Rains fail to dampen SHS graduation

SANDPOINT – The rain didn’t dampen Sandpoint High School’s graduation Friday.

At War Memorial Field families and loved ones filled the seats of the stadium and stood near the main entrance, hoping to catch a glimpse of their graduate, with some seniors adding their own style to their cap and gown as they wore silly sunglasses, decorated caps, Hawaiian leis, and more.

Pride became the theme as SHS principal David Miles addressed the class, telling them that he has watched them do everything together, and for that reason, he would not worry about where they would go in the future.

“Although we are unable to ease your fears or tell you not to worry about the impending weather, we are certain you should not worry about the future. We are proud of the class of 2022. They played and competed together. They have cheered and motivated together. Now they sit here together in front of us all, waiting to see what the world is going to be like for them as they move beyond high school,” Miles said.

Encouraging the graduates to stick together, Miles gave them one last piece of advice — to seek out support like they had here in the community but also to remember the support they would always have in Sandpoint.

“There's hope because the class of 2022 to look around you and know that you have the support of everyone here because we are all Bulldogs,” Miles said.

Keeping with the theme of pride, senior class president Erin Eddy detailed the characteristics of the bulldog breed and commended the class of 2022 for living up to those characteristics and beyond.

“A bulldog symbolizes determination, courage, and accomplishing great things even when faced with adversity. And I'd like to say that throughout the last four years, we did just that,” Eddy said.

Thanking her family for their support, Eddy also gave her thanks to all the staff of SHS and the community. While Sandpoint is a beautiful place, Eddy said it’s the people who make it so special just as they made her experience growing up special.

“Even though we live in the prettiest place ever, I think the people who've been part of my life experience are what make my world so beautiful,” Eddy said.

Telling her classmate what they meant and giving some advice Eddy ended her speech.

“Class of 2022, I want to celebrate all of you. Wherever you go from here, wherever your path takes you. Just know that you touched my life in such a great way. You're truly an amazing group of people and I'm gonna miss you,” Eddy said. “Every single one of you consistently helped shape me into someone who loves this world and herself. Thank you for everything. I hope everyone realizes that there are so many people as we move through our lives, may we all be a little more likable.”

In a speech filled with quotes of encouragement and advice from the likes of Albert Einstein, Robert F. Kennedy, salutatorian Madison Duke encouraged her fellow graduates to venture out and make changes in the world but never stop learning.

“There is importance in learning. Things you learn will help you better understand the world around you. This is why continuous learning is so beneficial. No matter where you feel you are with your education,” Duke said. “Everything we've learned, every choice we've made, has shaped us into who we are, someone who can facilitate change and make a difference in the world.”

The emotion in her speech then shifted as Duke went on to show gratitude for the community, SHS staff, and others.

“A lot of people have helped me become who I am, and I would not be where I am today without them. There's an old African proverb that states, ‘it takes a village to raise a child.’ This is certainly true and applies for everyone here. I'm sure I speak for all of us graduates when I say ‘thank you’ to the teachers, the parents, the coaches, friends, and church leaders in the community. They've all helped shape us into who we are today,” Duke said.

“Many classes have walked through Sandpoint High School’s halls, each with their own reasons of why they are the best class ever. But I believe Sandpoint High School’s class of 2022 is the best class ever because we were raised by the best village,” Duke concluded.

The final speaker was valedictorian Anna Auld, who began her speech by noting she may not be the best representation of her class because of how different she is. However, that did not keep her from having a high school experience she enjoyed as Auld recounted many fond memories of friends.

“I really wouldn't call myself a representative of my class as an atheist, liberal, gender-fluid bisexual. I'm pretty much as far away from the average Idahoan as you can get, other than the fact that I'm white. But I've lived with you guys in this town my whole life and my family has been here for five generations,” Auld said. “Today, some of my closest friends will walk across the stage with people who have spent lots of Tuesday afternoon at the Batesville treehouse with me, people who have danced with me for hours and still kept coming back for more, people who saved me in times when I needed the most help, and people who show me what life can be like when you're truly happy.”

Taking a turn in her speech Auld also recognized that she and her classmates had overcome situations of abuse and trauma. While she could not change the past, Auld not only made it a point to sympathize with survivors in her class but also to offer the validation that no matter the situation, it can get better.

“I also know that some of my fellow students and I will walk across the stage with students who am in front of audience members who have physically abused us, have emotionally tormented us, have sexually assaulted us, people who we will never be able to look at the same no matter how long it's been,” Auld said. “But to those who survived those awful situations, I can tell you that I'm one of you. I am here for you. And it does get better. Or I wouldn't be standing here as the valedictorian,”

However, Auld elected to take a moral high ground. Before ending her speech Auld thanked the community, SHS staff, and her classmates for helping shape her and reminded her classmates to not drink and drive.

“Those of us who have done those awful things, I do say that I wish you success, prosperity and, more than anything, kindness because it is essential to remember that one must keep an open mind and open heart. And above all, no open containers in the vehicle while you're driving,” Auld said.

With the end of the speakers, the time had come. Rain poured down as each smiling student made their walk to collect their diploma. Before the SHS tradition of ringing the victory bell, Eddy led her fellow graduates in moving their tassels from right to left. Once the sea of red had gathered, the sounds of bells rang out into the air signaling to the community the class of 2022 had graduated.