On Friday, about 300 Flathead High School seniors donned their caps and gowns and walked into school for the last time as students.

With a half hour to go before walking the stage, Jacquelyn Merrill made final adjustments to her cap standing in front of a mirror in a weight room filled with eager graduates.

Merrill, who graduated magna cum laude, referred to Flathead as her “home for the last four years.”

“Flathead has been so amazing to me,” she said. “It’s filled with so much tradition and spirit.” In the fall, Merrill plans to attend Montana State University.

At 7 p.m., students flowed into the gym amid cheers and applause. During the final line of the national anthem — “and the home of the brave” — several students pumped their fists in the air, taking note of the school’s Braves tradition.

The ceremony had begun.

Breanna Wiersma, who graduated summa cum laude, began her welcoming address on the cyclical nature of education. Students may start high school as fearful freshman, but develop confidence through routine, new experiences, friendships and achievements, all of which culminate with graduation — a cycle which will start again in college.

Wiersma’s speech was not without a sprinkling of humor of the high school juggling act.

“Between school and work and sports and clubs and social life — sleep — what’s that? And don’t worry, mom, I’ll clean my room right after I finish my homework, right after my history test Friday, and the end of the season, and finals, and this last concert — after graduation — I promise.”

Keynote speaker Aryn Phillips, who also graduated summa cum laude, reminded the audience that the day marked an important anniversary in history.

“Today is the anniversary of D-Day,” Phillips said to applause. “Well wait, I guess this is also the Class of 2014 graduation. In a way, this is our own departure day, as today marks a day of great accomplishment both 70 years ago and right at this moment. It’s also fitting in that we’d love to storm the stage for our diplomas like the Allies on the beaches of Normandy.”

Phillips said graduation doesn’t mean that life can finally start, but is a continuation of achievements that have shaped each student over the last four years.

“Keep these memories close, my friend, for these are your tools,” Phillips said.

As she prepared to exit, Phillips stopped and announced, “Before I leave I’d like to take a selfie with all of you,” and snapped a photo.

After Phillips’ address, the honorary 2014 graduate — Robert O’Neil, Class of 1946 — was recognized on stage. During high school, O’Neil had been a football star, assistant editor on the school newspaper, vice president of student council and 1946 state champion in debate with partner Ted Crail, who passed away in April.

Before students received their diplomas, Flathead Principal Peter Fusaro updated students on fellow classmate, Scottie Smith, who was hospitalized due to a serious heart condition. Earlier in the day, Fusaro had gone to the hospital where Smith was being treated to bring a cap and gown and give Smith his diploma.

“I want to give another shout out for Scottie Smith who is viewing graduation streaming live. We’re thinking of you and wish you the best of luck,” Fusaro said, a sentiment wished to all the graduates of the Class of 2014.  

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.