SSHS Class of 2016
Seeley-Swan High School 2016 graduates celebrate the completion of high school and the new opportunities ahead of them at their graduation ceremony, June 5.
Angus Batchelder leads the graduate procession.
Valedictorian Paige Holmes addresses her class one last time before turning their tassels.
Jayme Bush selects a rose for her family. Bush attended school at Hellgate High School this year to pursue her art interests but came back to graduate with her classmates.
Kyle Rathman stands to be recognized along with his family (not pictured). He was one of nine students who earned a cumulative GPA of more than 3.5.
Jordan Blodgett receives his diploma from Missoula County Public Schools Trustee Debbie Dupree.
Marisol Caro opens up to give SSHS Principal Dr. Kathleen Pecora a hug.
Zelda Haines was the keynote speaker. She shared the story of being a long distance telephone operator after she graduated from high school. She didn't know what she wanted to do with her life but she knew she needed to make some money before attending college. She is holding her pink dial phone as a prop.
Delaney Holzworth gives her mother Lisa a rose and hug during the presentation of roses.
SEELEY LAKE – Twenty-eight graduating seniors bid farewell to Seeley-Swan High School (SSHS) the afternoon of June 5. While a few tears were shed for the memories and friendships of the past four years, the excitement of the future captured the attention of the graduates as they walked out of the SSHS gymnasium for the last time as students.
This year's class graduated with more than 220 college credits. Three of the students have enough credits, they will start their college career as sophomores. More than half the class had a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
Salutatorian Stephanie Robbins thanked all those in attendance for their support of the class to get them to the point where they are at today and for their continued support in the future.
To her classmates, Robbins asked that they think about a few ideas on their journey through life.
Robbins said, "Try not to focus on the uncertainties. Do not let those around you define who you are but also don't be too proud to take their advice and support. Focus on taking the initiative of every aspect of your life. You can do whatever your heart desires."
Zelda Haines, current SSHS cross country and track coach and 2003-2004 first grade teacher for the graduates, was the keynote speaker. Eleven of the graduates were in her last first grade class.
The students shared with Haines that they loved the mountains, the lake and the scenic beauty of the valley. The liked the tight-knit community, the small school, hunting, fishing, boating and other year round activities. The fondest memories were of hanging out with friends, meeting new friends, sports, going to state for girls' basketball and the community support that surrounded them all year.
Haines agreed that these were all things that brought her and her late husband Kim Haines to Seeley Lake along with what Kim called "the best small school in the state of Montana."
"I'm inspired by how many are going on to school," said Haines. "Nineteen are going to college, seven to technical schools and three others that didn't have school listed yet."
Haines singled out the three who did not have school listed. She encouraged Tristan Carpenter to buy Cory Thompson out when he retires from Cory's Valley Market. She advised David Strumpfer to make some money first so he can travel in style. And for Darrian Conley who said she was undecided, Haines said she should to look into doing something with horses.
Haines left the graduates with several pieces of wisdom.
"Get involved with your community, the schools need you," said Haines. "Live like this is your last day and you want to get it right. Laugh, I hear it keeps you very healthy. Love. Love yourself first. Before you can love others you need to love yourself because you are [each] going to be with yourself for the rest of your lives. So go out there and invent that future, you deserve it."
"Not knowing what will happen tomorrow, next week or next year is scary but it shouldn't stop you from venturing out, trying new things or meeting new people. And you certainly shouldn't spend the rest of your life in a cage of fear," said Valedictorian Paige Holmes in her closing remarks. "I know that all of you can handle the future and the challenges that come with it. So as we begin the next chapter in our lives, let's capture the dream."
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