The circumstances were the same, but there was a bit more pomp to Deer Valley High School’s graduation ceremony on June 11 than crosstown rival Antioch High’s ceremony the night before.

The biggest difference was that DV’s festivities kicked off at 6 p.m., providing a sunnier, warmer aspect to the affair than Antioch’s, which did not get underway until 8 p.m. DV also has a larger football stadium, a bigger orchestra, an impressive choir and more mannered students – there was no tossing of beach balls or doing stand-up waves as there had been at Antioch High’s more raucous celebration.

What the ceremonies shared, however, were speeches with words of inspiration, wistful reflections on high school and hopeful expectations for the future.

Senior Class President Michelle Robbins kicked it off, saying, “Four years ago we were stepping onto the Deer Valley campus very excited, not knowing what to expect but hoping for the best. As seniors we look back and see how much we have grown.

“What is to come is much more important. Remember who helped you get this far. Thank the teachers who came early or stayed late. Thank your families for being there every step of the way. But, most of all, give yourself credit. You have been given the building blocks to create a great future – so use them wisely. Congratulations, Class of 2009, we did it!”

Valedictorian Muniba Ahmad said, “Looking around I see future doctors, teachers and even a few Walmart executives. Some of us may be feeling a little tearful that high school is over. But we really shouldn’t be. These four years are certainly not the best years of our lives. If SATs and standardized tests are the highlight of our lives, then something is seriously wrong. This is our time now. We are the future, and we will be magnificent.”

Co-principals Scott Bergerhouse and Clarence Isadore, who look nothing alike but are so inseparable that they are known as the twincipals and referred to as “Bergerdore,” appropriately enough, gave their speech together.

“Today your high school career has ended. Tomorrow your life begins,” said Bergerhouse, who listed all of the student activities they witnessed through the year. “Most of all, we will miss your frequent visits to say ‘good morning,’ ‘hi’ or just to bother us.”

Isadore said, “It seems like only yesterday that you took your first steps and began to walk. Your parents were there to support you, and you made them smile. Well, today you, the Class of 2009, took your first step. You walked and we were there to see your first step. Now we are seeing you step to your future. We smile and say, ‘Class of 2009, great job.’”