(Fort Washakie, WY) – Seventeen students walked across the stage at Fort Washakie High School on Sunday to collect their diplomas, with family, friends and staff filling the room for their send off.
The Scout River Singers drummed and sang to open the ceremony.
Industrial Arts teacher Lincoln David gave the commencement address and he kept his message to the students direct.
“Believe in yourself. You know you can do it,” David told the class. “The next steps in life you need to take, no excuses, we need results. Don’t fear obstacles. They’re just a bump in the road.
Valedictorian Ty Hereford addressed his classmates next, thanking the teaching staff and families before turning to his fellow graduates.
“Today is our day,” Hereford said. “Our dedication and hard work is what brought us here to this exact moment. Right now is what’s important, not worrying about the past or any mistakes you have. Just worry about what you’ve got to do for the next moment.”
Hereford closed with a message about education, framing it in terms rooted in the Eastern Shoshone Tribe’s former Chief.
“Chief Washakie stood up for his people,” said Hereford. “He provided battles for people, and he protected us. And today, education is our weapon. We need to start our education and start asking questions. Stay curious. Every day, just take a little bit of information. Just learn.”
Hereford congratulated the Class of 2026 before the diplomas were handed out.
