Hundreds of people packed into Harborside Event Center on Saturday afternoon to watch the 2011 class of the Mariner Tritons receive their diplomas and finish their high school careers.

Two hundred and ninety-six seniors are now moving onto the next phase in their lives, and the graduation ceremony was an opportunity to reflect, celebrate and say goodbye to friends and teachers.

“This was the fastest four years of my life … but I remember every minute of it,” said Class President Derick Adams.

Carolina Lerma, who graduated summa cum laude, said that she’s had a case of the dreaded senior-itis since receiving her first college acceptance letter and as her fellow seniors now set off on different paths, she added that one of their greatest strengths was the ability to persevere.

“As kids we don’t want to grow up and now we’re here fully grown … we’ve experienced all of the ups and downs that life entails,” she added.

Lee County School Board member Don Armstrong, a Mariner High grad, said the nearly 300 graduating seniors will keep their high school memories with them always.

“We had our 20-year reunion last year and we remembered each other like it was yesterday,” Armstrong said.

Principal Brian Mangan sent his 2011 seniors out into the world with warm words, praising their efforts over the course of four years, adding that they will live on in the halls of Mariner High School for many years to come.

“They left their mark on Mariner High School … They etched their deeds into the hearts and minds of the people who have been lucky enough to come in contact with them these last four years,” he said.