SANDPOINT — Pure camaraderie filled Forrest Bird Charter School’s graduation as the intimate class of 30 celebrated one of life’s biggest milestones.    

And when a fire alarm sounded, briefly interrupting the ceremony for several minutes, only joy was brought to graduates of Forrest Bird Charter School, who felt the interruption was a “congratulations” from late FBCS principal Eric Fulgenzi, who passed away in July 2024, and was a bit of a prankster according to his parents.  

FBCS executive director Mary Jensen welcomed graduation participants and supporters at the Sandpoint Event Center Saturday morning, honoring all those who helped shape the special 2026 class of graduates.  

“The truth is, part of who you have become is because of the people in this room, and the people who couldn’t be here today. They’ve encouraged you, challenged you, supported you, cheered for you, and occasionally wondered ‘what in the world were you thinking,’” Jensen said.  

The graduation ceremony was unique with its speakers, with the 2026 class being the deciders of who they wanted to hear from at their ceremony. This year, culinary arts teacher Molly Bond was chosen to give one last lesson — bringing energetic and heartfelt sentiments to the stage as she guided graduates down her nine life lessons.  

“Remember that part of the meaning of life is to truly feel every emotion that there is. If you're feeling scared, good,” Bond said. “Because if you've gone through loss, grief, joy, it's all good, because it's part of this wild ride called life. The more you go through and feel, the more well-rounded and empathetic you will become to others who are also on this wild ride.” 

Weaving in and out of advice centered around dreaming big, surrounding oneself with the right crowd and choosing opportunities that bring the most excitement, Bond shared her pride in watching the class mature and develop into young adults.  

Lillian Christofferson brought a sarcastic and earnest approach to her student speech, emphasizing the realness that was endured by the graduating class and all those who have yet to graduate.  

“Some people like to say that once you graduate, you go on to live in the real world, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Everything we did and experienced was real. Older people like to think it’s fake because they value their time out of high school more, because out of high school, you make more money and pay more taxes, Christofferson said. “They see the value of life from what it can offer, and not real experiences. But we cannot let anyone undermine our experiences.” 

Every anecdote she shared revolved around their real experiences growing up, shaping the way the students would approach the realities of their circumstances. 

“Don't let anyone tell you how to live or how your life should go. Never take any bull crap, and never back down. And if that's what you want to do, don't let me tell you otherwise. Don't let anyone put a limit or value on your life, whether you want to be a politician or a protester, if you want to be a cop, or if your dream is to go to jail. Use your free will exactly like you have been doing. You are real,” Christofferson said.  

Hunter Borges, Arayah Glines and Sawyer Klind blessed the room with their musical talents, showcasing their vocals through Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Landslide.’ As the students sang their version of the 1975 song, sniffles resonated throughout the room as students and parents alike realized they were soon closing up a chapter of their lives and starting afresh.  

Wrapping up the ceremony, congratulations and sentiments of the class were read by Jensen as each student sat eagerly with their classmates, awaiting the longing hold of a diploma that would mark the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. 

“While these academic achievements are certainly impressive, I have to admit that what impresses me most is the fortitude of the students sitting before me today. Many of you have spent years balancing school, work, family responsibilities, friendships, activities, illness and somehow still finding time to complete your schoolwork,” Jensen said. “To the graduates who faced adversity and refused to give up — the quiet warriors, the problem-solvers, the caregivers and the encouragers — I want you to know that your resilience inspires the people around you ... it inspires me.”   

Roars of applause, cheering and the occasional inside joke echoed throughout the Sandpoint Event Center as each student received their diploma. With their diploma, Jensen handed each graduate a white letter from the school’s bus drivers ... a monetary gift for each of the students. Though money to these students was a treat as they embarked on their new journey, it was the thoughts and sentiments behind the surprise that left most students in shock as they wrapped up their graduation ceremony.  

    Student speaker Lillian Christofferson