SANDPOINT – Lake Pend Oreille High School upheld its graduation tradition of heartfelt stories, gifts, and diplomas at Thursday’s commencement.

It was a standing-room-only crowd as loved ones arrived minutes before the graduates made their walk to the stage. With families and loved ones cheering as each student laughed and smiled their way to the stage quickly after the last few parents and family members found a place to stand.

Graduating high school can be challenging for any young person especially so when faced with extenuating circumstances. Principal Geoff Penrose said that’s what makes the 23 graduating all the more special. The young adults graduated in spite of their individual circumstances, and the challenges thrown at them by the pandemic giving them the title “The COVID crushing class,” Penrose said as he thanked the graduates for their hard work and for thinking about their future.

“These 23 found a way where some did not. They took a deep breath and finished where too many others didn't. And for that, I honestly sincerely thank them. Seniors, thank you for sticking it out, “ Penrose said, “ Last year, I called that class the COVID kids. But on reflection, this class has earned that title even more, and I think they deserve a round of applause for being the COVID crushing class of 2022,”

In his speech, Penrose said that this would be his last LPOHS graduation after nine years, as next school year he will be the principal at Sandpoint Middle School. While he would miss the staff and families at LPOHS, Penrose said he is excited about the new challenge. Feeling many emotions shaking his 236th graduate’s hand, Penrose also said the emotion he was the most overcome with was gratitude as he thanked the families, the community, and staff .

“Most of all, for the staff of folks who wake up every day and try to make the world a better place. One at-risk teen at a time,” Penrose said

The next speaker was chosen by the LPOHS staff, as the school has elected to do things differently and not have a valedictorian/salutatorian. Penrose said this was because the graduates of LPOHS all deserve those titles.

“We're a little different at LPO. One way that we're different is, we don't do valedictorian or salutatorian or any of that. All of these students are worthy in their own way. Instead, the staff has picked the student who exemplifies the LPOHS way,” Penrose said

That student was Isabella Wright.

Attending LPOHS because of her severe anxiety, Wright said even at that moment she was shaking. But giving the speech was something she wanted to do because of the impact her fellow students and teachers have had on her. Wright said her time at LPOHS had changed her for the better as two years ago she could not have given a speech nor would she like school as much as does.

Continuing her speech, Wright combined comedy with sincerity and gratitude as she thanked each teacher she personally had, with a comical anecdote that spoke to how much the teachers care for their students regardless of the choices they make.

“Thank you, Brett, for always having lotion for your classes, for questionable tattoos. I know that saved a couple of lives,” Wright said before finishing her speech by thanking the rest of the staff and congratulating her fellow graduates.

After Wright finished art and graphic design teacher Randy Wilhelm came to the stage to give a unique award. Graduate Brian Lord had managed not to miss a single day of school since the first grade. For his perfect attendance, Lord was presented with two certificates to go skydiving with a friend.

“The best way to recognize this was to throw him out of a perfectly good airplane. Skydiving and if you're gonna get stupid, you need to go with a friend. Here's something to think about, though. Did his instructor have good attendance at skydiving school?” Wilhelm said

After that special recognition, it was time for each staff member to honor each graduate or, that they either chose or fought for, with a story or fond memory and a gift. Some teachers gave personal gifts, with Isabella Wright receiving a vintage coin purse, while others gave either funny or practical gifts from car accessories to T-shirts with funny graphics. Each student walked away with a laugh and gift as each teacher made sure their graduates knew their teachers were proud.

The evening ended with each student collecting their diploma as families and friends shouted with excitement. Moving their tassels over each student seemed to tear up as they did so.