Time to celebrate: Polson High School graduates accept $1.65 million in scholarships
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Bubbles cascaded above purple and white mortarboards topping the heads of Polson seniors waiting to enter Linderman Gym to the cheers of family and friends on Saturday.
As they fidgeted, Principal Rex Weltz admonished the students, reminding them to turn off their cell phones, warning them not to set flight to distracting bubbles, and to “be classy, be respectful; this is about your family.”
Lined up by height and alphabetically— a complicated combination calculated by a computer — the students seemed excited to get on with the ceremony, and their lives.
“I’m graduating a year early,” Devin Walker said. “I cannot stand school.” The bright graduate said he accomplished an early-out by taking summer school classes, and will soon be moving to Kalispell to find a home and work in construction. He and friend Zack Aman agreed that economics was probably the most applicable class they took in high school, helping them with practical business skills.
“It’s real world stuff,” Aman said.
Walker was the first of 115 graduates to cross the stage and accept a diploma bolstered by screaming family and punctuated by a few vociferous blow horns.
“This has been an extraordinary class,” Weltz told those in attendance as the ceremony began. Nine valedictorians, all boasting 4.0 grade point averages, took the stage followed by two salutatorians.
Valedictorian Erica Alfiero offered advice from a horse, including “take life’s hurdles in stride … loosen the reins … and carry your friends when they need it.”
Confidently addressing his peers, Valedictorian Isak Petersen read a rhyme he wrote that included the line “you have only one life, so don’t waste time, and make sure every day is sublime.”
Valedictorian Mollybeth Hendrix encouraged graduates to express gratitude for the “time and effort that others have invested in you,” she said. “This is a stepping stone to a greater, more beautiful future than we can imagine.”
Guest speaker Denny Rehberg, longtime Montana congressman, told the students “we offer sage advice … ‘find your passion’ … ‘balance your checkbook. If you think you can, or you can’t, you’re right.’ We’re like complicated wisdom gone haywire. There’s nothing wrong, but it’s just too much. You only cleaned out your lockers last week, and some of you haven’t even washed your gym clothes yet, and here we are grilling you about your future,” he said. “Still, it’s hard to resist.”
Rehberg complied a list of eight things he wished someone had told him the day he graduated, including, “take care of your knees, you’re going to miss them when they’re gone. Don’t spend too much time taking care of your hair, it does wear out, and sometimes, it wears off.”
Rehberg encouraged graduates to write in a journal.
“It’s a catalog of memories,” he said. “I didn’t keep a journal, and as a result of my pretty much long and interesting life, a lot of it is lost to me, and that’s a waste.”
In all seriousness, Rehberg added, “It doesn’t matter where you go in life or what you do or what you have; it’s who you have beside you, and how you treat them, and how much you care for them,” he said. “I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but life isn’t all about you.”
Many of the graduates honored during the ceremony understood that truth, as 25 earned a Serve Award, eight students enlisted in various branches of the military, and 34 students earned the Principal’s Award. More than half of the graduates — at least 65 students — accepted scholarships totaling about $1.65 million. More than $150,000 of the scholarship monies came from local sources.
With diplomas in hand and teacher handshakes and hugs completed, the class of 2014 turned their tassels and let the caps fly. Then they broke into a spontaneous and enthusiastic “Wobble” dance. Standing guard on the walls at the east and west ends of the gym, the statuesque, muscular Pirate and Lady Pirate mascots even seemed pleased, in a wry and stoic sort of way.
Polson High 2014 Graduates:
Preston James Alexander
Erica Elizabeth Alfiero
Zachary Carl Aman
Jessica Marie Bagnell
Tegan Marie Bauer
Claire Elizabeth Bick
Hunter Dean Bighorn
Kaelyn Ann Binder
Roy Lynn Bird
Kyrie Christine Bitterman
Andrea Nicole Bodden
Michael David Bournstein
Alexis Christine Brower
Kaitlyn Lara Burrowes
Bradley Wayne Cannon
Matthew Silva Cardoza
Drew Ward Carruth
Nicole Simone Clairmont
Monica Michelle Cleveland
Alyscia Rae Cloud Robe
Keana Marie Cordier
Austin Michael Corrigan
Karisa Anne DeLay
Eleonora Di Maira
Caryl Marie Dodgson
Adrian Paul Dodson
Andria May Donovan
Emmerett Helen Dirscoll
Lauren Nicole Dupuis
Tyler James Dupuis
Ashley Nichole Eastman
Josiah Christian Edington
Jaelyn Colleen Ellenwood
Paul Brian Ellerton
Leilani Megumi Faialaga
Tatyonna Rose Fisher
Kayla Michelle Forman
Jacob Thomas Fowler
Monika Solveig Frame
Christopher James Gieber
Cody Allen Grant
Breanna Rose Harrison
Amanda Jane Harrod
Olivia Myrtle Kay Hart
Taylor Dean Hayes
Mollybeth Jennifer Hendrix
Chance Michael Herreid
Claudia Gabrielle Hewston
Brady David Hislop
Hannah Ruth Hodges
Jessica Ann Hoel
Christopher Zachary Houle
Mahalia Kaitlin Hovenkotter
Caden James Howlett
Chloie Ann Beatrice Huerta
Damian James Innerbichler
Wyatt Saxton Jenson
Alisha Rae Jore
Brian James Jore
Elizabeth Joy Jore
Melina Christine Jore
Jaylin Mary Kenney
Nathan Alexander Killian
Sean Paul Laimbeer
Kidron Brook Lee
Wyatt Joseph Lytton
Shelbi Elise Mallon-Reid
Taylor James Martin
Xavier Robert Jaqiah Bartel Matt
Janaya Daniell Olivine Mays
Dylan Kristopher McCrumb
Christian James McCurdy
Thomas Ronald McDonald
Timothy Russell McLain
Triston Chantz Mendelkow
Caliope Jane Mikulecky
Dylan Avery Moll
Ashley Michelle Morigeau
Tel Trevor Motichka
Joseph Thomas Mullen
Hannah Marie Nelson
Dalton Gene Noyes
Shannon Marie Oakley
Shawna Mae Oakley
Isak Edward Petersen
Austin Taylor Piedalue
Carlos Florentino Quinones
Autumn Isabel Ramos
Aaron James Rasmussen
Jacob Richard Raymond
Bailey Rae Roberts
Karly Alane Rochin
Jared Ren Rubel
Sharidan Exene Russell
McKenna Rae Sampson
Eric Marcus Sams
Zachary Chase Schmidt
Samantha Mae Shotwell
Alicia Marie Sicz
Clara Elizabeth Siegelin
Shaelyn Meifei Simshaw
Carlton Alexander Sisler
Azia Raine Smith
Cedrick Bradly Smith
Ceara Jessica Snyder
Anne Elise Spell
Amanda Beth Stobie
Trae Elle Thiel
Robert Ryan Thurman
Alexandria Rae Tohme
Brandan Colton Trogden
Devin John Walker
Tabitha Kai Walker
Mathew Lee Wallace
Andrew James Weltz
Andrea Rena Wood
Jared James Young
Kristin Elena Young
Jewel Lea Zakit
Erica Alfiero: New Mexico State University Equestrian Scholarship, New Mexico State Western Undergraduate Exchange Scholarship, Polson Dollars for Scholars District 23 Employees’ Scholarship, Peggy Unrau Scholarship, St. Luke Community Healthcare Scholarship
Jessica Bagnell: Chrysanthi Ginoulis Scholarship
Tegan Bauer: Polson Elks Most Valuable Student Award, Montana State Elks Association Scholarship, Plum Creek Community Scholarship, Polson Xi Alpha Gamma Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Torch Scholarship, Polson Dollars for Scholars Freshman Scholarship, George & Florence Clarkson Scholarship, Carroll College St. Albert Scholarship, Carroll College Presidential Scholarship
Claire Bick: Gates Millennium Scholarship, Dartmouth College General Scholarship, Lake County 4-H Scholarship, Peggy Unrau Scholarship, George & Faye Harris Scholarship
Kaelyn Binder: Polson AI Chapter PEO Scholarship, University of Montana Freshman Resident Scholarship
Kyrie Bitterman: George & Florence Clarkson Scholarship, Polson High School SERVE Scholarship
Andrea Bodden: Polson Kiwanis-Key Club Scholarship, Mars & Verna Rolfson Scholarship, Peggy Unrau Scholarship, George & Faye Harris Scholarship, Boise State University Western Undergraduate Exchange Scholarship
Alexis Brower: George & Florence Clarkson Scholarship
Nicole Clairmont: University of Washington Purple & Gold Scholarship, University of Washington Native American Scholarship, George & Florence Clarkson Scholarship, George & Faye Harris Scholarship
Monica Cleveland: Job Service Employers’ Committee Ken Rohrenbach Scholarship, Mary Lou Fugleberg Scholarship, Polson Dollars for Scholars Chris Hoyt Memorial Scholarship, Mars & Verna Rolfson Scholarship, University of Great Falls Courage Award, University of Great Falls Great for Great Falls Scholarship
Keana Cordier: Arizona State University Dean’s Scholarship, Polson Dollars for Scholars Class of ’59 Scholarship, Polson Kiwanis-Key Club Scholarship
Austin Corrigan: University of Great Falls Track Scholarship
Andria Donovan: George & Florence Clarkson Scholarship, Polson Rotary Scholarship, Montana State University Premier Scholarship, St. Luke’s Community Healthcare Rosemary Miller Scholarship
Emmerett Driscoll: University of Montana Music Scholarship, University of Montana Resident Freshman Scholarship
Lauren Dupuis: Montana University System Honor Scholarship, Montana State University Legacy Scholarship, Polson Dollars for Scholars John Oberlitner Scholarship, Polson Dollars for Scholars Toby Nelson Memorial Scholarship, Peggy Unrau Scholarship, George & Faye Harris Scholarship, Montana State University Premier Scholarship
Tyler Dupuis: Dorris D. Harbert Scholarship, Montana State University Premier Scholarship
Josiah Edington: Montana State University Premier Scholarship
Kayla Forman: St. Luke’s Community Healthcare Rosemary Miller Scholarship
Monika Frame: Polson Kiwanis-Key Club Scholarship
Christopher Gieber: Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes Scholarship
Cody Grant: Midland University Scholar Athlete Scholarship, Dorris D. Harbert Scholarship, Mars & Verna Rolfson Scholarship
Breanna Harrison: Montana Tech Marcus Daly Silver Scholarship, Montana Tech Don Mahagin Scholarship
Amanda Harrod: Bertram & Alta Hochmark Scholarship, Carroll College Trustee Scholarship, Carroll College Parish Scholarship, Carroll College Dr. J. Murray & Margaret Sterling Brooke Memorial Scholarship, Polson Rotary Scholarship
Dorris D. Harbert Scholarship, George & Faye Harris Scholarship
Mollybeth Hendrix: Duke University Trinity Scholarship, Peggy Unrau Scholarship, George & Faye Harris Scholarship, Community Bank Scholarship
Claudia Hewston: University of Great Falls Cross Country & Track Scholarships, Three Dog Down Exceptional Academics Scholarship, Happy Hippo Pirate of the Year Scholarship
Brady Hislop: Eastern Washington University Dean’s Scholarship, Eastern Washington University Western Undergraduate Exchange Scholarship, George & Florence Clarkson Scholarship, George & Faye Harris Scholarship
Jessica Hoel: Polson Rotary Scholarship
Mahalia Hovenkotter: Montana State University Wilhelm Wurst Engineering Scholarship, R. F. Chadwick Foundation Scholarship, Peggy Unrau Scholarship, George & Faye Harris Scholarship, Montana State University Premier Scholarship
Polson Rotary Scholarship
Caden Howlett: Bertram & Alta Hochmark Scholarship, Polson Dollars for Scholars Hib & Mildred Hanson Scholarship, George & Florence Clarkson Scholarship, George & Faye Harris Scholarship, Montana State University Premier Scholarship, Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award
Chloie Huerta: Mars & Verna Rolfson Scholarship, University of Great Falls Track Scholarship
Alisha Jore: Job Service Employers’ Committee Ken Rohrenbach Scholarship, Montana State JSEC Scholarship, Polson Rotary Scholarship, University of Montana Resident Freshman Scholarship
Brian Jore: Montana State University Premier Scholarship
Elizabeth Jore: University of Montana Resident Freshman Scholarship
Melina Jore: University of Montana Resident Freshman Scholarship
Jaylin Kenney: Carroll College Bishop Carroll Scholarship, Bertram & Alta Hochmark Scholarship, Youth Serve Montana Scholarship, Polson Dollars for Scholars Freshman Scholarship, George & Florence Clarkson Scholarship, Peggy Unrau Scholarship, George & Faye Harris Scholarship, Carroll College Dr. J. Murray & Margaret Sterling Brooke Memorial Scholarship, Polson Rotary Scholarship, Plum Creek Community Scholarship, Carroll College Golf & Softball Scholarships,
Polson Golf Association Father’s Day Golf Tournament Scholarship
Nathan Killian: Dorris D. Harbert Scholarship
Sean Laimbeer: Bertram & Alta Hochmark Scholarship, Dorris D. Harbert Scholarship, Mars & Verna Rolfson Scholarship, George & Faye Harris Scholarship, Western Washington University Western Undergraduate Exchange Scholarship
Kidron Lee: National Multiple Sclerosis Society Scholarship, Carroll College St. Albert Scholarship, Carroll College Trustee Scholarship
Wyatt Lytton: University of Montana Rodeo Scholarship, University of Montana Resident Freshman Scholarship, National High School Rodeo National Champion Student Athlete Scholarship, ReACT Tobacco Free Rodeo Scholarship, Flathead Pilot Association Youth Aviation Scholarship, Northwest Montana Youth Aviation Scholarship, Montana High School Rodeo Senior Scholarship, Mission Valley Masonic Lodge Scholarship
Taylor Martin: Fried Pickle Friday Merit Scholarship
Dylan Moll: Polson Dollars for Scholars Trussler Family Vocational Scholarship, Potawatomi Tribal Scholarship
Ashley Morigeau: Total Screen Design Scholarship, International Air & Hospitality Academy Scholarship
Tel Motichka: West Point US Military Academy Appointment
Joseph Mullen: University of Montana Resident Scholarship
Dalton Noyes: Rocky Mountain College Dean’s Scholarship, Rocky Mountain College Cheer Scholarship, Mars & Verna Rolfson Scholarship, Polson Rotary Scholarship, Fried Pickle Friday Merit Scholarship
Isak Petersen: Montana University System Honor Scholarship, Montana State University Wilhelm Wurst Engineering Scholarship, Mission Valley Power Scholarship, Polson Kiwanis-Key Club Scholarship, Peggy Unrau Scholarship, George & Faye Harris Scholarship
Autumn Ramos: Flathead Valley Community College NW Attendance Area Scholarship
Aaron Rasmussen: Dawson Community College Baseball Scholarship
Bailey Roberts: Peggy Unrau Scholarship
Karly Rochin: George & Florence Clarkson Scholarship
Jared Rubel: Grace Ritzman Foundation Scholarship, Polson Rotary Scholarship
Sharidan Russell: Senate Youth Leadership Award, Montana Forensic Educators Association Scholarship, Polson Elks Most Valuable Student Award, Montana State Elks Association Scholarship, National Elks Association Scholarship, Dartmouth College General Scholarship, PEO Star Scholarship, Peggy Unrau Scholarship
McKenna Sampson: Montana Governor’s Best & Brightest Merit Scholarship, Polson Dollars for Scholars Hib & Mildred Hanson Scholarship, Polson AI Chapter PEO Scholarship, George & Faye Harris Scholarship, Polson Rotary Diane Barz Scholarship, Lambeth Memorial Scholarship
Zachary Schmidt: Dorris D. Harbert Scholarship, Peggy Unrau Scholarship, Montana State University Premier Scholarship
Shaelyn Simshaw: Dorris D. Harbert Scholarship, Polson High School Journalism Student of the Year Scholarship
Carlton Sisler: West Point US Military Academy Appointment, Polson Elks Most Valuable Student Award, Montana State Elks Association Scholarship, Dorris D. Harbert Scholarship, Mars & Verna Rolfson Scholarship
Azia Smith: Dorris D. Harbert Scholarship, George & Faye Harris Scholarship, Polson High School Journalism Student of the Year Scholarship
Cedrick Smith: Polson Dollars for Scholars Montecahto Club Scholarship, Buck Young Memorial Scholarship
Ceara Snyder: Keith D. Wright Memorial Scholarship
Amanda Stobie: Dorris D. Harbert Scholarship
Trae Thiel: Dorris D. Harbert Scholarship, University of Montana Resident Freshman Scholarship
Tabitha Walker: Montana State University Premier Scholarship, Dorris D. Harbert Scholarship
Andrew Weltz: Carroll College Trustees Scholarship, Polson Dollars for Scholars John Oberlitner Scholarship, Polson Rotary Scholarship, Buck Young Memorial Scholarship, Carroll College Track Scholarship
Jared Young: Dawson Community College Baseball Scholarship
Kristin Young: Concordia College Presidential Distinction Scholarship, George & Florence Clarkson Scholarship, George & Faye Harris Scholarship, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Karlsgodt Scholarship
