16 students graduate from Sho-Ban High School
Shoshone-Bannock High graduates during the commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 22.
By BREE BAKER
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — Sixteen students graduated from Shoshone-Bannock Jr./Sr. High School on Thursday, May 22 in the Blaine Dixey Gymnasium beginning at 6 p.m. The theme this year was “Graduation is only the beginning,” was the theme. The drum group was Ghost Canyon. Michael Tindore was the M.C. and Jessica James was the keynote speaker. The Class of 2025 graduates are Joely Antelope, Robin Antelope, Jasmine Baldwin, Arimo Bosquez, Daesion Coby, Terrance Dixey, Laila Dogsleep, Allen Flores, Zoey Graves, Michael Pahvitse-Martinez, Kaiden Saiz, Bam Sequints, LeeLayla Tendoy, Cordell Wahtomy, Hazebah Wahtomy, and Colton Whitehead.
Valedictorian Allen Flores with his diploma.
Graduates were led in by tribal elder and former Sho-Ban High School teacher Ernest Wahtomy and the Sho-Ban Jr./Sr. High royalty, Hazebah Wahtomy and Ariauna Pebeahsy. Ernest Wahtomy gave the opening prayer and later smudged the graduates. Miss Shoshone-Bannock and SBHS Royalty gave the welcoming address. Speakers of the evening were FHBC Chairman LeeJuan Tendoy, Jessica James, Pamela Eschief, Carmelita Benitez, and Jason Butler. Superintendent Pamela Eschief recognized Sandra Clough who is retiring this year, she received a blanket. Clough has taught at Sho-Ban High for 15 years of her 30 year career. The Valedictorian and Salutatorian gave speeches of congratulations and encouragement to fellow graduates. FHBC members LeeJuan Tendoy and Ladd Edmo presented the diplomas to the students as they walked across the stage. School board members Alexandria Alvarez, Effie Hernandez, Jessica Jay, Jessica Matsaw, and Leah Tindore were also in attendance.
Colton Whitehead and Hazebah Wahtomy at the ceremony.
The graduates celebrated with family and friends, the gymnasium was filled with hugs, tears, laughter, and congratulations as graduates celebrated and took photos. In the cafeteria the seniors each had a display table set up with photos and decorations that represented each student. Cake was also served in the cafeteria for everyone.
Graduates walk into the commencement ceremony.
The graduating class of 2025 is heading in many different directions, students are pursuing their own education and career paths. Valedictorian Allen Flores plans to work over the summer and apply to electrician school in August. A message he shared was, “Take advantage of opportunities because you don’t know where they can lead.”
Salutorian Zoey Graves speaks.
Salutatorian Zoey Graves will be attending Salish Kootenai College. Mateo Pahvitse-Martinez and Cordell Wahtomy both plan to attend barber school, while Colton Whitehead aims to earn his associate degree in welding. Robin Antelope plans to work in construction, and Bam Sequints is heading to Oklahoma to continue playing basketball. Daesion Coby also plans to pursue a career in welding. Other graduates are planning to attend Idaho State University, enter the workforce, or travel.
Sho-Ban Class of 2025 graduates.
