CFHS Graduation sends 23 off to college
Students and the administration laugh as stories and memories are shared during CFHS '22 graduation.
(photo by BEAUX WHITE EAGLE)
CLARK FORK — The community gathered to celebrate Clark Fork High School’s graduates, sending them into the future with advice, laughter and best wishes.
With less than 25 students graduating, the CFHS football still turned into a standing room only, as family members and the community came together to send off the Class of 2022.
CFHS principal Phil Kemink started the ceremony with praise for the graduating class. First commending them for the number of college credits cumulatively earned, a whopping 112 in total, he then announced that each graduate had earned at least one scholarship for further education before speaking of how they would be missed.
After his address, the principal gave valedictorian Katelyn Matteson and salutatorian Samuel Barnett, their honor cords before also handing over the stage to allow both students to speak to the entire class as a whole one last time.
The valedictorian went first, speaking fondly of her time at CFHS, giving a heart-felt speech full of memories and pride for her peers.
“It’s been the best journey watching all of us overcome challenges,” Matteson said. “High school passes in the blink of an eye”
Before congratulating her class, Matteson spoke of some advice that was given to her and how much it meant. Matteson said the advice stuck with her and she hoped her peers would take it with them when they left the football field.
“Life is too short to waste even one second doing something you don’t want to do,” Matteson said.
Next, the salutatorian expressed how this season of life meant nothing but hope for him, Barnett spoke of the hope for his classmates, society, and so much more.
“My message is all about hope,” Barnett said, “I hope the wampus cat is real, I hope society learns to tolerate others and their differences, I hope CFHS remains the best-kept secret” Barnett
Barnett left the audience with a laugh as recounted a scene from the movie, “Step Brothers” then passed the stage back to Kemink to introduce the student chosen speaker, physical education teacher Brian Arthun. Bringing a sense of laughter to the ceremony Arthun began with comedy.
“One of squirrliest classes in 17 years,” Arthun said
Telling a funny story about each student, Arthun then got sentimental as he spoke of how much this class meant to him and all the memories he had made.
“It’s been such a joy to watch you guys grow up,” Arthun said. “I can honestly say you are my favorite class to come through CFHS, you’re like family to me.”
Arthun made sure his students knew they were going to be missed before imparting some life wisdom that related to football. Encouraging his students to continue to study, work hard and never give up, Arthun said life and football were similar in those respects. Arthun wished his students well and sent them on to collect their diplomas.
“The sky's the limit, and the last thing I want to tell you guys, class of 2022, once a Wampus Cat always a Wampus Cat,“ Arthun said “Thank you guys, and good luck to you.”