CLARK FORK — Clark Fork tends to be a community that sticks in one's mind throughout their lifetime — no matter how close or far away you are from it.

1966 graduate George Thornton expressed that sentiment perfectly as 18 graduates crossed the stage Wednesday night during Clark Fork High's graduation ceremony, which took place under a cloudy sky at its usual spot on the high school track.

Thornton, who coached basketball for many years and was a part of the Wampus Cats' baseball team in '65 and '66 — the only two years the program existed — said despite all of his professional and sports ventures around the state, Clark Fork was always the place he'd call home. 

"No matter where life took me, this community was always home," Thornton said, also mentioning he visited town at least once a month no matter where he was at in life. "50 years ago, when the Teton Dam broke, I worked 12 to 14 hours a day for over a month, and that was the only time I missed the Fourth of July celebration."

Thornton said it was his coaching career, however, that helped him form a philosophy for not just sports, but for life.

"Coach a system that fits your kids, don't make your kids fit a system," Thornton said. "Every person has different strengths and a different way of contributing success. Success comes when people are allowed to grow into who they are instead of trying to be somebody else. That lesson applies to all of you graduating tonight."

Thornton then shared an anecdote about graduate Payton Stevens' success on the basketball court.

"Confidence grows when consistency and preparation meet," Thornton continued after describing Stevens' loyalty and commitment to his craft. "That's true in basketball and in life. When you find something you're good at, that gives you purpose, build on it, expand your skills, take chances, grow, but never abandon the foundation that gives you confidence and direction. Sometimes those who make the biggest impact are those who show up, work hard, support others, and know how to do their job well. Clark Fork has always been a place that's full of those people."

The theme of confidence and individual growth resonated throughout the student speeches as well. Earlier in the ceremony, salutatorian Priscilla Mayorga encouraged her fellow classmates to focus on the journey ahead rather than the destination. 

"Growing rarely happens when we stay comfortable — some of the most meaningful parts of our lives come from the moments where we take risks," Mayorga noted. "As we prepare to go our separate ways in life, the connections and countless memories we made here will always be with us ... chase the things that excite you and never settle for the bare minimum. Always trust yourself and the path you have chosen because nobody knows you better than yourself."

Valedictorian Olivya Caldwell-Vineyard reiterated the importance of stepping outside one's comfort zone as she reminisced on a tight-knit group that was formed during the school year. That group, the Puzzle Club, served as an outlet for students to decompress from class. The club finished a total of 26 puzzles during the school year in honor of the class of 2026.

"We did a lot more than build puzzles; we were friends," Caldwell-Vineyard said during her speech. "Throughout this year, we became very close, and I felt as if I genuinely got to know these people."

Caldwell-Vineyard also noted how she wasn't as close with other members of the class, but learned a lesson in that.

"You don't need to be best friends with someone or hang out every day to have a good time," Caldwell-Vineyard continued. "In our lives, we will meet a lot of people and try new things, and I encourage everyone to be open to these new experiences ... whatever you do, do it with confidence, and do what's right for you."

2026 CLARK FORK HIGH GRADUATES

* indicates honors (3.50 to 3.74 GPA)

** indicates high honors (3.75 GPA or higher)

Azlyn Anderson; Broady Bennett; Olivya Caldwell-Vineyard**; Westin Caven**; Solomon Holderman; Owen Howard**; Emmitt Johnson; Aurora Lane**; Zion Lord; Priscilla Mayorga; Aubrey McNaughton; Colton Miller; Jesse Raynor; Trent Roberts**; Piper Scarlett*; Payton Stevens; Haylie Swales; Josey Wallace.

    Clark Fork High graduate Jesse Raynor makes his way onto the track during the beginning of Wednesday night's graduation ceremony.

    Clark Fork High valedictorian Olivya Caldwell-Vineyard receives her valedictorian medal from Clark Fork High principal Phil Kemink.

    Clark Fork High graduate Solomon Holderman shares a smile with Clark Fork High administration members and Lake Pend Oreille School District board members after receiving a loud set of cheers as he received his diploma on Wednesday night.