Havre High School graduates Class of 2019

The speaker at Havre High School's graduation recommended the Class of 2019 pay attention to three core foundations that have influenced him - family, winning and losing.

"No matter how large or small the obstacle ... I always looked to the three core foundations," Havre High School history teacher and football coach Jacob Criner told the class.

The ceremonies for the 128 graduates started with the Havre High School symphonic band members who were not graduating playing the processional then the national anthem and the school song.

The graduating band members then joined the others to play "In Heaven's Air," by Samuel Hazo.

Graduating seniors also joined their fellow select choir group A Capella to perform "A Million Dreams" from "The Greatest Showman."

Superintendent Andy Carlson congratulated the graduating seniors, then introduced Criner, noting that he is symbolic of continuing education as Criner was awarded his master's degree at Montana State University-Northern May 11.

Criner said he was honored to be chosen by the class as their graduation speaker, and it was a golden opportunity for him.

"I have the undivided attention of the entire senior class," he said, " ... that's not something I have been able to do the entire school year."

Criner told the students to always continue learning in every way.

"You are not done," he said, adding that they need to continue to search, to keep adding objectives, asking themselves if they are learning, if they are engaged in the community and workplace, and if they are spreading love and compassion.

He said one foundation of success is family, everyone who participates in raising and helping the students on their way to graduation.

"This is their day, too," he said.

And he said it extends beyond blood relations and beyond high school.

Family are people who stand by someone when times are tough, and the graduates need to understand that and to remember it.

He said winning is another foundation, but not in the sense of always being the victor. Criner said winning goes beyond the score on the scoreboard. A key to succeeding is people surrounding themselves with winners, people who have the same goals and attitudes toward life, a team, rather than with people who will slow them and drag them down.

"It's your choice who you spend time with," Criner said.

And, he said, losing also is a key foundation.

"Sometimes in life you get sucker-punched too many times, you may feel the chips are stacked against us in a way we don't understand," he said. "The real measure of toughness is how you respond to that adversity.

"Some of you have faced insurmountable challenges you have already overcome to get you to this moment today. Working to support a family, caring for another family member of your family, losing a parent or loved one," he said. " ... On the other hand, some of you have had it easy and given everything you wanted."

But everyone will face tough, life-challenging and life-changing decisions, he said.

"Life moves too fast, and when it rains it pours," Criner said. "Understand that losing is an essential part of life.

"If you have family, if you surround yourself with winners, no loss will make you give up," he said. "You can't, and eventually you will succeed."