Libby’s Bruce Vincent is an accomplished public speaker, but his speech took a backseat to the words spoken by Class of 2023 Co-Salutatorian Jenna Hammond Saturday.

Hammond, also the Senior Class President, shared her story of triumph over adversity while speaking during graduation ceremonies in Ralph Tate Gymnasium at Libby High School.

“School was the one place I felt safe when I was younger. I never wanted to leave,” Hammond said.

She spoke of being pulled out of the third grade and later ending up in the foster care system before her grandparents took here in.

“My parents haven’t always been in my life and even today, as I graduate, they aren’t here. But I am still thankful for them,” she said. “School was always my safe place.”

Hammond’s heartfelt and touching words were the highlight of a ceremony that saw 84 graduates receive their diplomas from School Board of Trustees member Sam Rosling.

Salutatorian MacKinzie Mills and Co-Valedictorian Trevor Collins also spoke to their fellow graduates.

Vincent also shared his story and implored the assembled students to, “Not be deterred by the negativity of others and what you hear and see elsewhere.”

The Class of 2023 included 27 who earned College Prep diplomas and two who earned welding certifications. It also featured nine who graduated with high honors (3.75 GPA or better and nine who earned honor status (3.5-3.74 GPA).