Phillips County Schools hold ceremonies for Class of 2022

Over the last couple of weekends, the four high schools in Phillips County including Malta, Whitewater, Dodson, and Saco, held graduation ceremonies.

Malta had the largest group of high school graduates with 34, who turned their tassels on Sunday, May 22. Dodson was the second largest group with eight high school graduates on Friday, May 20, Saco had five high school graduates on Saturday, May 21, and Whitewater had one graduate on Friday, May 13.

Malta

The floor-level seats were packed in the Malta High School Gymnasium last Sunday as 34 seniors graduated.

The event started with a welcome from Malta High School Principal Shawn Bleth. During the introduction, Mr. Bleth welcomed the friends and family of the MHS graduates and the MHS School Board, teachers, and faculty. He then greeted the Class of 2022.

"Today is your day," Mr. Bleth said. "Thank you for your contribution to our school. All of you have left your mark on the tradition of Malta High School."

During his opening speech, Mr. Bleth said that he asked several members of the Class of 2022 how they would describe their class to someone who is not familiar with it.

"One student said, diverse," Bleth read. "We have a lot of quiet people, a lot of loud people, and a lot in-between. That pretty much sums it up."

Mr. Bleth recited a couple of other funny responses which kept the crow engaged and laughing.

"Finally, one student said, 'Mr. Bleth, there are 34 of us. I don't know what to tell you," Bleth read.

Bleth's speech took a more serious note when he described the class.

"They are a group who in spite of their individuality were able to work together and become a class while staying true to themselves," Mr. Bleth said. "Thank you for your spirit, your humor, your perseverance, and thank you for being you. Congratulations! Now sit back and enjoy your graduation."

The MHS Concert Choir performed Johnathan Larson's Seasons of Love under the direction of Choir teacher and director Nancy Murdock.

After the performance, Bleth introduced MHS Co-Valedictorian Eion Estill, who gave his speech.

Estill, who plans to become a Family Nurse Practitioner, was asked by Bleth prior to graduation of what steered him into the career path that Estill has chosen.

"I blame my parents," Bleth read. "I saw them working as EMTs so I know the importance of EMTs and nurses in small towns."

Greeted by applause, Estill promised the crowd that his speech would be short.

"... For me, these four years have gone by very quickly, and I feel like I have learned a lot," Estill said. "Not just in math, science, English, and history, but a lot more."

He said that he learned leadership and that leadership skills are something that will help his classmates no matter what path they chose.

He said that he was lucky enough to be a part of Boy Scouts and football, which helped him see good leadership.

He said he saw leadership traits in coaches, upperclassmen and teachers.

"Think back to your freshman year," Estill said. "Was there an upperclassman who made a significant impact in your high school experience?

"Who talked to you? Helped You? Motivated you? Even though you were new...," he continued.

He challenged his classmates and those in the crowd to become that type of person for someone else.

He then pointed to one of his favorite quotes, a quote that he never knew the author of, until he had to write his speech.

"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel," Estill said. " By the way, the author (of the quote) is Maya Angelou. Thank you, Google."

He then thanked the teachers, administrators, custodians, substitute teachers, and volunteers of Malta High School for keeping the school going and making the students' achievements possible.

After Estill's speech, Mr. Bleth introduced Co-Valedictorian Connor Tuss, who will continue his athletic career at Dawson Community Community while studying to become a Chiropractor.

Tuss was asked by Bleth prior to the ceremony why he chose the career path that he did.

"He said, I wanted to do something in medicine, but I can't do needles," Mr. Bleth read. "I want to help people."

Tuss started his speech by thanking Mr. Bleth, his family and friends, students, teachers and the Malta High School Board of Trustees.

"Today, we reach a milestone that we have been eyeing for years," Tuss said. "We have known that we are the Class of 2022 since Kindergarten."

He put his arms up and asked the crowd if they knew that the length he was displaying was four feet.

He said that he measured from the podium to the doors and when he stood was 80 feet. He then said that the four feet represent four years of high school.

"The four years that we wore braces and had acne. The time that we performed in a concert, played on Mustang Field, and practiced for that championship game...," Tuss said.

He said that some of his classmates ran the high school government, some excelled in theatre, and gave several examples of the things that he and his classmates achieved.

"Any way that you look at these past four years; it was right here," Tuss said with his arms raised again.

He said that they couldn't have gone through four years at MHS without the support of their parents and family. He urged his classmates to thank those that helped them.

"These are four years that I want you to remember and look back at fondly," Tuss said.

He challenged his classmates to take what they learned at MHS and look forward.

"There are so many feet ahead of you. Many years to make a difference and grow," Tuss said. "Whatever your plan is when you leave with your diploma, take these four feet and make a difference."

He congratulated his classmates and wished them the best of luck in their future.

After Tuss' speech, the Malta High School Concert Band performed Celebration under the direction of band teacher and director Erik Engebretson.

After the performance, the Class of 2022 was handed their diplomas and were presented to the crowd by teachers reading their senior salutes.

The graduates then gave out their flowers to loved ones.

Mr. Bleth then gave his closing remarks which included acknowledgment for educators in the Malta School district that are retiring after this school year.

Those honored included Mrs. Nancy Murdock, who is retiring after 36 years in education, four of which were spent recently at Malta Public Schools.

Lori Carney who had taught at Malta Elementary School for 33 years, was also honored.

The school also honored Bob McAuley who has driven Malta Public Schools buses for 46 years.

"A sincere and heartfelt thank you to each of these dedicated individuals who gave so much of their time and energy to our students and our schools," Mr. Bleth said.

Saco

Tassels were flipped from right to left on Saturday, May 21, in the Saco gym at 1:00 p.m. to signify the end of the high school careers of four lifelong friends.

Dylan Brown, Jaycee Erickson, Daeson Salveson, and Beau Sudbrack have been classmates since kindergarten. And they made it all the way through, together.

After the processional to Pomp & Circumstance, Saco Superintendent Tanya Funk welcomed everyone to the day's ceremony.

She then addressed each member of the class of 2022. Remembering them from when she taught them in Jr. High. She brought up memories of how each one fit into the class and the roles that they played then, and how they would transfer to their next steps into the world.

Mrs. Funk then presented the Salutatorian Award to Daeson Salveson. He achieved a GPA of 3.81 throughout his high school career.

Daeson thanked everyone for being in attendance, saying, "You have all had a profound impact on the development of the students that will be graduating today, and I feel it safe to say that I speak on behalf of the whole class of 2022, in thanking you for all of your efforts that you have invested in us to this day."

Daeson went on to acknowledge the significant achievement that he and his classmates have made. "Having worked for thirteen years just for this moment, it is hard to ignore the determination, perseverance, patience, hard work, and sacrifice that embodies itself in the attitudes of every graduate. I have no doubt that everyone on this stage today will find a way to succeed in their life, and I encourage all of you to pursue what is most dear to you."

"Throughout my years in high school, not only have I gained knowledge of the subjects that I have studied, but I also have learned many other lessons as well. At times, I know some of you questioned the need to attend class, but gaining intelligence is not the only purpose of it. The school has helped to build priceless social skills, as well as instilled a value to succeed," Salveson said. "I encourage you, class of 2022, to not only follow the opportunities available to you but to follow your heart and pursue a cause of particular importance to you. Instead of following the path of past generations and graduating classes, I challenge you to forge your own path."

Mrs. Funk then handed out the eighth-grade certificates to the class of 2026. Abbigail Killman, and Ireland Mears. The Eighth Grade Award for the highest GPA going to Ireland Mears.

Mrs. Funk next gave out the Valedictorian Award to Jaycee Erickson. She achieved a 4.00 throughout high school while being active in all sports.

Jaycee thanked everyone for coming to celebrate the end of a significant chapter in her and her classmates' lives. She said she would try to make her speech short and sweet because her dad informed her that people don't enjoy long speeches.

She went on to say that she had written a few letters that she would like to read that would help encapsulate her high school experience while also providing some insight for the underclassmen in the building today.

Her first letter was to her teachers.

"Yes it is true that you are the ones who have put knowledge into our brains and have aided in the advancement of our character," she said. "However, you have been more than just mentors to us, you have been examples of the people we will be someday and you have been by our side since the day we stepped into the school. I thank you all so much for the support you have given me through the years."

She then addressed her coaches saying, "I am so grateful that I had you throughout my high school career. Thank you for pushing me past my limits, allowing me to reach many goals, teaching me valuable lessons that will stick with me forever, and for giving me a second family. Coaches, you have been blessings in my life and have made me not only a better athlete but a better person as well."

To her classmates, she said, "We have literally been together since kindergarten and boy has it been quite the trip."

She went on to thank each one personally, with a memory or two that would stay with her of each one. Ending with, "You guys have been like brothers I've never had, so thank you for the unforgettable years and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors."

She thanked each member of her family next. "Mom, you have been my teacher, coach, and mother all in one. You have pushed me to always stay true to myself, but most importantly, you have been the person I aspire to be."

She thanked her dad for being her rock and the person she can always run to because she knows he will always be there.

She then addressed her sisters and thanked them for being there for her and told them not to fight too much.

Finally, she addressed her future self, saying, "I wish you the best of luck. It will be hard at times because life is a roller coaster of emotions, but remember to always stay true to yourself and never give up. Your friends and family are there for you, so you can look to them for guidance when needed, but you are growing up and must figure things out on your own."

Mrs. Funk then recognized the members of the class of 1972, celebrating their 50th reunion. Members are Rebecca Broadbrooks Kolstad, Katherine Brookie Boldt, Anita Caves Freeman, *John Eklund, Joyce Eklund Erickson, Donna McNamara, Gary Mavencamp, Christine Marshall Nelson, Robert Plouffe, *Craig Robinson, Paul Siewing, Darrell Strain, *Phillip Sudbrack, Gary Taylor, Robert Thompson, Daryl Wayne Makes Cold Weather, and Debora Yeska Porter. (*Deceased)

Jaycee Erickson then gave the introduction to the guest speaker, Justinn Marshall Lahaye, a graduate and Valedictorian of Saco in 2010.

Jaycee said, "One nice thing about being raised in a small town is having people to look up to. Justinn is one of those people. She graduated from the University of Montana Western in 2015 with a bachelor's degree in Biology and Health and Human Performance. She then graduated from Medical School at the University of Washington School of Medicine in 2019. She will finish her emergency medicine residency at the University of Utah in June of this year, after which she will then start her critical care fellowship at the University of Nebraska in July of this year and will finish in 2024. Her future plans are to work in an ICU and an emergency department, possibly somewhere in Montana. Miss Justinn Marshall Lahaye."

Justinn used her funny, yet life teaching experiences in the medical field to convey some sound advice to the graduates.

Tip number one. Never trust a fart. She told of a coworker of hers that had a very serious meeting to attend with the family of a patient that had died. He was also on a fasting diet and his digestive system was a mess. Right before the meeting, he trusted a fart he should not have. No extra pants or scrubs, he quickly went into the bathroom, ditched his undies, scrubbed his khakis in the sink and wrapped a sweater around his waist, and went to the meeting.

Her moral for this story was that "Life is going to throw you some situations that you will not be prepared for, you may not always have a readily available backup plan or pair of pants. My advice to you is to take everything in stride and adapt to the situation with a good attitude like my coworker."

There were many other funny stories to go with the morals, but too lengthy to tell all of them here. The tips and morals went as follows and you can imagine some of the stories.

Number two, Fake it till you make it. Sometimes you have to act the part. Be confident, envision the person you want to be, and go for it.

Number three, Don't put things where they don't belong.

Sometimes things in your life won't fit. Maybe your major or your friend. You will frequently have to reassess your life and decide what should stay and what should go. Do not be afraid to change directions if something doesn't seem to fit.

Number four, Have fun and always wear pants. Enjoy every moment of your life, but always wear pants.

And number five, work hard. Strive to always be the hardest worker in the room.

Justinn then congratulated the graduates and wished them well on the start of their new journeys.

The 2022 Senior slide show was next followed by the Flower Ceremony.

Scholarships were handed out by Mrs. Amber Erickson.

And finally, the diplomas were handed out by Mrs. Funk and Donni Linn, School Board Chairman.

Mrs. Funk, in closing congratulated the graduates and thanked everyone for coming.

Class Quote: "Our lives are before us, our pasts are behind us, our memories are forever within us."

Dodson

A beautiful ceremony was held on Friday, May 20 in the Dodson gymnasium to honor the eight graduating seniors.

To start things off, Dodson Superintendent Gary Weitz introduced the kindergarten class graduating into elementary school. The three kids, Amari Ereaux, Piercyn FirstRaised, and Payton KillEagle all looked the part dressed in their cap and gown. The class of 2034 is moving up the ladder of education.

Mr. Weitz also took the time to thank their teacher, Mrs. Weitz, as she is retiring at the end of the school year.

Mr. Weitz then introduced the Dodson senior class of 2022 as they walked up to the stage escorted by their parents, brothers, and sisters.

The members of the class of 2022 are Serena Chandler, Kelly Fox, Cash KillEagle, Treyten Stiffarm, Ithay Heck, Koda IronBear, Kadin Racine, and Dwight Werk.

Mr. Weitz then thanked everyone for coming and supporting these eight outstanding students as they finish their education at Dodson and move on to the next step in their journey.

Supt. Weitz introduced the guest speaker for the night.

"This is the end of my seventh year as Dodson Superintendent. Every single time over those seven years that I have had interaction with Dr. Sean Chandler, whether it be on professional matters, or matters assisting his role as a father of his child attending our school, I have found him to be nothing less than a first-class individual. I know that all of you who have had the pleasure of interacting and working with Dr. Chandler would echo that statement.

His contributions to education, his contributions to higher education, to families and children locally have been, and are nothing short of excellence.

Dr. Chandler has a daughter graduating today. He is a proud parent today. Congratulations to you and your family at this joyous and celebratory time. With great respect, I hand over the podium to Dr. Sean Chandler, our keynote speaker."

Dr. Chandler, the President of the Aaniiih Nakoda College in Fort Belknap thanked Mr. Weitz for the wonderful introduction. He thanked the class of 2022 for asking him to speak and said he was a little nervous because it was his first graduation speech.

"I hope I can say a few words for strength and encouragement. Or maybe you will be like me, I can't remember my speaker way back when I graduated, way back in the 1900s. 1989 to be exact. But a week before my graduation, I went to Hays, MT to see my cousin graduate. I remember that speaker. I remember sitting in the crowd thinking, man I hope I never have to do that!"

Dr. Chandler then went on to tell the class and the audience a story about his great-grandfather.

"As you know, our indigenous people have been held back a few steps in America from the beginning of European contact we've been labeled as uncivilized, sub-human, savage, human but savage, and other different terms. They never knew quite who we were, but we knew who we were. Those labels cost long-lasting damage to us, our relationship with other people, and specifically ourselves. For us, much of this damage to our self-worth happened in the late 1800s. In my time, my great-grandfather was the first to go through that process of indoctrination and dehumanization in U.S. boarding schools. I can only imagine the mental, physical, and spiritual abuse that they all had to endure. My great-grandfather survived somehow to influence his grandson, my father who is here in the crowd tonight. When my father was nine, he himself had to go to boarding school in Pierre, SD. They loaded up all of the children into the back of an army truck. But before my dad was loaded on that truck, his grandpa lectured him and said, learn English, get good grades, and be prosperous and generous. After he graduated from the boarding schools, he went back to Hays, MT. There he decided to join the Air Force. And again, when he left for the service, his grandpa said, whatever you do in life, be prosperous and generous. My dad would make good on living up to those instructions to eventually find a career with the Xerox Corp. for 25 years while practicing at home our indigenous lifeways, our spirituality, and other things. He would help others through all of that. I've always been intrigued by that story since I was a boy about being prosperous and generous."

Dr. Chandler then told of the trail he walked to get to where he was in life. Wanting to be an artist, and being told it was not a good path. So he chose the path that others wanted him to take. He could do the work, but he did poorly in the classes. He liked it, he didn't love it. So he decided to do what he wanted to do. Once he took control of his own destiny, he started to get good grades and finished his bachelor's degree in art. He still heard his great grandfather's lesson in the back of his head to be prosperous and generous. So he went back and got his master's degree and shortly after started working at the Aaniiih Nakoda College. He would help build up their American indigenous studies degree.

"I wanted to promote the study of indigenous lifeways to all people, but specifically our own. Our history, our culture, and language."

He closed talking directly to the class of 2022.

"No matter what direction you choose. Be a balanced person and define yourself. We all await the great things that you all will do. And we'll be happy for you. You will make mistakes, we all do. And that's alright. When you make them, you learn from them. But in the end, you will find success. Lastly, I will leave you with the words of my great grandfather, my father, and a little bit of myself. Make something of yourself. Be yourself. And most importantly, be prosperous and be generous. Thank you."

Mr. Weitz then introduced the Salutatorian, Treyten Stiffarm.

"Good evening faculty, friends, family, and fellow graduates. Thank you all for coming to celebrate with us," said Stiffarm.

"Well, we did it! We have all accomplished one of the early major milestones of our lives. This is a major step in our life's journey. One that should be recognized for its significance. It is an act not only of personal commitment, but also one of pride. We all worked hard to get to this day. Our high school diploma is a wonderful tool in this world. One that opens many doors of opportunities for anyone who is lucky enough to have achieved one. We must recognize that graduation is not an end goal in itself. It is instead the beginning of our journey in life. Wherever your future takes you, let it take you somewhere. This accomplishment should be a launching point projecting us to wherever our futures are meant to take us. Whether it be in a career right out of high school, taking up a trade, or continuing our education, just know that this is the beginning of our bright futures. As our class motto says, you don't have to see the whole staircase, just take that first step. Well, my fellow classmates, we're ready to do just that. Let's go take that first step, and then keep climbing. Thank you."

Next Mr. Weitz introduced the class Valedictorian, Serena Chandler.

Serena started her speech off by speaking in her indigenous language, then repeating it in English. She introduced herself, and her family. She then thanked the Dodson School, saying that it was an honor to be named Valedictorian. She also thanked the White Clay Immersion School for teaching her to go above and beyond in the work that she puts in.

"Being here at Dodson High School, I believe I was really able to make lifelong friends and I have learned a lot about myself and the world around me," said Serena. "I realize who I want to be. Connecting to who you are as an Indian person I believe is the true way to find yourself. It is the way to find calmness in the flow. I believe that if we are exposed to who we truly are and if we care, that with pride, we will make it. And I believe when we are old, if we can look back and say we did everything we could to try to remember our language and culture, then we will really have made it in life. I want to thank my classmates for getting me here to this celebration and to be encouraging in figuring things out. Pave the way for others to follow. You never know who you will connect to in the end."

The speech was followed by the handing out of scholarships.

Then Mr. Weitz recognized the incoming freshman class next year. The class of 2026 received their Eighth-grade certificates.

They are Kylee Ball, Jazlyn Flansburg, Alexis IronBear, Frank Cole, Christopher Jaynes, Lance Snow, and Lilyian TurnsPlenty.

There was a rose ceremony followed by a slideshow presentation.

Then the class of 2022 got what they worked hard for, their diplomas, handed out by Mr. Weitz and a member of the school board.

Class Motto: "You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step." – Martin Luther King.

Whitewater

Whitewater's 2022 Graduation Ceremony was held in the Whitewater Gymnasium on Friday, May 13.

There, the school honored Class of 2022 student Hannah Hanley as well as four Class of 2026 students; eighth-graders Kennedy Simonson, Sommer Green, Austin Hanley, and Tyler Scheffelmear.

The event was led by Whitewater School's Superintendent Darin Cummings who welcomed all in attendance.

The school's lone graduate Hannah Hanley was also the school's valedictorian. Hanley was introduced to the crowd to give her speech.

Hanley will be attending the University of Montana Western in Dillon and will work for a degree in early childhood development to become a teacher.

Hanley started by welcoming everyone in attendance including Whitewater's teachers, her parents, family, friends, the school staff, coaches, and advisors.

"I extremely appreciate all of your support, love, help, guidance, advice, and friendliness over the past years," Hanley said. "There is something special about living in a small community. Everyone knows each other, supports each other, and looks out for one another. That is something that I cherish and appreciate."

She said that everyone in the school and the community played an important role to develop her into who she is today.

She then shared a story of when she moved to Whitewater in the fifth grade.

"It was my first time eating lunch at the cafeteria," Hanley said. "I sat my tray down to get milk, I picked up my tray and the milk tray and carried it over to the lunch table and then Kelsee Cummings told me 'you don't need that tray, it's for the milk machine."

She mentioned her first classmate Ben Anderson, who moved to Glasgow in the seventh grade.

"He was the funniest and goofiest classmate ever. He was the class clown," Hanley said. "I miss Ben and wish he was here."

She then mentioned Kyle Johannessen, who was her classmate during her freshman year.

"He was very shy and quiet," she said. "I still miss his personality. We didn't exchange many words but we gave each other many looks."

During her junior year, Ethan Newbern was her classmate.

"He was the most polite, nice, and best all-around classmate that I have ever met," Hanley said. "He was a very talkative person and a social butterfly. We had many great conversations and he came at the right moment in my life."

She also mentioned her final classmate, who was a foreign exchange student that moved back home due to homesickness.

She then addressed the underclassmen.

"Stay in school and don't give up," Hanley said. "When you want to quit, push yourself harder. Study frequently. Respect and listen to your teachers. Always search for improvement. Strive for excellence. Don't give up until you are completely satisfied. Keep persevering. You have got this."

Hanley then started thanking every teacher that she has had at the school.

She then thanked all in attendance for their support for her and the class of 2026.

Supt. Cummings then called Heidi Cummings to the stage to announce Hanley's scholarships.

After the Scholarship announcements, Hanley welcomed the night's speaker, Chad Wisher, Pastor at Whitewater Independent Baptist Church.

Wisher expressed thanks to everyone in attendance for not only coming to the event but for the support that the town had shown to him and his family.

In opening, he warned the crowd of a few things that may accidentally happen during his speech.

"I've been preaching for 20 years, so if I say, amen, I don't mean to," Wisher said. "If I say open your bibles... If I say, let's take an offering, throw something at me."

He turned to the graduating classes and started with a quote.

"Success is a by-product of persisting in the face of failure," Wisher said.

He said that their goals might be high at first, and that they may stumble.

"But if you keep persevering and pushing yourself, you can achieve success," Wisher said.

Throughout his speech, Wisher gave examples of famous people that struggled before ultimately finding success.

The first was a struggling actor, who found it hard to make ends meet. He sold his favorite dog for money and lived homeless at one point.

"He took his storyline to a group of producers and screenwriters, and they said, you know what, I think you have something here," Wisher said.

That actor was Sylvester Stallone and the script was for the first Rocky movie.

"This is what he has to say about success," Wisher said. "Success is usually the culmination of controlling failures."

Another example he used was Steven Spielberg, who failed out of three different film schools.

"He kept going because he knew deep down that he could be successful if he put his material in front of the right people," Wisher said.

Wisher gave a few keys to success. 1. Keep your life simple. 2. Social Network (not Facebook. Interact one-on-one with people). 3. Be honest. 4. Don't disconnect. Keep communication open with your family.

After Wisher's speech, Hannah Hanley had her flower ceremony to tunes sang by Samantha Wisher. She performed Over the Rainbow, made famous by Judy Garland in the Wizard of Oz and Whitney Houston's One Moment in Time.

After the ceremony both classes received their diplomas.