(Dubois, WY) – Students and their families packed the gym at Dubois High School Sunday afternoon to celebrate the Class of 2026 and its 16 graduates.
After a recorded “Pomp and Circumstance” and the national anthem by Sami Becker, Superintendent Dan Schmidt and Principal Malinda Garcia welcomed the crowd.
Dylan Wagner talked about not making excuses in order to acheive success down the road. h/t Carl Cote Salutatorian Ava Jory gives her address remembering good moments from the classes’ time at DHS. h/t Carl Cote Graduates switch their tassles over at the end of graduation Sunday in Dubois. h/t Carl Cote
Salutatorian Ava Jory reflected on how everyday moments of high school only feel significant once they are gone, leaving her classmates with a simple message: “Slow down and enjoy these moments while they are still here.”
Valedictorian Dylan Wagner took a more forward-looking approach, building his speech around excuses. He told classmates that the things holding people back are usually just fear in disguise, and urged them to take the trip, apply for the job, and put themselves out there.
The last of the three speakers was Officer Cody Hoefer, who delivered the commencement address. He centered it on two ideas drawn from the ceremony’s “stay gold” motto: protect your heart, encouraging students to always be themselves and live by their values.
A video was shown featuring each graduate, pairing photos from throughout their lives with a song of their choice, with picks ranging from Fleetwood Mac to Morgan Wallen to Tame Impala.
The Class of 2026 was presented by Malinda Garcia, diplomas were awarded by board members and teachers, and the graduates walked out to “Tongue Tied” by Grouplove.
