The graduating class of 2013 walked across the stage on Tuesday, June 4 at 7:00 p.m. at the Star Plaza Theater in Merrillville.

Spending four years in the halls of Lake Central, the graduating seniors not only learned together, but grew up together.

“People will tell you high school is going to go by fast, but even if you are ready for it, it still does. High school flew by, but it taught me many lessons along the way. I have grown up so much these past four years, and it showed me what is truly important,” Keller Phalen (‘13) said.

Being the final graduating class of the original buildings in the school, the class of 2013 became the last group of students in history to know Lake Central, for all four years, as it has always been. Around 740 students waited his or her turn to walk across the stage and receive a diploma Tuesday evening. During speeches from graduates Anna Oppermann, Brenda O’Gonuwe, Ashley Peterson, Christopher Albright and Peter Boyd, the senior class waited with suspense.

“The atmosphere of graduation was mind-blowing. I am going to miss high school, but I’m glad I am going to be starting a new chapter in my life and meet new people and experience new things,” Christopher Lopez (‘13) said.

High school makes a significant impact on one’s life and holds a role in whom one becomes in the future. Memories and friendships were made in the halls and classrooms of Lake Central, but students look forward to the next chapters in their lives.

“I’m definitely ready for the next step, but it is just so difficult to let such an important part of your life go,” Phalen said.