Another year, another graduating class at Lincoln County High School. Family, friends and well-wishers from all around the county filled the seats at the Rick Phillips gym in Panaca on May 23 to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2025. 

One major difference between this year and previous years was the seating; the gym was recently outfitted with new bleachers that help provide much more room for those in attendance. Though this was the smallest graduating class in recent history, with only 31 students, the students had a very positive effect on LCHS due to the changes they went through over the course of their time at the high school.

To explore those changes, we must recognize the graduation ceremony itself, and the many comments made about this group of special young men and women. As per tradition, the graduates entered the building as the band played, and after they took their seats, attendees were welcomed by senior class president Savannah Young. In Young’s remarks, she talked about how the students’ strong personalities prevented them from achieving their full potential at first, but when junior year came around, there was a significant shift. She, and many of the other student speakers, commented on the sudden change when they went from a group of students to something more like a family around that time.

Following Young, Samantha Patrick stood and took a moment to recognize some very special members of the community who had contributed to their years at the high school, starting with Superintendent Pam Teel. As this would be the last graduating class under her tenure, they took a moment to recognize the hard work she had put in from the beginning of her time as a kindergarten teacher through the last few years as the head of the school district. In thanks for her service, Teel was presented with a quilt.

Following that, Terryn Phillips took to the stand and recognized her grandfather, Rick Philips, for whom the high school gym is named. Coach Philips was applauded for his hard work, dedication and love for the kids that he taught and coached. Terryn also mentioned his grandfather’s recent induction into the NIAA Hall of Fame, which only serves to highlight how much of an effect he has had on sports, not just in Panaca, but in Nevada as a whole.

The LCHS band program was recognized for the hard work they have put in. Their recent high ratings at Music in the Parks were mentioned, and Jacob Lester, the band and choir director, was recognized. The band presented their rendition of “Celebration Tribalesque.”

Caleb Dirks then spoke, introducing salutatorian Rowdy Lloyd. Dirks talked about how Lloyd has always been a kind young man and showed his determination by sticking with all three main sports every year of his time at LCHS, culminating in his selection as the highest-ranked offensive player in football for his league, all while achieving straight A’s. Lloyd went on to remember their years at the high school, encouraging his fellow graduates to “keep showing up and keep making memories.”

Karson Mathews was next up, introducing his “favorite cousin,” valedictorian Keziah Smith. Smith compared their futures to being given the controls of a hot air balloon, saying that passion, like the hot air that fills a balloon, will help you rise. She encouraged her fellow graduates to keep going and stay resilient.

Hagen Smith introduced commencement speaker Dr. William Miller. He noted that Miller, an LCHS graduate, is one of the foremost medical experts in the county. For Miller’s part, he downplayed things a bit, noting that he wasn’t valedictorian, and he barely qualified for medical school before almost dropping out. So he posited the question: Was he a rock star or a failure? He said he was neither and both, showing the duality of who we are as people. The real measure of one’s self is not how often a person falls; it’s how often they get back up. He reminded the graduates that real integrity depends on what they do when no one is watching. He also talked about humility, which is recognizing you don’t know something and seeking to find out more. This shouldn’t be confused with ignorance, which is when you don’t know something and do nothing to improve. He advised the students to keep working to improve the lives around them.

The audience was then presented with a slideshow featuring pictures of the graduates throughout the years.

Next up was Sharon Dirks, principal of LCHS, and mother of one of the graduates. She shared her emotions with the other mothers of these wonderful kids and encouraged the graduates to show their gratitude to the people who had brought them this far, especially their mothers.

Jenny Mathews spoke then, recognizing Kevin Smith’s contribution as the class advisor and reiterating just how close the students had become the last few years. She also led the presentation of diplomas…minus any actual diplomas. These would be presented at the Lynx Lair following the ceremony for the graduates. So instead, the graduates were announced, took their pictures and shook hands with members of the school board and district faculty before returning to their seats.

One move of the tassel later, the Class of 2025 had officially reached the end of their high school career.

The following graduates received advanced diplomas: Ellie Bleak, Noah Elmer, Juliana Etue,  Ben Finlinson, Johnathan Heath, Rowdy Lloyd, Julian Lynn, Karson Mathews, Joseph Patteratz, Samantha Patrick, Ferryn Phillips, Keziah Smith, Westin Williams, Savannah Young, George Zierow and Rachel Mathews. 

The Lincoln County High School Class of 2025 are Kenyon Almaraz, Kalen Bart, Aleynah Bazil, Ellie Bleak, Mason Davis, Caleb Dirks, Noah Elmer, Anthony Faehling, Benjamin Finlinson, Carter Hales, Crystal Hartley, Johnathyn Heath, Cyler Leeds, Rowdy Lloyd, Jyllian Lynn, Shain Mastin, Rachel Mathews, Karson Mathews, Andrew Medlin, Joseph Padderatz, Samantha Patrick, Ferryn Phillips, Haven Reich, Curtis Rippetoe, Tyler Robison, Hagen Smith, Keziah Smith, Westin Williams, Savannah Young and George Zierow.