CLARK FORK — Clark Fork High School’s graduating class got off to a bit of a “rough” start at the beginning of their senior year, said their principal, Phil Kemink.

“They were ready to graduate by the second day,” Kemink said.

Nevertheless, he said, there was a lot of growth among the seniors throughout the year, adding that he is “very proud” of each and every one of the graduates.

Four of the 10 graduates — T.J. Henderson, Bryant Moore, Levi Servis and Wade Stevens — have gone to school since kindergarten. As as two of those four, this year’s valedictorian and salutatorian chose to present to the audience together during Wednesday’s graduation ceremony.

Henderson, the 2018 valedictorian recalled memories of running through the junior high halls and a wayward golf shot by their golf coach.

“I think some of the crazy has rubbed off and made all of us a little crazy, too,” he said. “Looking back, though, this class has always had each others’ back, even in the seventh grade when we would procrastinate our homework and have to get to school early to meet in the lunchroom to get it done before first period.

“From running around the halls to racing on the backroads, it is hard to believe we have made it this far. And now we are beginning a whole new chapter in our lives.”

As salutatorian, Moore continued where Henderson left off, adding that the new chapter in their lives might seem “scary” at first. From having to pay their own bills to not having anyone to tell them not to eat ice cream out of the carton in the middle of the night, the new chapter will be difficult he said.

“But it will also hold wonderful times,” Moore said. “Albert Einstein said, ‘In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity,’ which signifies not only the road ahead of us, but also the road behind us.”

This year’s guest speaker was CFHS instructor Marty Jones, who, spoke at length to the students about the future, and how the decisions they make will affect their future.

“Whatever you do, keep trying to improve it,” Jones said at the culmination of his speech.

“Whether it’s driving or paperwork even … always make that effort to do better.

He looked at the students and added, “You got this — you really do,” before asking the audience to stand and applaud Clark Fork’s graduating class of 2018.

In addition to Henderson, Moore, Stervis and Stevens, the graduating class included Jacob Allen, Anna Fitchett, Hailey Gant, Evan Howland-Goodwin, Jeremiey McKinney and Annastasia Overman.

Mary Malone can be reached by email at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter @MaryDailyBee.