SHS grads officially on to next chapter

MAX OSWALD | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 10 months AGO

SHS students throw their graduation caps in the air.
Photo by Max Oswald

A Sandpoint graduate smiles after receiving her diploma.

SHS valedictorian Ara Clark gives a speech.

A Sandpoint graduate celebrates after receiving his diploma.

Friends and family of some SHS graduates hold up 'fatheads' of their loved ones.

A Trio of Sandpoint graduates get ready to take their seats.

Sandpoint graduate Kelsey Cessna smiles after receiving her diploma.

SHS salutatorian Ayiana Prevost gives a speech.

Senior members of the SHS choir sing to the audience before closing remarks.

After a day filled with thunderstorms, the clouds gave way to sunshine just in time for 236 Sandpoint High School seniors to walk across the stage and receive their diplomas Friday at War Memorial Field.

Over a thousand family members and friends were on hand to help celebrate the milestone. As their loved ones' names were called, cowbells rang, the sound of noise makers filled the air, and plenty of voices cheered loudly. Some in attendance even held up fatheads of their loved ones.

“We will have each other always,” class president Casey Reid said. “I once had someone say to me they were always in my corner. To our class, I get to say to you, that I am always in your corner. You are the reason why we get to be proud of the year 2023.”

Jacki Crossingham, in her first year as the principal of SHS, gave a heartwarming speech about how proud she was of the class of 2023 as well.

“You all have been challenged in ways nobody could have predicted, forcing you to adapt and overcome obstacles beyond your control,” Crossingham said. “You have all shown resilience, determination, and perseverance in the face of adversity and you should all be proud.”

Later in the speech, Crossingham told students to reflect for 10 seconds on the people who have helped the students become who they are today.

Salutatorian Ayiana Prevost continued to urge her fellow classmates to reflect on their high school journeys.

“Don’t be what’s holding you back.” Prevost said. “If we do not have moments we regret, then we would not have moments we cherish either.”

In closing, valedictorian Ara Clark summed up her high school experience. She shared how appreciative she was to be able to represent such an amazing school and class.

“I am beyond grateful for what Sandpoint High School has given me.” Clark said. “From an endless bank of knowledge to an absolutely beautiful and modern infrastructure and even $100 in parking tickets,” she jokingly said.

Clark believes that the class's best memories were made outside the classroom, especially in sports. She said she found success, friendship, and love by participating in cross-country.

Overall, the class of 2023 chose the motto, “I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions,” by Stephen Covey to represent them.

After all the speeches were finished, all 236 students walked across the stage, shook hands with administrators, and received their diplomas. The group then headed over to the victory bell to throw their graduation caps in the air as high as they could; friends and family then ran over to hug and congratulate their loved ones.