LPOHS graduation gets a personal touch

SANDPOINT — It’s safe to say that very few schools out there prominently feature a Bozo Bop Bag in their graduation ceremonies.

Not so with Lake Pend Oreille High School. In classic LPOHS style, the Thursday graduation was a mingling of time-honored tradition and personalized fun. The gift-giving section of the evening, for instance, allowed teachers to present students with mementos that matched their personalities. These gifts ranged from a car care kit to a tiara to the previously-mentioned inflatable punching bag.

It’s no wonder the LPOHS faculty and administration take great pains to make graduation a special event. Many of their students have fought against the odds — whether they be financial struggles, difficult family situations or poor health — to turn over their tassel. Considering the circumstances, the school staff see plenty of reason to celebrate this year’s 14 graduates.

“These students carry in their core an overwhelming and abiding ability to get things done,” said principal Geoff Penrose.

Consider a student like Jason Pesce. Despite wallowing through 15 different schools throughout his K-12 education, his striking mathematical ability blazed through the lack of consistency. By the time he landed at LPOHS, he was purchasing and working through math books in his spare time. Now a high school graduate, he’s on his way to studying engineering at the University of Idaho.

No less impressive is Jaime Andres, who fought through a cancer diagnosis and a mountain of missed class time to earn her diploma. Andres proved resilient, not only graduating but also winning an impressive number of scholarships to fund her future endeavors.

Each one of the LPOHS graduates worked past their own individual circumstances to take the stage at the Sandpoint Events Center. Class president Dylan Olds attributed much of the credit to the school faculty members, who never gave up the effort to keep their students motivated and attentive.

“The fact that we made it to this point is a testament to the dedication of the staff,” he said.

Kayla DePhilippis, the student recognized by faculty members for her personal growth, also shared her love for her teachers. Much of her transformation during school was thanks to the warm, familial atmosphere, she said.

“Lake Pend Oreille High School brought me into the family and brought me out of my shell,” she said.

As with all graduations, the event was a bittersweet affair.

That was especially true this year, which will see teachers Tom Pagliasotti and Jan Wasserburger departing along with their graduating students. As they did with the students, faculty members encouraged them on to new, exciting horizons.

“There’s no doubt a little of the LPO soul will go with them,” Penrose said.