A sense of pride and accomplishment, mixed with fond reminiscence and forward-looking aspiration, filled the air on Friday evening as Pahranagat Valley High School celebrated the graduation of its Class of 2025. The ceremony, held on the school’s football field at 7 p.m., marked a significant milestone for the 22 graduating seniors, their families and the close-knit community.

The weather was picture perfect as family and friends filled the football stadium and the field’s perimeter. 

The evening began with the traditional processional, followed by a warm welcome from senior class president Mylah Stout. After the National Anthem, the focus turned to the academic leaders of the class. Senior class president Michael Strong had the honor of introducing valedictorian Jacob Hagfeldt and salutatorian Mylah Stout.

Hagfeldt delivered a brief and humorous speech, opening with a disarming, “Yeah, I guess I’m the valedictorian.” 

Hagfeldt drew laughter by joking that the class had certainly been through a lot, including “surviving a pandemic and Biden as president.” He shared memorable anecdotes, including a time when two teammates nearly came to blows in a football huddle during a season that ultimately led to a state championship win, and a classmate almost getting caught swimming in a water feature at Sam’s Town. 

He concluded his remarks on a sincere note, stating, “High school has been a blast. I’m glad I’ve had this time with my class and my friends.”

Following Hagfeldt, salutatorian Stout took the audience through the class’s journey of selecting a motto, reflecting on several contenders and what they revealed about the Class of 2025. 

She mentioned “Finding Joy in the Journey,” noting that the class “never lost their ability to laugh through challenges.” Another motto considered was “There is no pain without gain,” a nod to a class willing to work hard to achieve their goals. With a touch of humor reflecting the realities of senior year, she shared, “We came, we saw, we almost cared,” indicating the class fought through the typical senioritis. 

Ultimately, Stout revealed, the class settled on the inspiring motto “Dream big. Work hard. Leave a legacy.” She explained that this choice encapsulates a class with ambitious goals, a strong work ethic and a collective desire to use their abilities to help others and make a positive impact.

A musical interlude provided a moment of reflection, with Ellie Charlee Hollis performing “7 Years.” This was followed by A.J. Thornton introducing the evening’s guest speaker, Brett Hansen, better known as “Coach B.” 

Hansen, an alumnus, teacher and head football coach at PVHS, began his address by gifting each graduate a captain’s hat. He alluded to William Ernest Henley’s “Invictus,” adapting the famous lines to convey the idea that each graduate is the master of their fate and the captain of their ship, emphasizing they are now in charge of their journeys. 

Hansen offered five points for navigating life’s waters: First, students must work their way up, developing a vision for their direction and a willingness to put in the effort. Second, he encouraged them not to be afraid to challenge conventional paths or “shipping routes,” citing Columbus’ daring westward voyage. Third, he advised students to beware of “mutiny” by being careful about the influences they allow into their lives, ensuring they surround themselves with people who have their best interests at heart. Fourth, he reminded them to expect both difficult and calm seas, urging strength in hardship and enjoyment in good times. His fifth point was about the importance of perseverance, emphasizing that mistakes will happen and real failure only occurs when one decides to stop trying. 

As a final gesture, Hansen gave each graduate a pirate coin, likening their drive to the movie character Captain Jack Sparrow’s relentless pursuit to captain his ship, the Black Pearl. He concluded by warmly reminding the graduates that the community of Alamo and Pahranagat Valley would always serve as their welcoming home port.

The ceremony also highlighted the achievements and plans of the students, with the presentation of scholarships by Emilee Frehner. 

Zoey Perkins then introduced the school district representatives in attendance. The culmination of the evening was the presentation of diplomas. Wade Poulsen, school board member, Matt Cameron, incoming superintendent and Brooke Foremaster, principal of Pahranagat Valley High School, had the honor of awarding the diplomas. Foremaster then formally presented the Graduating Class of 2025.

Among the graduates, many were recognized for outstanding academic achievements:

• Advanced Diploma and High Honors (3.8-4.0 GPA every quarter for four years, along with an advanced course of study): Jacob Hagfeldt, Ryder Pearson, Zoey Perkins, Mylah Ann Stout, Alec Jay Thornton and Hadee Walch.
• Advanced Diploma: Ethan J Ferrari, Ellie Charlee Hollis, Skylah Johnson, Clarence Lewis and Shaylin Lytle. 
• High Honors ( 3.8-4.0 GPA every quarter for four years): Logan T Thiriot.
• Early Graduates: Keadin (C.J.) Christian, Hunter Fry and Clarence (Boogie) Lewis were acknowledged for completing their high school requirements ahead of schedule.

The Pahranagat Valley High School Class of 2025 graduates are Keadin (C.J.) Christian, Pierce J Davis, Weston Forre Dukes, Ethan J Ferrari, Hunter Fry, Jacob Hagfeldt, Ellie Charlee Hollis, Rio Sanford Hughes, Skyla Johnson, Devon J Lasike, Clarence (Boogie) Lewis, Shaylin Lytle, Miriam Judith Mancinas, Logan Merritt, Westyn Morley, Ryder Pearson, Zoey Perkins, Joshua Post, Mylah Ann Stout, Logan T Thiriot, Alec Jay Thornton and Hadee Walch.

The ceremony concluded with the recessional, as the newly minted graduates stepped forward to embark on their diverse paths, equipped with knowledge, experiences and community support from their time at Pahranagat Valley High School.