CLARK FORK — Clark Fork High Principal Kemink started off Wednesday's graduation ceremony by sharing a letter he had recently read from a former student that has traveled the world.

"One of the comments that was made that stuck with me is 'just because I went to a small school doesn't mean that I have less opportunity to go out into the world and do amazing things," Kemink said about the letter in his opening speech. "When I talk about how special this school is, I truly mean it ... I really do hope for the best for all of these graduates here before you tonight."

Honors cords were handed out shortly after, with eight Wampus Cats receiving honors — seven for their academic efforts and one for their graduation from an extra-curricular program. Graduate Stone Koivu was one of the first Clark Fork High students to graduate from the Avista Craft Student Worker program, which allowed him to learn a plethora of hard skills over the course of his student apprenticeship. Graduate Roxanne Ryan-Downing also received a special cord, having graduated with both high honors and an Associate degree.

Salutatorian Rebecca Heilman then gave a speech, and like Principal Kemink, encouraged her fellow classmates to explore the world with confidence.

"Let's not dwell on the feelings, but look into the future," Heilman said shortly into her speech, inspired by Dr. Suess. "With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet, you're too smart to go down any not-so-good street. This is the beauty of it, we all have our streets that we carefully choose to go down. Now it's time to take the first steps and follow it wherever it may go."

Clark Fork High Assistant Principal and Athletic Director KC MacDonald, who served as the ceremony's guest speaker, reminded all 23 graduates that no matter what street they started on or have gone down in life, the limits are endless. He proceeded to share a story about two high school dropouts — his parents — who had him at the ages of 15 and 17. They obtained their G.E.D's later in life as they realized the importance of an education.

"They may not have graduated high school, but they taught me more than a textbook ever could," MacDonald said at the beginning of his speech. "They still somehow became legendary."

MacDonald noted the values instilled in him — kindness, hard work, and helping others — something he sees in the class of 2025. He also noted that success doesn't come from shortcuts, and that knowledge is how one levels up in the world.

"So, never stop learning," MacDonald said near the end of his speech. "If it's hard, lean in. If it's scary, face it, and you'll be stronger for it. Don't just lead, do the work. Be the kind of person others want to follow. Teach, play ball, start a family, live out your dreams, but never forget, Wampus Cats always land on their feet."

Valedictorian Jamie Herrick shared an important message during the ceremony about storytelling.

"Our world, whether or not we realize it, celebrates storytelling," Herrick said to begin her speech. "Today I stand before you not just as a Valedictorian, but as a curator of stories. In the days leading up to this moment, I have asked many of my classmates to share their favorite Clark Fork High School memories and not one person has given me the same answer. Instead, I've received unique stories, each one capturing a different part of our shared experience."

After sharing a handful of stories throughout the years, Herrick reflected on her past six years at the junior/senior high school and congratulated her fellow classmates on a job well done.

"As the class of 2025, we've done it all," Herrick said. "Through it all, we made it, and today I want to celebrate our storytellers, each and every one of us. Now, we step across the stage into the next big chapter of our lives, our own chooser of our adventure novel ... no matter where life takes us, we'll carry on the memories that we've made here and the stories that we share. One day, when we return for that mythical class reunion, we'll return with even more tales to tell. Here's to the paths that we share, and to the futures we are about to write."

2025 CLARK FORK HIGH GRADUATES

* indicates honors (3.50 to 3.74 GPA)

** indicates high honors (3.75 GPA or higher)

*** indicates high honors + Associate degree

Ronald Adams III; Zyler Ballard; Lilly Barajas; Kayle Berscheid*; John Paul Dix; Cherish Drinnon; Jamison Gregozek; Rebecca Heilman**; Austin Henson; Jamie Herrick**; Stone Koivu; Garrett Konsbruck**; Samuel Lind; Kiera Maxwell; Tazeray Minic; Evrett Montgomery; Kaleb Ponder; Roxanne Ryan-Downing***; Kayla Swales; Hannah Thompson**; Tucker Verzier; Rachel Weymouth and Olivia Yetter*.

    Clark Fork High graduate and class of 2025 Valedictorian Jamie Herrick shares a smile with Principal Phil Kemink while receiving her high honors cord during Wednesday's ceremony.

    Clark Fork High graduate and class of 2025 Salutatorian Rebecca Heilman speaks during Wednesday's ceremony.
  

    Clark Fork High graduate Rachel Weymouth shares a smile after receiving her diploma during Wednesday's ceremony.

    Clark Fork High graduates Hannah Thompson, left, and Kayla Swales, right, make their way to their seats at the beginning of Wednesday's ceremony.