A few minutes before graduation began at Glacier High School, pods full of graduates put their game faces on for a final performance, possibly the most significant of their high school career.

One teacher yelled out across a pod, “tassels on the right,” while another shouted, “let’s go.”

Noah James, who graduated magna cum laude, straightened his “stole of gratitude.” The white stoles, worn by all graduates, represented the year’s theme, “Glacier Gives Gratitude Often.” James said he has enjoyed building relationships with friends, teachers and community.

“Playing football with my friends was probably the best experience,” James said, noting that he will now play football for the Montana State University Bobcats while majoring in psychology.

Then, the time was at hand for the graduates to head toward the ceremony.

In the hallway, a graduate nodded to a teacher and said, “this is the real deal right here,” before entering the gym to the familiar cadence of “Pomp and Circumstance.”

At 11 a.m., commencement began for the 270 students who made up the sixth graduating class of Glacier High School.

Principal Callie Langohr addressed the audience, highlighting the school’s theme of gratitude.

“Gratitude is a word you will hear often today,” Langohr said. “Each of our graduates is wearing a white stole symbolic of our theme and deep appreciation for all that has been given to the Wolfpack family to make this once in a lifetime celebration possible.”

Langohr described Glacier’s Class of 2014 as a group that embodied a spirit of quiet resolve and tenacity.

“There were maybe a few superstars here and there, but mostly well-meaning, persistent, gritty performers — just what our complicated world desperately needs,” she said.

Then student speaker Kylie Peck, who graduated magna cum laude, took to the podium.

“Take a deep breath and recognize all that you have accomplished,” Peck said.

“Each and every one of us has worked incredibly hard to be sitting in this gym, wearing these caps and gowns.”

Peck seemed humorously exasperated when listing different “lasts” of senior year.

Peck said graduation wasn’t an end to move on from, but carry forward when starting college, careers or military service.

“As seniors we’ve all experienced a ‘last’ this year. Gosh — I’m starting to hate that word — but at these times when you realize how Glacier High School has shaped who you are — the overwhelming victories and heartbreaking defeats, the times we looked to one another for support, the laughs, the tears. These are moments that have built our characters and instilled in us a deep sense of integrity and compassion,” Peck said.

The last thought Peck left with her classmates was to live life with kindness and integrity.

“That will bring you true happiness and success,” Peck said.

Mercede Erickson, who graduated summa cum laude, spoke to the determination and commitment of Glacier’s Class of 2014, which was  “dedicated to making a school unlike the rest.”

“My parents joke that it’s the school that never sleeps,” Erickson said, garnering laughter from the audience.

And while Erickson said the previous graduating class had set the bar high, this year’s graduates met it and set it higher.

“As we walked into those same doors this past fall there was indescribable excitement that this year was ours for the taking, and boy, did we, the Class of 2014, finish our high school career with as much strength and dedication as we began,” Erickson said.

“We must persevere ... and tackle each challenge with that special, Glacier grit. Class of 2014, congratulations.”

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at [email protected].