Seen through a door window, Marshawna Green smells a flower as she waits for the Sequoia High School graduation ceremony at the Everett Civic Auditorium on Thursday. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)

Derek Gabrio kills time playing ping pong before the start of the Sequoia High School graduation ceremony at the Everett Civic Auditorium on Thursday. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)

Ana Barrera gives counselor Jaimie Burton (right) two thumbs up during the Sequoia High School graduation ceremony at the Everett Civic Auditorium on Thursday. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)

Rhonda Polly reaches out to adjust another student’s mortarboard before the Sequoia High School graduation ceremony at the Everett Civic Auditorium on Thursday. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)

Graduate Hickner Kattil Jr. is buried under candy and money leis after the Sequoia High School graduation ceremony at the Everett Civic Auditorium on Thursday. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)

Linda Anjain (right) gets a hug from Cookie Kitzman after receiving the Spirit of Sequoia Award from Kitzman during the Sequoia High School graduation ceremony at the Everett Civic Auditorium on Thursday. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)

Family and friends watch the Sequoia High School graduation ceremony at the Everett Civic Auditorium on Thursday. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)

Caireanna Mills and other seniors walk out to their seats and hug audience members during the Sequoia High School graduation ceremony at the Everett Civic Auditorium on Thursday. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)

The Sequoia High School graduation ceremony was held at the Everett Civic Auditorium on Thursday. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)

Streamers fall on graduates at the Sequoia High School graduation ceremony at the Everett Civic Auditorium on Thursday. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)

The Sequoia High School graduation ceremony was held at the Everett Civic Auditorium on Thursday. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)

A graduate poses for photos after the Sequoia High School graduation ceremony at the Everett Civic Auditorium on Thursday. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)

Graduates and family members mingle outside after the Sequoia High School graduation ceremony at the Everett Civic Auditorium on Thursday. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)

Ali Almiahi poses for a photo with family members after the Sequoia High School graduation ceremony at the Everett Civic Auditorium on Thursday. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)