Kennewick — The 378 graduates of Kamiakin High School’s class of 2012 have exemplified the Brave’s motto “Be the best you can be,” said Principal Chris Chelin at graduation at the Toyota Center.

The class had three valedictorians who received an A in every course, had 11 National Merit Commended scholars and brought home three state championships in sports, he said.

In addition, students raised more than $5,000 for the Tri-Cities Cancer Center.

They also had some fun along the way.

Students will miss the quirks of their school, like assemblies that always seemed to include shopping carts and spirit rallies that always seemed to need whipped cream, said Co-valedictorian Elizabeth Hooper.

But her twin and co-valedictorian Alexis Hooper said they won’t miss waking up before dawn for zero-hour classes, showing up 20 minutes early to nab a good parking space and fire alarms.

What they’ll value is not the fun, but what Salutatorian Emily DeFord called Fun II — the type that gets better as time goes on, like the long hours of practice for marching band.

Don’t be afraid to take on the tough challenges, she said.

“What we all do after graduation is what we really should be excited about,” said Taryn Meacham, the third co-valedictorian. “So tonight don’t party like it’s the end of the world, because it isn’t.”