115 graduate from Whitefish High School
HEIDI DESCH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 8 years AGO
Heidi Desch is features editor and covers Flathead County for the Daily Inter Lake. She previously served as managing editor of the Whitefish Pilot, spending 10 years at the newspaper and earning honors as best weekly newspaper in Montana. She was a reporter for the Hungry Horse News and has served as interim editor for The Western News and Bigfork Eagle. She is a graduate of the University of Montana. She can be reached at hdesch@dailyinterlake.com or 406-758-4421. | June 3, 2017 5:04 PM
Whitefish High School’s commencement ceremony Saturday focused on the memories that have been made by the seniors on their way to graduation day and the future ahead of them.
“It’s bittersweet,” graduate Julia Houston said of her feelings about graduation.
Just the day before the graduates in full cap and gown marched through the halls of Muldown Elementary School and Whitefish Middle School. The younger students cheered and asked for high fives as the graduates passed by during the event the schools hope to made a new tradition.
During that experience, Houston said she realized how fast time passes by.
“Class of 2017,” she said. “We’re growing up.”
“I’m excited to see where each of you end up,” she added. “The sky’s not the limit, it’s just the beginning.”
Family and friends packed the high school gym Saturday to cheer and celebrate with the 115 seniors to graduate with the class of 2017.
“This town will stay with us for the rest of our lives,” graduate Jeff Hyer said in summing up the many years already spent here.
Travis Catina recalled many fond memories from the class of 2017’s journey to graduation day, including the eighth grade class history trip around Montana, being a part of the school’s first football state championship since 1979 and the girls golf team state championship.
“Some memories fade, but I’ll never forget,” he said.
Principal Kerry Drown said he remembers when the class entered Whitefish Middle School and then the high school each time with nervousness, anxiousness and curiosity.
“Before me today I see you with all of that and a whole lot excitement,” he said.
Drown said every class has its own personality full of artists, scholars, actors and athletes.
“You also have strong personal character and grit,” he said.
After the graduates passed across the stage to get their diplomas, Drown pointed to a glass bowl on the stage filled with money. He said the class had just made their first donations as graduates, selecting the Nate Chute Foundation and Wounded Warrior Project to be the beneficiaries of their generosity.
Then he addressed the graduates one last time.
“I have confidence in you to take the reins and go forward and do great things,” he said.
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