ROYAL CITY — Royal High School said farewell to the class of 2018 Friday night at David Nielsen Memorial Field with cheers, lessons of success and words of encouragement from Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson.

Class speaker Samantha Dunn took to the podium to address her classmates, reminiscing about how they as a class became like family over the years. She also spoke of how they as a class were at times competitive, and never willing to give up on doing their best.

“We did it,” said Dunn.

Class-elected guest speaker Andrew Perkins chose the word “diligence” as the theme for the class of 2018, and shared core values on the how to be successful in life. Some of the core values he shared included being responsible and always opening new doors.

Being responsible involves continually striving to learn new things and working hard, Perkins explained. Taking chances in opening new doors of possibilities can often lead to new and different opportunities in life. Sometimes it only takes a little effort to open new doors, said Perkins, and he encouraged the class to open as many doors as possible.

“What doors are you going to open?” asked Perkins.

As an added surprise, Perkins placed three envelopes filled with gift certificates underneath three different random graduates’ chairs. It was a small gift from him to them, he explained, and encouraged the class to always keep doors open to each other and lean on one another when they feel they need to.

“When you’re struggling with the who, what or why of life,” said Perkins, “call up your classmates and take them out to lunch. Open as many doors as possible.”

With their diplomas in hand and tassels turned, the class of 2018 made their way to the high school gym for the senior class video presentation.

Included in the video was a message from Seahawks quarterback, Russell Wilson, congratulating the class on their graduation.

“I love you guys, I’m rooting for you all,” said Wilson. “Dream big.”

The class also paid tribute to their classmate Silvestre Beltran, who passed away in April, with a memorial photo to conclude the video.