CLARK FORK — Clark Fork High’s graduating class of 2024 was not just one of the largest classes in school history, it was also the highest number of honors cords a class has received since Phil Kemink became principal nearly 20 years ago.

“I have had a lot of fun with this group; this group has absolutely put me through the ringer,” Kemink said as he welcomed the audience to the ceremony Wednesday. “I can tell you that I am going to miss each and every one of these guys — there are a lot of success stories that are happening here tonight.”

Between all graduates, over $77,000 in scholarships have been awarded, with the outcome of two to three more scholarships still pending. Kemink said this number is a serious achievement for a group of this size. However, the amount of scholarships is no surprise, considering a total of 14 graduates received honors distinctions.

After all of the honors awards were announced, this year’s salutatorian Wyatt Mintken took to the podium. Mintken said he was deeply grateful for his teachers and teammates and all they have done. He then went on to thank his family, specifically all of his brothers.

“Throughout high school, I’m not sure if I didn't understand or didn’t connect the dots, but my school, sports, and my family taught me three important lessons,” Minkten said. 

Mintken, who was one of two graduates who graduated with an associate degree, went on to say those lessons were how to trust others, how to be part of a community, and how to prioritize oneself.

Valedictorian Ryan Matteson, who was the other Wampus Cat who graduated with an associate degree Wednesday, was next to speak.

“For all of us, this represents the years of hard work that we put in to make it to this moment,” Matteson said midway through his speech. “It’s amazing to see how far each of us has made it, overcoming the obstacles life threw at us. Whether you’re heading into the workforce, going to college, or taking some time off. It’s important to embrace the opportunities and control our own lives instead of letting it control you.”

Ronald Mason, a math teacher at Clark Fork High, was this year’s guest speaker. He shared sentiments of appreciation for the class of 2024.

“I can truly say I loved being your math teacher day in and day out for the last five years,” Mason said. “You have all shown yourselves to be reliable, supportive and uplifting. From building the best homecoming floats every year to hosting an amazing prom to banning together to support each other with senior projects. This class has always had each other's backs and stuck together.”

Going forward, Mason said he hopes all graduates will apply those same attitudes to their future endeavors. 

After Mason’s speech, all 33 graduates were called up to the stage to receive their diplomas. Some family members and friends laughed, some cried, and some yelled out their graduates' names as loud as they could. Principal Phil Kemink then closed out the ceremony with a few words, shedding a tear in the process.

“I have been here for 20 years and this school holds an absolutely special place in my heart,” Kemink said. “I see a lot of alums out there and I know for a fact they would tell you the same — I hear about it all the time. I actually got a package today from someone who graduated in 1950 and the same words were written by that person’s family inside. This is an amazing school … you guys, I’m going to miss you all … I love you guys. Congratulations.”

Full list of graduates

Blue Argue, Jenna Bartlett, Lukas Birdsell, Farrah Boehme, Seth Caven, Arrow Christofferson*, Jackson Clemens*, Angela Flanigan*, Sarah Flanigan*, Russell Heinrichs, Ethan Howard**, Morgan Husband**, Jace Johnson, Riley King, Isaac Komanec, Hannah Lucavish, David Main, Ryan Matteson**, Maia Miller*, Cole Mintken**, Wyatt Mintken**, Landin Pierson, Amari Printz-Hay, Lilly Reuter**, Dillon Ryan-Downing**, Chase Sanroman, Cole Sanroman, Billie Servis, Eloise Shelton*, Emmie Sue Stoffels, Trinity Swales*, Hayley Thompson and Carson Yetter.

* indicates honors

** indicates high honors