The Chief Cliff Singers sang and drummed the 2025 Two Eagle River High graduates into the packed gym Sunday for the first graduation of the season.

It was standing-room and sit-on-the-floor full for the 26 graduates, girls in white caps and gowns and boys in turquoise.

Principal Rodney Bird welcomed everyone, and Kootenai Elder Wayne McCoy said a prayer for the graduates.

Graduation speakers were Two Eagle staffers who lightly roasted the graduates and wished them good luck. Leandra Cutfinger and Bird awarded the diplomas as the audience applauded and took pictures.

Then came a favorite part of graduation — the slideshow with baby pictures, gangly adolescents, family photos and school memories.

Chief Cliff provided the recessional, as the graduates proceeded into their futures “on the wings of eagles,” as the program said.

Two Eagle River High School class of 2025 graduates: Jamian Adams, Landyn Massey, Justice Antoine, Devoni Miller,  Alexis Arlee, Jade Morigeau Baker, La La Sean Big Day, Caramia Never Miss A Shot, Olivia Bruggeman, Arabella Nicolai, Sean Burrafato, Trinity Olson, Azaria Courville, Payton Perry, Talayna Endfield, Lathan Pretty Weasel, Lochlyn Finley, Ignace Eneas Quequesah, Rianna Franetich, John Stevens, Joaquim Hewankorn, Layla Tenas, Haileigh Kennedy, Myranda Jo Trahan, Vincente LaRoche and Jordan Vizzera.

Graduations continue this weekend with Ronan, 7 p.m. Friday outdoors at the high school stadium; Polson, 10 a.m. Saturday, Linderman Gym; Arlee, noon at the high school; and Charlo, 3 p.m. Sunday in the high school gym. 

The final two graduations are the following Saturday, with Salish Kootenai College students at 11 a.m., followed by St. Ignatius seniors at noon.

    The Chief Cliff Singers drummed and sang at Two Eagle River High School's graduation on Sunday. (Berl Tiskus/Leader)