MINERAL COUNTY – As graduation ceremonies in Mineral County wrapped up last week, several students took to their respective podiums to deliver messages of inspiration, celebration of education and hope for the future.

As students at the high schools in Alberton, St. Regis and Superior listened to speeches by valedictorians and salutatorians, parents and teachers along with friends, family and administrators also heard their words of encouragement for the student body.

All of the Mineral County valedictorians and salutatorians shared with the Mineral Independent thoughts on how they were able to accomplish their achievements and their plans for the future.

Superior High School valedictorian Josh Benda said his plans include attending college at the University of Montana.

“I will hopefully pursue a degree in engineering,” Benda said.

Benda wasn’t the only valedictorian in Superior. He was joined by two of his classmates.

Valedictorian Mckenzie Stager said high academic achievement has been something she has sought for a long time.

“This has been a goal since I was really young,” Stager said. “I started writing my speech when I was a sophomore. I always wanted it so it was a relief to finally achieve this. I made school my number one priority.”

Stager said she also will be attending the University of Montana to study biology.

She and Benda will be joined by the third valedictorian from Superior. Nadeia Ewoniuk said she will be studying at the University of Montana. She’s just not sure yet what she’ll be studying.

“I’m undecided at this point,” Ewoniuk said.

The valedictorian in St. Regis was Ashley Cheesman with the honor of salutatorian going to Cheyenne Lewis.

In Alberton, the valedictorian was Alec Managhan and the salutatorian was Taylor Erdman.