CHARLO — Above all else, the Vikings were discoverers - stumbling across North America centuries before Columbus. On Sunday, the newest graduating class of Charlo Vikings was encouraged to continue to foster that same sense of discovery, while also staying true to their Mission Valley roots.

Salutatorian Mackenzie Savage thanked her classmates and teachers for providing such a welcoming environment, and urged her peers to “strive for the best.”

Valedictorian Trinda Foust applauded members of the senior class for each bringing their “unique” charm to the school community, and reminded them to always think of Charlo as home, even as their ZIP codes change.

Commencement speaker Christina Madsen not only gave the students chocolate bars hidden under their seats, but also some valuable life advice, echoing the call for graduates to not just begin life, but “begin success.”

Using 80 feet of measuring tape to represent the approximately 80-year life expectancy of the young Vikings, Madsen illustrated the importance of keeping struggles in perspective, and told the seniors to make the most of their lives.

“Make the choices that take you where you want to go,” she said.

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