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Journeys School graduating seniors Annie Watters and Qian Wu are applauded as they walk through the crowd with classmates after graduation ceremonies June 9. NEWS&GUIDE PHOTO / BRADLY J. BONER

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The nine students who graduated June 9 after Journeys School’s ninth year said that while they’re sad to leave, they’re looking forward to the future.

Peter “Luke” Stalker said that as he looked back at old photos of himself, he realized that as an underclassman he had the academic skills to succeed but lacked the wisdom to apply them. That has changed.

“The transformation was a success,” he said.

He now has the courage to stand up for his beliefs, he said.

“I want to make a difference, and I’m confident, based on everything this place has taught me, that I can,” he said.

The school graduated nine seniors, 15 eighth-graders and 11 fifth-graders during a ceremony Wednesday night at the Jackson Campus of Teton Science Schools. The group of seniors was the eighth graduating class and the largest yet to graduate from Journeys School, which opened nine years ago. There were no seniors during the school’s first year, spokesman David Watson said.

Jackson Mayor Mark Barron told the seniors that the one constant in their lives will be change. Life will be easier if they learn to embrace it, he said.

“Be the change you want to see in the world,” Barron said, quoting Ghandi.

Journeys School provided the seniors with a strong foundation on which to reflect when change becomes confusing, he said. But it’s not so much about how the students respond as it is about how they move forward, he said.

“I know as much as you change the world, the world will change you,” Barron said.

The seniors’ capstone adviser, Aaron Nydam, said all nine exceeded requirements in four areas: course work, thesis, experience and service. In explaining each area, he listed each student’s strengths.

“They will be missed,” he said.

Many of the students said they, too, would miss their instructors and peers. Although he won’t be physically present, Arthur Eby said he hoped he could remain in the hearts and minds of those he’d come to appreciate so much.

Qian Wu said she cried when she arrived from China to study at Journeys School, but her host family and fellow students made her feel at home. The story will be different when she leaves, she said.

“Instead of crying alone on the plane, I know I will be smiling,” she said.

Rachel Pepper said that she’s learned to be herself and that there will always be a place in the world for that person. “The future holds endless possibilities, and I can’t wait to explore them,” she said.

After handing out diplomas, Head of School Nate McClellen told the seniors they made Journeys School stronger and he had no doubt they’d continue on that path.

“You’re equipped with the intelligence capacity to take on anything and the wisdom to change the world,” Mc- Clennen said.