead High School, graduate Chloe Newlon gave a welcoming address contemplating the class of 2013’s ability to “fill the shoes,” of last year’s graduating class.

“Toward the end of the year I realized it’s not about filling the shoes left by the previous senior class, it’s about creating a whole new pair of shoes — creating your own legacy. “I am so proud of us, and what we have accomplished,” Newlon said. “Whatever path you choose I encourage you to do it to your greatest ability.”

Newlon also recognized former teacher Mike Downes who died last April. Downes taught industrial arts and metals classes for both high schools.

“While Mr. Downes is no longer with us he has left his mark not only on the hearts of the students, but the school as well,” she said.

Flathead Principal Peter Fusaro recognized class of 1937 alumni Jim Daley as an honorary graduate for the class of 2013 for establishing the Daley Scholarship Foundation 13 years ago with his wife, who died in 2000. The foundation has awarded more than 84 $5,000 scholarships, Fusaro said.

At Glacier High School, student speaker and graduate Adam Cebulla likened high school to one chapter in life’s story.

“We all started a chapter of our lives in the same place,” Cebulla said. “Through the doors we entered as Glacier’s bright future. We entered with endless dreams and countless possibilities. The thought of an end to this great chapter was a vague image off in the distance. As we leave, our stories do not end here.”

Glacier principal Callie Langohr also addressed graduates.

“To the class of 2013, thank you for your unwavering determination and commitment to the creed of the pack,” Langohr.

As multitudes of graduates were recognized for excelling in academics, the road to get there may have been short, long, or tough.

Graduation couldn’t come early enough for Glacier High School graduate Cole Williams. The 19-year-old graduated early, in January, and began taking courses at Flathead Valley Community College.

For Flathead graduate Christian Baker, getting to graduation was a grueling journey of pure determination.

“I worked really hard to make it. My next goal is to get in college,” Baker said noting that he plans to go to Flathead Valley Community College.

For Flathead graduate Justin Thomas, graduation was the next step in many years of post-secondary education. Thomas said he is in it for the long haul. Thomas plans to attend Montana State University in pre-med to eventually become a neurosurgeon.

“I will miss the teachers. They were the best part of high school,” Thomas said. “And I’ll miss my friends.”

As families snapped photos and congratulated graduates at the two ceremonies, there was no shortage of proud community members embracing a new generation of young adults.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.