Sho-Ban graduates reflect on past & look to futures
Sho-Ban graduates take their seats at the commencement ceremony on May 25.
By ROSELYNN YAZZIE
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — There were 33 graduates of Shoshone-Bannock Jr./Sr. High School’s Class of 2023 on Thursday, May 25.
The theme was, “The past is my heritage; the present my responsibility, the future - my challenge.”
Ghost Canyon singers rendered a flag song to start the ceremony. Veterans Zannita Fasthorse and Matt Bates brought in the colors, followed by Sho-Ban High School Princess Neena Badhawk, who led students into the Blaine Dixey Gymnasium.
Principal Matt Wilson smudged the graduates as they passed by. Tribal elder Fredrick Auck offered the prayer.
Emceeing for the evening was School Board Member, Sunshine Shepherd, MPA.
Valedictorian Ava Zamora speaks at the ceremony.
The Outgoing Miss Sho-Ban High School Queen Teagan Larkin did the welcoming.
The senior chose to honor Carlita Rodriguez to deliver the keynote speaker address. She works at Sho-Ban as a para professional and volleyball coach. She said it was the students who motivate her to come to work every day.
Rodriguez acknowledged the non-traditional graduates for their accomplishment and not giving up as it’s never too late to do anything.
She told students she would miss them in class but is happy to see them moving up in the world.
“This is a day I will always remember because you gave me the courage to stand up and speak in front of everybody,” she said.
Principal Matt Wilson smudges students.
In her 16 years as an educator she’s seen many of the students grow up to be young ladies and gentleman.
She thanked all those that played volleyball for her through the years.
She wanted the seniors to always remember their fun times at Sho-Ban. She asked them to acknowledge their parents for their support. She encouraged the graduates to always remember who they are, never give up and keep moving forward.
The salutatorian was Beauleah “BJ” Farmer touched on her memories through the years at Sho-Ban, like the COVID pandemic, basketball, and volleyball.
She talked about their lives beyond high school and how confidence is key in the world. She acknowledged those who can’t be with them today and their impact on their lives. She congratulated the classmates on their graduation.
Valedictorian was Ava Zamora who talked about how they’re ready to start a new chapter in their lives but will always remember what they learned and Sho-Ban, as it will be valuable for the rest of their lives.
She talked about how she’ll miss playing ball and miss being a Lady Chief.
She told her classmates they shared laughter and memories but it’s now time for them to go and do what they are set out to. They will make new memories and new friends.
Teachers greet students with hugs.
She thanked the people who brought the graduates to where they are and acknowledged the teachers and family.
Sho-Ban School Board members presented the diplomas and graduates were gifted a Pendleton blanket as they exited the stage.
Ghost Canyon sang an honor song for teachers LeNora Begay and Kristin Dahlquist, who passed on.
Senior display tables and light refreshments were served in the cafeteria after the ceremony.
