Polson seniors marched in from all corners of Linderman Gym Saturday and took their seats. The “National Anthem” and an honor song by the Badger Tail Drum set the tone for commencement.

The event was emceed by seniors Josie Henriksen and Ruger Ellis. Student Council president David DiGiallonardo delivered the senior speech.

“Sometimes courage is simply showing up,” DiGiallanardo said. “We’ve all had challenges, setbacks, and losses during our high school years.”

Encouraging classmates to set new goals, take risks and reach personal goals, DiGiallonardo said, “Life is learning to handle the waves, to be resilient enough to adapt to the waves” and advised, “As we all head forward, brave the waves.”

Keeping their remarks short and geared to their classmates, co-valedictorians Ruger Ellis, Cody Haggard, Parker Hendrickson, and Brody Kline each took turns at the microphone.

Quoting John Lennon’s “Beautiful Boy” song, Ellis said, “Life is what happens while you make other plans.”

In high school, students spent too much time worrying about senior projects, grade point averages, and fitting in, he said.

“We doubted ourselves, but I helped lead our boys soccer team to its first state championship,” Ellis said.

“This room is full of resilience; life is everything but a plan,” he added.

Haggard skipped the analogies and gave some succinct tips for life. “Life is too short to be worrying about anything that is not important to you,” he told classmates. “Try new things. Put joy into someone’s life. Live life, interact with people not technology” and ultimately, “create a good life.”

“Remember,” Haggard said, “We’re here for a good time not a long time.”

Kline reminded his classmates they had spent two-thirds of their lives so far in school.

He quoted Forrest Gump, “Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re gonna get.” It emphasized his point that “anything could happen at any time.”

He thanked all the parents and guardians, especially his mom who raised five kids and had a career.

It’s time to shed the training wheels, Kline concluded. “It’s time to ride our bikes.

Hendrickson talked about last things, the last time your parents drove you to school, your last practice, the last dance.

“We’re so focused on what’s next,” he said. “But what feels ordinary now will be the stories we tell our kids and grandkids – the classes we took and the people we knew.”

He urged the Class of 2026 to “appreciate the moments we are living in. They will turn into the ‘good old days.’”

Haggard and Hendrickson announced the principal’s awards. With a graduating class of 105 students, there were lots, including National Honor Society members, fine arts distinction, fluency in two languages, education distinction, humanities, STEM awards, Native American students, career and technical education, advanced placement distinction (those who took four AP classes), health dedication and health advancements.

Then it was on to presentation of diplomas — the highlight of the event. School board chair Chanel Lake, PHS Principal Betsy Wade and Assistant Principal Jay Sampson handed each student his or her diploma, along with a “compassionate coin” to give to someone who guided, helped or supported them through their high school career.

Soccer star and all-around athlete Truman Sawyer took the stage and asked seniors to move their tassels from right to left, then Superintendent Andy Fors officially accepted the class of 2026.

Gold confetti filled the air, as did several mortarboards, and whoops and hollers rang in the gym as the PHS class of 2026 began a new chapter in their lives.

    PHS senior Mackinzi Bartel grins as she accepts her diploma from principal Betsy Wade during last Saturday's ceremony at Linderman Gym. (Berl Tiskus/Leader)

 A shower of gold confetti falls on the Polson High Class of 2026 after they receive their diplomas. (Berl Tiskus/Leader)