Fourteen seniors collected their diplomas in the Charlo gym Sunday – perhaps the smallest graduating class in Lake County. Small but mighty, according to commencement speaker and social studies teacher Mike Mercer, who described them as “the most fun, interesting, thought-provoking group of young adults I've ever been around.”

The Class of 2025 was welcomed by class president Berrit DuMont, who advised his classmates, “Boring is the worst possible thing you can do in this world.”

Salutatorian Adam Sheumaker was next at the podium, and paid tribute to the value of growing up in a close-knit community and attending a rural school.

“We've all made this school more than just a place to learn, we made it feel like home,” he said. “And I truly believe that every single person here can carry that same sense of belonging and purpose into the world beyond its walls.”

He also noted that some students were traveling far afield after graduation, including one who’s bound for Alaska, while others are staying closer to home, mentioning his own trek to Missoula next fall. “But no matter the distance or direction, it doesn't matter as much as the journey you're about to take and the memories you carry with you.”

When Valedictorian Branson Zempel spoke, he reflected on how quickly their time together had passed. “It feels like yesterday we were running up and down the stairs in elementary school. Just like the stairs we've had our ups and downs over the years.”

He reminded his peers not to be discouraged by their mistakes. “Just know that your failures and successes don't truly define who you are or what you will become. Only you can decide your own future,” he said.

In his remarks, Mercer echoed that theme, warning them not to become apathetic, or believe, just because they’ve graduated from high school, that their education is over.

“Be present in real life, not just behind a screen. Ask questions. Read sometimes. Be as honest as you can be, as often as you can be. And when you don't know something, say, ‘I don't know, but I can find out,’” he advised. “Last and most importantly, listen to your parents. They've done all this before.”

At the close of the ceremony, Levi Nentwig presented a diploma to the parents of Zeven Johnson, who died Oct. 7, 2024, near the beginning of his senior year.

The students entered the gym to “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers and left to a recording of Randy Newman singing “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” – many of them following Sheumaker’s advice “to find your family, your mentors, your loved ones, and say thank you.”

    Charlo salutatorian Adam Sheumaker gives roses to his family after receiving his diploma Sunday. (Kristi Niemeyer/Leader)
  

    Liberation! The 14 graduates of Charlo High School toss mortarboards before heading into the world with fresh ideas and ambitions. (Kristi Niemeyer/Leader)
  

    Charlo graduate Emma Shaw heads off to give flowers to her family after receiving her diploma Sunday. (Kristi Niemeyer/Leader)
  

    Charlo senior class president Berrit DuMont gets a handshake and tassle-flip from trustee Jodie Buxbaum as Supt. Teresa Weems and teacher and commencement speaker Michael Mercer look on during Sunday's ceremony. (Kristi Niemeyer/Leader)