Graduates, teachers are some of Bigfork's best

It would be a lie for me to say that I wasn't dreading Saturday's commencement ceremony at Bigfork High School. Having suffered through graduations of my own, not to mention those of friends and family, I could think of a lot better ways to spend a sunny Saturday in the Flathead.

But how wrong I was.

The speeches were both witty and touching, parents and graduates alike were beaming and the heat in the gym didn't reach unbearable levels until at least the mid-point of the proceedings.

Graduate Jessica Ekegren sang a heart-wrenching tribute to her mother that she wrote after last year's class said their good-byes, and one of four valedictorians, Hadley Vandiver, compared high school to hot dogs, and somehow was exactly right.

Most people, I would wager, can't remember who gave the commencement address at their high school graduation, but the class of 2008 won't soon forget Charlie Appleby's address.

Appleby, who taught the class of '08 as sophomores in his English class during his first year at BHS, was alternately cracking jokes at his students' expense and choking up at the thought of them leaving.

Though I doubt many teachers would admit it, there are special classes that move through schools. I know, I graduated right behind one. The class of 2008 at BHS was special, and everyone in the gymnasium knew it. Those students, and the teachers and administrators who guided them through their four years here, represent the best among us and this community would be remiss not to notice how much poorer we would be without them.

Good luck, seniors. You've made Bigfork very proud.

Primary press

By the time you read this column, the results of Tuesday's primary will already be known. But I thought readers might be interested to know that over the last three weeks, the Eagle has been inundated with letters to the editor from all over the country urging Montana voters to support a certain candidate.

We've chosen not to run them in part because none have added any new information, and in part because it's our belief that they've had their chance.

It's also a nice reminder of why not to move to Iowa, as one can only imagine the deluge they endure in the months leading up to their primary.

However Tuesday's vote turned out, it's nice to know Montana got to have a say.

—Alex Strickland