Glacier finalist for most memorable graduation
The Glacier High School gymnasium was standing room only on Saturday, June 4, at the Class of 2016 Commencement ceremony in which 301 students received their diplomas. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Glacier High School’s memorable graduation ceremonies just might earn the school $10,000.
The school recently was named a finalist in the “Most Memorable Graduation” category for the Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards contest.
The award recognizes “a school that puts tremendous thought and effort into their annual graduation ceremony,” according to Varsity Brands. “This graduation ceremony celebrates the achievements of graduating seniors and inspires success in the rest of the student body. Students will remember this ceremony for the rest of their lives.”
Glacier is up against high schools from St. Louis, Detroit and Oklahoma for the top honor. People can vote at https://www.varsitybrands.com.
Principal Callie Langohr said she came across an email for the contest and decided that Glacier was a good candidate.
At Glacier, graduation planning gets underway in early April for the two-hour commencement ceremony during which more than 300 students graduate.
Since graduation is about students, Langohr said the ceremony should reflect that. Students meet with the principal to plan the ceremony “minute-by-minute.”
At the ceremony, save for the principal’s welcome, students chosen by their peers take center stage serving as emcees, speakers and musicians.
“It’s a student celebration and I want as many students on that stage as possible,” Langohr said.
Former Glacier teacher Richard Hildner noted in a letter accompanying the high school’s contest entry, which included a video and essay, “First and foremost, the ceremony is student-driven and self-imposed expectations are quite high. Second, the support from faculty and staff is exemplary, and third, the respect shown by the students for their peers is a thing to behold.”
Hildner went on to elaborate, “A few years ago I sat in the audience and watched as one of the shyest students in the graduating class went to the front of the stage, sat down and picked up his guitar,” in a performance that ended with everyone on their feet.
Glacier students also are reminded to give gratitude to those who helped them on their path toward graduation. One unique aspect of a Glacier graduation is that each student wears a medallion and a white “stole of gratitude.” After graduation, students are encouraged to honor a parent, mentor or teacher who has made a positive impact in their lives by giving them the stole.
Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.