CFHS grads move forward into future
<p>Above, Leanna Wilder, Ornella Cala and Tessa Vogel do some last-minute preparations before preparing to walk for graduation. (Photo by CAMERON RASMUSSON)</p>
CLARK FORK — As is tradition, Clark Fork High School graduation night packed years of small town life into a single evening.
Nineteen high school seniors walked down the gym floor to receive diplomas Friday night. The ceremony revealed a tightly-knit group of young men and women ready to take on new challenges and adventures.
Valedictorian Kyrik White provided a mission statement for the entire class in a speech demonstrating the value of determination and hard work. He encouraged his classmates to pick a goal for their lives and pursue it without half-measures or delay. Apathy presented a danger to their young lives that surpassed even alcohol and drugs, he said.
“We must take risks, but take them with caution,” he added. “Parachutes are not optional in skydiving.”
Afterward, salutatorian Cassidy Smith recalled her initial fear of high school, dreaming of it as a dark underground prison where everyone wore orange jumpsuits. Despite that trepidation, she grew to love her classmates and teachers, and she said she will cherish those memories as she moves forward in life.
The idea of moving forward was continued in an address by teacher Delores Matthews.
With a rhyming meter reminiscent of Dr. Seuss, she went through each graduating student in alphabetical order, highlighting their plans for the future with a healthy dose of humor.
The centerpiece of any Clark Fork graduation arrived after the speeches with the debut of a signature slide show. Each section of the show followed a senior from infancy to high school graduation, hitting all their fondest memories along the way. Images of football games, cherished pets, family members and vacations passed over the course of 40 minutes. In an added touch of personality, each graduating student picked a song that they felt best reflected their own personality and life.
“These slide shows tell me everything I need to know about these individuals,” Principal Phil Kemink said.
Lake Pend Oreille Superintendent Shawn Woodward joined Kemink on the stage after the gym lights turned back on to hand out diplomas. Each student had a chance to walk across the stage to receive handshakes and the symbols of their achievement.
The evening presented students and family members many chances to reflect on the memories of the past 18 years. Although the end of an era is always bittersweet, student Desiree Westphal offered some timely advice with a Dr. Seuss quote at the end of her slide show.
“Don’t cry because it’s over,” it read. “Smile because it happened.”