It's only the beginning
Commencement: a ceremony in which diplomas are conferred on graduating students, a beginning or start.
Saturday’s commencement marked the start of a new life for 112 seniors, a life beyond Bonners Ferry High School.
“This is where we start our lives,” said Kody Rice, senior class president, during his speech.
A reoccurring theme throughout the graduation ceremony was the future.
“Do more than what is expected of you,” said Tyson Boorman during his salutatory address.
“Let’s live to our potential,” said Jessica Beazer during her salutary address.
As students came forward to receive their diploma, their future plans were announced. Of the 112 students, 33 are entering the workforce, 42 students are attending a two-year college or vocational program, 33 students are attending a four-year university and four students are going into the military.
The students did not forget those who supported them through their schooling. Beazer asked fellow students for a round of applause for all the teachers they have had over the past 13 years. Keaton Tremble, one of four valedictorians, spoke about the support of loved ones and “Where would you be without your loved ones?”
Loved ones, friends and well-wishers filled the football stadium and field around the graduates on Saturday, June 1 to show their support for the students.
“Take what Bonners Ferry has given you and pass it forward,” said Tracy Iverson, one of the guest speakers. “Stand for something that counts.”
Students in the class of 2013 received over $300,000 in scholarships. The following is a list of scholarships, recipients and amount.
All Class Reunion: Kody Rice $1,000; Beta Sigma Phi: Kody Rice $750; Bonners Ferry Rotary ($1,000 each): Tyson Boorman, Makayla Fairchild, Jacob Gray, Aaramie Hoisington, Amy Maggi, Joshua Miller, Evan Moe, Tessa Payne, Jesse Woods;
Boundary County Art Association: Jessica Beazer $300; Bo Co Educators U of I ($390 each): Adam Alverez, Katrina Alverez, Kody Rice; Boundary County Education Association, BCEA: Hailey Beazer $250; class of 1951: Mariah Munson $500;
Class of 1970 ($500 each): Dale McAllister, William Gaspar, Jacob Gray, Joshua Miller; Elks Community Scholarship: Jesse Woods $500; Foreign Language Society, FLS: Jessica Beazer $150, Aaramie Hoisington $150;
Gib & Dede Hall Memorial: Dale McAllister $250; Idaho Farm Bureau: Amy Maggi, $500, Keaton Tremble, $500; Idaho Forest Group, Brenna Maas, $500; Katherine Haynes Art Scholarship: Jessica Beazer $500;
Knights of Pythias ($750 each): Jacob Gray, Evan Moe, Mariah Munson; Lenhart Scholarship: Jessica Beazer $400
Helen Faye & Martin Monger Scholarship: Adam Alverez, $500; Katrina Alverez, $500; Makayla Fairchild, $500; William Gaspar $2,500; Jacob Gray, $500; Lane Hittle, $500; Tanner Lyman, $3,000; Mariah Munson, $3,000; Joshua Miller, $3,000; Shyann Murphy, $3,000; Tessa Payne, $500;
Mountain Springs Church ($150 each): Tyson Boorman, Carman Kirchbaum, Tony Morgan; Northern Lights Scholarship: Amy Maggi, $500; Mariah Munson, $500; Order of Eastern Star: Aaramie Hoisington, $500; Dale McAllister, $500;
P.E.O. Chapter AP: Amy Maggi, $500; Rhonda Rice Memorial Scholarship: Kody Rice, $250; Stella Woodworth Brochu: Aaramie Hoisington $250;
Mary Ellen & Howard Thomason Scholarship: William Gaspar, $1,750; Aaramie Hoisington, $4,500; Sydney Hubbard $2,000, Dale McAllister $2,000, Jared Mendenhall $2,000, Joshua Miller $2,000, Mariah Munson $500, Shyann Murphy $500, Lindsay Taggart $500, Belle Wages $4,250; Wyman Wildlife Habitat Scholarship: Kristen Gannon, $500; Lakota McLean $500.
Other awards and scholarships: NIC Presidential Scholarship, Amy Maggi two semesters/ full tuition; Quest Scholar program, Keaton Tremble $244,000 full ride/four years.