2021 Teton graduation

On Friday, May 28, 2021, a total of 121 students graduated from Teton High, joining eight students who celebrated graduation from Basin High on Wednesday, May 26, 2021. The THS senior class received their diplomas on a windy but picture-perfect evening at the Teton High football field; the Basin students’ ceremony was held at the THS auditorium.

In a year that started in the middle of a global pandemic, seniors and their families were able to congregate safely to celebrate. Although teachers and administrators also wore academic gowns, the outdoor ceremony for THS less formal than pre-COVID years.

The THS Symphony Orchestra played “Pomp and Circumstance,” the traditional prelude for a commencement processional, as the graduates entered the stadium. Seniors sat together in the infield. Families filled the bleachers to capacity, some sitting in specially-reserved areas on the track if they could not access the stadium seating.

School board chair Ben Kearsley presented diplomas to the graduates. Superintendent Monte Woolstenhulme and members of the school board also congratulated them. In a traditional gesture, any senior related to a teacher or current or former school board member received their diploma from their loved one.

THS graduation was live streamed on the Teton School District 401 Facebook page (https://fb.watch/5O64DTwyJ3/). The graduates “now and then” photos are posted on the THS webpage (https://ths.tsd401.org/graduation-slide-show-2021/, select “link). Seniors also displayed posters with pictures along the main hallway of the school leading out to the stadium.

Woolstenhulme announced that the Class of 2021 earned more than $3.4 million in scholarships ($3,411,028 according to the program) and 839 college credits during its time at THS, the equivalent of seven bachelor’s degrees.

In other highlights from the Teton High graduation:

  • Gina Radovitch delivered the invocation and Blake Hibbert welcomed everyone, with translation into Spanish provided by Julary Rodriquez-Cabrera.
  • The two students ranked highest academically among the graduates presented speeches. Nathan Hill’s topic was “You Are Not a Statistic” and Abigail Hale’s subject was “Family.”
  • The senior song, “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts, featured instrumentalists Gavin Behrens, Morgan Warburton, Andrew Simmons, and Jack Tucker with vocalists Brennen Bates, Abigail Hale, Jocelyn Jenkins, and Warburton.
  • The senior gift, presented by class president Hibbert, is funds to help repair the stalls in the boys bathroom.
  • Zachary Wood created the Timberwolf artwork for the program.
  • Seniors who belong to the National Honor Society wore unique sashes reflecting that accomplishment.
  • Graduation advisors Melissa Hare, Troy Miskin, and Kristy Romano were chiefly responsible for the printed program, logistics, and live music, respectively..

At Basin’s graduation, teachers Carolee Moulton and Marty Lord shared reflections on each of the students, calling them “COVID Ninjas” and highlighting their accomplishments. About 100 family members and supporters of the students attended the ceremony. The school district extends special thanks to all who assisted with the graduation ceremonies, particularly parents, administrators, and all staff.

The Teton Valley News also contributed to recognizing all graduates this year, printing their photos in this week’s issue. As has been done in years past, THS students in the top 10 percent academically, along with their “significant educators,” were honored by the Education Foundation of Teton Valley.

*The pages in the PDFs of the program are arranged by how they print.