Arlee graduates begin a new journey
Karen Peterson photo
Austin Timmin gets a big hug at graduation.
Karen Peterson photo
Salutatorian Nichole Rang stands with her class of 2014.
Karen Peterson photo
School board member Tom Haynes hands out diplomas to graduates.
Karen Peterson photo
Arlee graduates move their tassels in a sign of accomplishment.
Karen Peterson photo
Arlee High School graduates
Karen Peterson photo
Teacher Anna Baldwin gives the commencement address at Arlee's graduation.
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
ARLEE – Thirty-two Arlee students received diplomas this year. Valedictorian Jessica Knoll read the Dr. Seuss book “O, The Places You’ll Go!” to remind students that although they are graduating, their journey is just beginning.
“You’re off to great places,” she said.
Salutatorian Nichole Rang reminded her class to look for opportunities while they go through life.
“Every day is a new opportunity,” she said.
Anna Baldwin, Montana Teacher of the Year and the school’s English teacher, gave the commencement address in what she called an “awesome hat” that she picked up while getting her doctoral degree. She used “The Hunger Games” to help explain some key points that might help students achieve success in life.
“Find something you love, get really good at it, and use it to survive,” she said, much like Katniss Everdeen did with the bow and arrow.
She warned students that life can get difficult.
“Even when things are going sour, remember that you can turn them around,” she said. “When it appeared that either Katniss or Peeta would perish in ‘The Hunger Games,’ they decided to eat the nightlock and deprive the Capitol of either winner.”
Baldwin didn’t recommend eating anything, but she did say that people do recover from their problems.
“You may lose your job, your girlfriend, your car. You may make some bad choices. Here’s what you need to remember: you can recover from these unfortunate events, but you are the one who makes that recovery happen.”
She also encouraged graduates “to recognize some of the giants who helped pave the way” in their lives. She used that advice to thank this year’s retiring teachers.
“I’d also like to thank Dan Ries, who has been a positive inspiration for the 11 years I’ve worked at Arlee. As long as I am naming names of giants, let’s all take a moment to thank this year’s retirees for their years of service to the Arlee School District: Mr. Jim Lindsey, six years plus; Mr. Jeff Padgett, 25 years; Ms. Joyce Auer, 30 years; Carrie Drye, 36 years; and Bonnie Barger, 37 years.”
The class of 2014: Kody Lynn Belcourt, Ambrose Joseph Askan Brown, Louis Lee Bunce, Shayna Shorae Bunce, Dominic David Burland, Isaac Blu Camel, Kara James Clinkenbeard, Raymond Nicholas Collier, Eula Anne Margarette Fullerton, Skyler Gloria Grove, Kristina Marie Hanchett, Sydney Morgan Plant, Brandon Lee Hergett, Audra Annette Home Gun, Alex Eugene Hoskinson, Jessica Elaine Knoll, Zane Anthony Ligas, Whitney Elizabeth Malatare, Donovan Chase McDonald, Shania Marie Parker, Peyton Alice Louise Peasley, Courtney Nicole Perry, Logan Duane Potts, Nichole Shelby Rang, Josh Adam Reed, Bailey Reanne Rice, Cheyenne Rose Roberts, Alexis Anne Marie Shick, Megan Ryan Tanner, Austin Allen Rimmin, AnaLee Katherine Vallee and Janay Rashell Wunderlich.
