SANDPOINT — While graduations are a time of divergence, with each student setting off on their next journey, that wasn’t the focus for the 246 graduates in Sandpoint High School’s class of 2026. 

As the sunset on War Memorial Field and the sound of cheers and airhorns echoed across Lake Pend Oreille, the student speakers spoke of gratitude, the importance of connectivity and being there for each other.  

Senior Logan McGrann focused on his speech, which opened the event, reminding his fellow classmates that although high school features many second chances, those don’t last forever. 

"Keep showing up for each other, keep moving forward when life gets hard and don't take the people around you for granted,” McGrann said. “Because success was never about getting it right the first time. It's about having the courage to keep going and the gratitude to appreciate the people who walk beside you every step of the way.” 

Like McGrann, 2026 class president Lily Bopp reinforced the message of being thankful for their time at SHS. From painting their parking spots to seeing their favorite teachers every day, Bopp and McGrann said they knew that their time in high school would be moments they carry with them for the rest of their lives. 

Bopp said her senior year taught her to embrace the motto “everything happens for a reason” and found peace in a new mindset. 

“Although I don't know what each one of you has experienced, I do know this: everything you experience, whether good or bad, serves a purpose in your life,” Bopp said. “Though there are times when it's hard to understand why things happen the way they do, there is something to take away from it.” 

Fulfilling a dream of hers, Hope Barnes served as the class's valedictorian, but instead of imparting words of wisdom, the graduating senior took a different approach. Rather, Barnes left her class with three wishes: one of curiosity, one of anger and one of nostalgia. 

Barnes said she hopes her classmates continue to be curious, so they never find their lives dull. The wish of anger was not of hate, Barnes said, but rather a wish of passion that guides lives to take a stand. Finally, like her classmates before her, Barnes reminded her fellow students to remember this time in their lives and never let it go. 

“Whatever it is, I hope you hold those details of your memory close to your heart, because at the end of our lives, memory is all we have left,” Barnes said. “As my old friend Winnie the Pooh once said, ‘How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.’” 

The theme of connectivity and appreciation was interwoven throughout the celebration, though solemness lay beneath it. Every student speaker took time to honor their classmate McCoy “Coy” Jensen, who was killed in a car accident two weeks ago. 

Salutatorian Nathan Duke said Jensen was his best friend and recalled how grateful he was for the time that he got to spend with him, even though it wasn’t as much time as he thought they’d have together. 

Duke said he saw how the tragedy brought the senior class closer together and how he was amazed to see the support they have given to Jensen’s family.  

"He was the kind of person who radiated so much life and light, and I got to witness that firsthand,” Duke said of Jensen. “I'm grateful for the increase in unity among the senior class these past two weeks. Losing him, as sad as it was, has brought all of us closer together.” 

Bopp ended her speech by asking the graduating class to continue their togetherness and not allow their future paths to separate them. 

“Remember, let us not be strangers to each other after today,” Bopp said. Together we are stronger, and we are a community. Thank you all for being here, and for our classmate who isn't here with us today, you are forever in our hearts.” 

Jensen’s name was the first one read, and a diploma with high honors was given to Jensen’s family before any student walked across the stage. Duke said in his speech that the tragedy taught him the fragility of life and encouraged his classmates to continue with that in mind. 

"None of us knows what is going to happen or how much time we have; because of that, we need to be intentional with how we spend our lives,” Duke said. “Spend time with the people you love, be present, make memories, tell people what they mean to you. Don't assume there will always be another opportunity tomorrow.” 

    A Sandpoint High School senior tosses his cap into the air after the class of 2026 heard the War Memorial Field victory bell ring one last time.
  

    A graduating senior from Sandpoint High School walks the stage and shakes hands with the Lake Pend Oreille School District's Board of Trustees.
  

    Family of McCoy Jensen hugs Sandpoint High School Athletic Director TJ Cleary after being given Jensen's diploma.
  

    Sandpoint High School seniors waiting to enter War Memorial Field pose for a quick photo.
  

    Sandpoint High School seniors pose for a photo before their graduation at War Memorial Field.