Valedictorian Jessica Knoll spoke of Dr. Seuss in her address to 31 fellow graduates at the Arlee High School Commencement ceremony Sunday, the first graduation among Lake County schools this year.

“Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and away!” said Knoll as she quoted Dr. Seuss from astory that was read to her as a child. “As a child it was always read to me and means so much. I imagined myself walking down the bright streets, excited for a new adventure to follow,” she added.

Dr. Anna Baldwin, 2014 Montana Teacher of Year, also delivered the Commencement address and told graduates that despite coming from a small town. they can accomplish anything in life. Baldwin has taught for 15 years on the Flathead Reservation, and 11 of those years have been in Arlee.