For Eastlake High School's Class of 2011, a Fond Farewell and Graduation at Key Arena

For a period on Wednesday evening, the floor at Key Arena in Seattle did not belong to basketball players, musicians or other performers.

Instead, it belonged to the Wolves - the ones from in Sammamish.

Dressed in maroon or green gowns, about 450 members from the Class of 2011 gathered in Seattle to mark the end of their high school careers, as relatives waved, cheered and smiled.

Principal Brad Malloy began his remarks with how he started as the school's top administrator in August - and how students accepted him. He said he appreciated how they welcomed him.

He used that as an example of how appreciation goes far in the world. "It's important you don't let that opportunity pass," he told the seniors.

Student William Harris reminded his classmates that they learned much during their Eastlake years - and the knowledge that they soaked up can be measured to an extent.

"We have been taught lessons that supersede test scores," he said.

Teacher Bill Monahan encouraged the students to continue learning throughout their lives - no matter what they do. That includes staying informed, voting and being aware, he said.

"Love is not leisure. It is work," he added. "Kiss your mom, hug your dad...Life is a wonderful adventure."

By the end of the ceremony, of course, they were graduates. They streamed outside. Many stood near the International Fountain.

They hugged relatives. And they posed with friends for keepsake photographs.

Editor's note: If you didn't see the moment when Eastlake's newly-minted graduates tossed their caps and mortars into the air, have a look at this quick, simple video that captured the scene.