Largest-ever class graduates from Lone Peak High School 

Beginning high school during COVID pandemic, Class of 2024 is onto their next adventure

By Jen Clancey DIGITAL PRODUCER 

On Saturday, May 25 of Memorial Day weekend, families, friends, and classmates gathered in the Lone Peak High School gymnasium to celebrate 32 graduating seniors. It was the Big Horns’ largest-ever graduating class, beating last year’s record of 28 seniors. 

Dr. Dustin Shipman, Big Sky School District superintendent and head football coach, began the ceremony with an address that ended on a collective note. Reciting a commitment to excellence and resilience, he opened the floor to the graduating class. 

“Remember,” Shipman prompted. “Every day is the first day of the rest of your life, so …” 

“Make it your best,” the seniors responded. 

Afterward, Middle and High School Principal Dr. Marlo Mitchem welcomed two students to the stage for their speeches: Jonah Adams, class valedictorian, and Logan Barker, class salutatorian. In his speech, Adams described how newness can be uncomfortable, but is the way that his class will grow. 

Logan Barker then took the stage, remembering how students “never imagined” they would be thrust into a global pandemic in their first year of high school and recalled how the class rose to the challenge. 

Next, math teacher Brad Packer addressed his students as the teacher elected to make a speech. “In the 900 school days since I’ve met you, I’ve taught you some math. However, I also hope you remember the life lessons I’ve shared with you. I genuinely feel this school will not be the same without you,” Packer said. 

In the final speech ahead of turning tassels, Ato Essandoh, a television actor and climate change activist, explained the importance of the “uncountable moments” seniors have ahead of them. 

In a twist, he recounted how one moment created a lifelong friendship between him and a Lone Peak parent. 

“Take a moment,” Essandoh said. “Take as many as you possibly can—you can’t ever take too many moments.” 

With that, Mitchem welcomed each student onstage to receive their diploma. Faculty and students hugged, posed for pictures and finally got to confirm their graduation from LPHS with a shift of tassel and cap toss. 

Students collected their caps and celebrated down the center aisle to Wild Cherry’s “Play That Funky Music” to end the ceremony. 

Graduates in the Class of 2024

Photos and future plans courtesy of Big Sky School District.