Gallatin County Class of 2018: 'Success-seeking, star-reaching, world-leading sons of guns'
The senior class of Gallatin County High School underwent its last event as a group Friday night - commencement exercises.
One by one, the graduating seniors received their scholastic honors and diplomas in front of an assembly of faculty, friends and relatives in the ceremony led by Principal Judy Kaegi.
The graduating class was helmed by valedictorians Nathan Schults and Aaron Walters, both of whom spoke to their classmates. Addresses were also give by salutatorian Michaela Springer and class president Elizabeth Martin.
Holding back tears, Martin acknowledged the Class of 2018's final moments together while encouraging her classmates to reflect fondly on their memories.
"Class of 2018, look around you. This is the last time you will see our whole class together. After tonight, we will go our separate ways," Martin said.
"This is the last time we will be in this room or on this gym floor. Next time we come in here, we will have to buy a ticket and we will all wish we had five more minutes," Martin said.
Salutatorian Springer cited the solace her school provided during a personally tumultuous time.
"This year, I learned to cherish what I truly had," Springer said.
Valedictorians Schults and Walters subsequently delivered their thoughts as the ceremony drew to a close.
"We have the potential to do great things and if we work hard, someday we'll be graduating, business-creating, money-making, success-seeking, star-reaching, world-leading sons of guns," Walters promised.
The ceremony also included the presentation of the American Legion Awards. This year the honor was held by both salutatorian Springer and senior Dawson Scherrer.
Superintendent Lucinda Schmitt presented the class as each individual student received his or her diploma. At the ceremony's conclusion, Schmitt received recognition and a standing ovation for her 20-plus years of service within the Gallatin County School District, preceding her impending retirement.
Together, Schmitt and the graduating Class of 2018 were propelled into a new chapter of life as Kaegi dismissed the assembly.