SSHS Class of 2026 graduates

It’s the heart of graduation season, and last week, the esteemed class of 2026 took a walk across the gym floor for what may well be a final time as they officially graduated.

As is the case every year, veterans in the audience were recognized, as were SSHS students who had enlisted in the armed services following graduation.  

The National Anthem was performed by Mr. Jeff Uskoski, after which the assembled audience was welcomed to the proceedings by Principal Shari Moulton.

The first speech of commencement was given by Salutatorian Taralyn Vedder.  “I want to start by thanking our families, teachers, coaches, administrators and friends for supporting us over the last four years,” she began.  “Everyone sitting in the bleaches has had a meaningful impact on

Salutatorian Taralyn Vedder

  someone here in some way.  Graduating is not something any of us could accomplish alone, and it’s as much a celebration of those who guide us as it is the graduates sitting here today…Growing up in Soda Springs had its perks, as well as its challenges,” she said, in part.  “There were moments when our class felt more like a family, and not in the picture perfect way…We argued over things, competed, and probably got tired of seeing the same faces every single day.  But somehow no matter what we always came back together.  That’s the funny thing about growing up so closely – even when we drove each other crazy, we were still there for each other…No matter what path you choose, I encourage you to feel uncomfortable.  Try new things, meet new people. Congratulations Class of 2026.”

After Vedder spoke, Valedictorian Gimhana Somarisi spoke to his fellow students, opening with a few jokes best left unrecorded.  “In all seriousness, I can’t say anything without first giving a huge thank you to those who helped get us to where we are today,” he said, and thanked Principal Moulton, the McMurray family, SSHS teachers, as well as the staff at Thirkill and Tigert.  “You’ve all had such a positive impact on all of our lives,” he stated, and then thanked his family for their support, and every other students’ families as well.  

Valedictorian Gimhana Somasiri

“The memories and the growth I’ve seen from all of you is downright inspiring,” he said of his fellow students, and continued by recounting some specific shared memories between members of the class.  

He invoked the story of Carl Sagan and the Voyager image of Earth in the midst of space.  The earth, as he explained, is a very small place.  “We are all on a tiny, insignificant dot together, but our time is very eminent.”

Keynote speaker Shannon Steele

 The keynote speaker for the evening was someone with a special connection to many of the students who were set to graduate.  Shannon Steele has been at the front desk of Thirkill Elementary for the full school careers of many of the students, giving her a unique perspective on the group that sat before her.

With touching recollections of watching students grow and mature over the years that led them to this point, Steele ended with the following words:

“If there is one thing I hope you will always remember as you continue to climb in this journey of life, it is to never allow yourself or anyone to tell you that you are a Just.

You are never Just a student.  You are never Just a secretary.  You are never Just a teacher.  You are never Just a farmer.  You are never Just a parent.  You are never Just a doctor.  You are never Just a mechanic.

Every role matters, every person matters, every path has value.  Some of the most important people in our lives are not the ones with the biggest titles or the loudest recognition. 

They are the people who quietly show up every day and make life better for someone else.  So whatever path you choose – whether it leads to a classroom, a construction site, a hospital, a farm, a business, a military uniform, a trade, a mission field, or a home filled with family  - never think of yourself as “just” anything.

Because who you are and how you treat people will always matter more than a title ever will.”

Board of Trustees for School District 150 are Steven Barker, Sally Jensen, Ben Goode, Myra Leatherman, and Galen Wilson then awarded degrees, along  with Superintendent Scott Muir.  Muir will be heading up the Aberdeen school district at the beginning of the next school year, when L.T. Erickson will take over the position in Soda Springs.

*na Maggie Ray Byram

c Ashtin Todd Call

c Aiddin D Cantrell

Bailie JesseKay Caudill

**a Ashley James Dalley

c Elijah Loren Dilworth

Lynlee Mary Dilworth

Miley Dean Dock

c Hadley Elizabeth Downs

Arleth Escobar Garcia

c Sara Elizabeth Fryar

* Thomas Cole Garbett

Nicole Madeline Gentry

*a McKartie Denise Green

** Courtnee Gronning

c Dechlynn Randy Guinn

c Lilian Abbagail Haderlie

* Gavin Marq Hansen

**a AmeliaRose Harris

**nc Lane Mark Harris

c Kayden Dustin Harrison

Ryker Paul-Bradley Hemmert

** Barrett Clint Hobbs

** Kale V Hopkins

**n Paetyn Rae Hopkins

*c Austin Stephen Housley

**c Delaney Rose Johnson

**a Madilyn Jeanne Kempe

Troy Robert Krupp

* Conner Trappett Lee

*a Andres McKay Lloyd

** Targy Franklin May

**nc Konner Keith McWilliams

+ Cooper Willard Morgan

Logan Lane Mellor

c Kaden Kal Miles

c Sierra Eliabeth Muir

**c Remmick Richard Nate

* Mylez Jeffrey Ozburn

c Preston Dean Ozburn

Jeffrey Neal Peace

Gage Matthew Peck

Josey Anna Rasmussen

**a Mollie June Renfroe

****na Gimhana Kaushalya Somasiri

** Soleil Somsen

Randy Karson Stephens

*c Jasta Jalee Stoor

*c Cooper Grizz Thompson

*** Taralyn Ann Vedder

Rylie Ann Watkins

**na Ellie Kathryn Wood

**** Valedictorian

*** Salutatorian

** High Honors

* Honors

n National Honor Society

c CTE diploma

a Associates degree – CSI

+ Honorary Graduate