PRIEST RIVER – The feelings of joy, laughter, sadness, and excitement were all present at Priest River Lamanna High School’s graduation on Saturday. Forty-four students walked across the stage and received their diplomas – but not before reflecting on the journey’s that led them to this point.

The PRLHS auditorium was packed to capacity to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2023. As the ceremony began, students walked one-by-one along both sides of the auditorium before meeting another student in the middle of the gym floor before walking up the aisle to take their seat. When the students met, almost everyone shared a unique handshake or smile with one another.

Principal Matt George addressed the graduating class, reflecting on their resilience, adversity, and toughness.

“Through it all you have simply taken it in stride,” George said. “So many people quit when things get tough, but not this class. You all are ‘Tonka’ tough. In true Spartan spirit you all just kept marching along.”

Class president Madilyn Rose was next to address her class. Rose gave a speech about just how dedicated and hard-working she and her peers are. She took the audience through all four years of the class’ experiences – creating a new spirit competition with Newport, winning homecoming as sophomores and seniors, and even water balloon fights in the parking lot.

“In total our class has earned over $600,000 in scholarships,” Rose said. “And with that being said, every single one of us has so much potential and I cannot wait to see where we will go. We have put in the time and work to be sitting here today.”

Priest River salutatorian Jace Yount in his “not-so-serious” speech remarked on the fond memories and strong bonds he made with all of his classmates. He also stated some of the adversities the class faced – such as three different principals in three years.

“Despite our class being smaller, I do believe we are one of the most well-rounded, successful and proud classes to ever attend Priest River Lamanna High School,” Yount said.

Later in the speech Yount had fellow classmate Zach Engleson stand up. Yount then went on to say that Engleson was one of the top students at Priest River; he praised Engleson for all his hard work and dedication.

“Trust me, I have seen and heard about some of the work that he (Engleson) does,” Yount said. “He deserves a ton of credit.”

The last student to address the class of 2023 was valedictorian Hayden Stockton. Stockton has already graduated with an associate degree from North Idaho College. The graduating senior talked about how he moved around the country as a child and then moved to Priest River just before his freshman year of high school.

“Of all the places I have lived and visited, and all the people I have met along the way, the Priest River community and its people are unique,” Stockton said. “One of my first experiences here was met with pure kindness and accommodation.”

After Stockton concluded his speech, it was time for the students to receive their diplomas. After all 44 names were called, students tossed their caps, exited the auditorium, and met their loved ones just outside the high school’s front entrance to continue the celebration.