Libby, Troy celebrates its 2026 high school graduates
The Western News | The Western News | UPDATED 3 hours, 12 minutes AGO
Libby's trio of valedictorians and its salutatorian took part in the Class of 2026 graduation festivities Sunday, May 31, at the Libby Middle High School. From left, are valedictorians Tristan Andersen, Ashlenn James, Teague Thompson, and salutatorian Ashley Cockerham. Thompson was also the Senior Class President while Cockerham was the Student Body President. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
Libby High School Class of 1990 graduate Ryan Nourse was the commencement speaker while Superintendent Ron Goodman and Principal Scott Beagle listen during Class of 2026 graduation ceremonies Sunday, May 31, 2026, in Ralph Tate Gymnasium. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
Troy High School Class of 2026 graduates toss their caps during graduation ceremonies Sunday, May 31, 2026, in Ralph Tate Gymnasium. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
Libby High School Class of 2026 graduation attendees photograph members of the class during the processional Sunday, May 31, 2026, in Ralph Tate Gymnasium. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
Troy High School Class of 2026 graduates celebrate with each other while loved ones and friends applaud during graduation ceremonies Sunday, May 31, 2026, in Ralph Tate Gymnasium. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
Libby High School Concert Choir Director Cara Lewis leads her performers in an arrangement of "Angels Among Us," during Class of 2026 graduation ceremonies in Ralph Tate Gymnasium. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
Libby and Troy celebrated its respective classes of 2026 during separate high school graduation ceremonies Sunday, May 31.
Inclement weather forced Troy to move its graduation to the Troy Activity Center. Libby held its traditional ceremony in the middle high school.
Libby saw three seniors achieve Valedictorian honors, including Tristan Andersen, Ashlenn James and Teague Thompson. Troy's Valedictorian was Jaylee Meyers.
Libby's class Salutatorian was Ashley Cockerham while Trevor Guinard earned the distinction at Troy.
They all spoke at their respective ceremonies.
Libby's Middle High School band, led by director Patrick Lewis, and the high school concert choir, directed by Cara Lewis, each performed.
Libby's commencement speaker was Ryan Nourse, a Class of 1990 graduate, who has been the head football coach at Montana Western in Dillon. He completed his 12th season as head coach at Montana Western in 2025 and has a 71-48 all-time record. He is the winningest coach in UMW history and has the second longest tenure.
Libby Superintendent Ron Goodman and Principal Scott Beagle presented the graduates while Board of Trustees' Alida Snow presented the diplomas.
At Troy, Milo Rogers was the guest speaker and he delivered a heart-felt recollection about many of the students he's helped educate during the last several years.
Principal Tisee Lewis and school board Trustee Eric Storkson presented the diplomas while graduate Shelby Cole offered the benediction.
Troy High School Principal Tisee Lewis congratulates Class of 2026 Valedictorian Jaylee Meyers during graduation ceremonies Sunday, May 31, at the Troy Activity Center. (Courtesy photo)
Libby High School Class of 1990 graduate Ryan Nourse was the commencement speaker while Superintendent Ron Goodman and Principal Scott Beagle listen during Class of 2026 graduation ceremonies Sunday, May 31, 2026, in Ralph Tate Gymnasium. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
Troy High School Class of 2026 graduates toss their caps during graduation ceremonies Sunday, May 31, 2026, in Ralph Tate Gymnasium. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
Libby High School Class of 2026 graduation attendees photograph members of the class during the processional Sunday, May 31, 2026, in Ralph Tate Gymnasium. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
Troy High School Class of 2026 graduates celebrate with each other while loved ones and friends applaud during graduation ceremonies Sunday, May 31, 2026, in Ralph Tate Gymnasium. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
Libby High School Concert Choir Director Cara Lewis leads her performers in an arrangement of "Angels Among Us," during Class of 2026 graduation ceremonies in Ralph Tate Gymnasium. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)