Chinook celebrates the class of 2011

Havre Daily News/Nikki Carlson

Chinook High School graduate Ashley Bower hugs her mother, Tonya Arnold, in the hallway before commencement Sunday afternoon in the school's gym. See Friday's Hi-Line Living page for more CHS commencement photographs.

The family, friends and supporters of Chinook High School's Class of 2011 filled the school's Floyd Bowen Gymnasium on Sunday afternoon to honor the 22 graduates as they prepare to leave school and begin the rest of their lives.

Faculty and staff reflected during and after the ceremony about the quality of this class and the future they have.

This year's commencement speaker, Laura Kellam, who has taught the students English and Spanish, noted traits she admired in each of the graduates as a part of a generation that some try to write off.

"When I look at Chinook's Class of 2011, I see nothing but hope, " Kellam said. "And if this reflects the other classes across the country, then this is not a lost generation. "

Chinook's Principal Matt Molyneaux said that this class worked as a team.

"There was a bunch of kids in this (class) that were very driven and had a common goal, " Molyneaux said. "And I see that in the class in general, a lot of different personalities, but they come together to achieve their goals. "

The student's were quick to return the laud.

Valedictorian Lane Schmitt thanked the school's faculty and administration in the beginning of his speech.

"I don't think they get enough credit, " Schmitt said. "They are some of the best around. "

Speaking to his fellow classmates, he reflected on their high school days.

"Memories of the past few years with us will stay with me for years to come, " Schmitt said. "The banners and trophies behind me will never come down. "

Molyneaux's son Tyler was one this year's many graduates who were instrumental in the Chinook's outstanding success in athletics in the past year, including football and wrestling state championships and a basketball conference title.

The ceremony included a presentation of pictures of the whole class, as they grew up through the school system together, from their kindergarten class 12 years ago.

Afterward, surrounded by hundreds of well-wishers, bringing hugs, encouragement and some tears to the gym floor, Schmitt said he's excited.

"It'll be weird moving on in life, but I'm glad we got that high school graduation over with, " Schmitt said.

"I'm just looking forward to the future. "

See video of Sunday's ceremonies at havredailynews.com.

Do you have photos of graduations ceremonies and activities you would like to share with our readers?

The Havre Daily News is planning to post pictures from area graduations on havredailynews.com. If you have photos you would like to share, email them to [email protected].