Knightdale — The day was for thanks, for remembering old times and for looking to the future.

The day was when 335 seniors of Knightdale High School became graduates.

Family and friends filled Memorial Auditorium in Raleigh to watch the students file in to the strains of “Pomp and Circumstance” during the ceremony.

The class of 2008 is the second to graduate from Knightdale High School. But it is the first class to attend all four years at the new school.

“On August 10, 2004, some time before 8 o’clock a.m., (we came) into a brand-new empty building,” recalled Christopher Baskett, student body president. “We began instilling traditions, dreams and hopes that will last long after our departure.”

Class President Jasmine Johnson reminded students of memory.

“It’s not the destination, but the journey that’s important,” said Johnson during the exercises. “And what a memorable journey we’ve had.”

Salutatorian Storm Stuart talked about both the past and the future.

“The best of Knightdale High School may begin to fade in our memories,” said Stuart. “However, I believe that there will always be characteristics of high school that will ... survive (with) many of the graduates here.”

The day was not only for reflection.

“Thank you to those who encouraged us, praised us, had faith in us when we didn’t ourselves,” said Wenjan Chen, valedictorian.

After the speeches, the students proceeded to the stage and at the call of each name, walked across it to receive a diploma from Knightdale High School Principal Carla Jernigan.

Jernigan then pronounced them the graduating class of 2008, and gave the call for the graduates to turn their tassels to the other side of their caps, signifying the benchmark.

After the ceremony, family and friends congratulated graduates with hugs and flowers.

Graduate Jeffery Mounts said his education at KHS will help him navigate the waters of adulthood.

“(They gave us) life skills — how to go out in the world and use our knowledge,” he said.

Knightdale graduate Brittney Williamson will miss her friends, the pep rallies and all the other events at high school.

But she’s ready to move on.

She’s headed to East Carolina University to get a degree in social work.

“I learned that education is power and developing relationships with people is a beautiful thing,” she said.