Keep on learning, Havre High graduates told

The Class of 2012 throw their mortarboards in to the air after receiving their diplomas at the end of the Havre High School Commencement in the school's gym Sunday afternoon.

While morning snow made Saturday feel more like the end of a calendar year than a school year, Havre High School's seniors crossed the stage in their gym and wrapped up their high school careers.

Hundreds of family and friends of the graduating class of 2012 filled Havre High's gym, showing their excitement with music, homemade signs and airhorns.

Havre Public Schools' Superintendent Andy Carlson implored students not to let their leaving the school also mean the end of their learning.

"May you never miss an opportunity to learn, " Carlson said. "May you never miss an opportunity to grow. "

This year's graduation speaker, Havre High Math Teacher Mary Wagner, gave the students more comprehensive advice, laden with lyrics from recent pop songs.

"I wish each and every one of you a future of Fs, " Wagner said, tongue-in-cheek.

She clarified with a list of F-words that students should remember — fun, fit, finances, friends, family and faith — illustrating points with songs those kids are into by artists like Lady Gaga and LMFAO.

Wagner said she hoped to contribute to the class motto, "As long as we have memories, yesterday remains; as long as we have hope, tomorrow awaits. "

"Hopefully today, I can leave you with some memories, " Wagner said, "and a little bit of hope. "

After Carlson introduced Wagner with her saying from math class, "Yard by yard, math is hard. Inch by inch, math is a cinch, " Wagner said the same can be said of life.

The Havre High School Symphonic Band, directed by David Johnke, played an impressive Stravinsky piece, the finale to the "Firebird Suite. "

According to the ceremony's program, the Class of 2012 earned more than $265,000 in scholarships.