HOUSTON -- The Stephen F. Austin High School graduation was somber Saturday as many students honored and grieved the loss of one of their classmates, KPRC Local 2 reported.

Edgar Garay, 18, was supposed to have been in the graduating class, but he drowned Friday afternoon after going for a swim with friends in the San Jacinto River in east Harris County.   Garay's parents were not at the commencement, but his principal and classmates dedicated their class of 2009 graduation ceremony to him.

Garay would have graduated Suma Cum Laude with a 4.0 grade point average, and ranked No. 11 in his class out of more than 400 students.   On the stage, where Garay would have sat, his picture along with his cap and gown and flowers were on the seat as a tribute.

"He was my best friend and he was so nice, smart, and I miss him so much already," classmate Nancy Hernandez said.

"He was an outstanding student and he never showed off his knowledge, he shared it. It's a big loss for the school, the community and for his family," physics teacher Tim Johnson said.

Garay had a full scholarship to the University of Houston where he wanted to study engineering.