The Clancy School gymnasium filled on Thursday, June 1 with parents, students, staff and other supporters, all eager to celebrate a special group of students: the graduating eighth grade class.
Forty-two students received diplomas at the ceremony, distributed by the school board’s three members: Trent Jensen, Marissa Otsby and Bob Gallagher.
The ceremony was especially emotional for Jensen and Otsby, who awarded diplomas to their own children.
Of the 42 students graduating, administrators recognized twelve of them for achieving all A’s throughout the school year. Although no students received perfect attendance, Lila Conners received the “Best Class Attendance” award for her “not quite perfect attendance.”
Conners was not the only one to receive special recognition, as Marshal Jensen and Anna Hardesty also received awards from the American Legion. Vince Waples was also celebrated, receiving the Petrosky Award – which celebrates students who succeed while overcoming challenges. Immediately upon receiving the award Waples was embraced by his father.
Addressing the Clancy School eighth grade class of 2023 was Clancy teacher Shelly Walker and the class pet – a lizard which rested upon her shoulder throughout the entire ceremony.
“This group truly is the group that no teacher wanted to see leave,” Walker said during her commencement speech, thanking the class for helping make her the person she is today. “Thank you for truly being the best part of my day.”
Both students and teachers appeared hesitant to say goodbye to each other, but excited for what comes next. Walker gave the students one last reminder that they will never be alone: “I will always be there for you: today, tomorrow and forever.”
