Havre High Class of 2023 graduates

The Havre High School Class of 2023 graduated Sunday in a ceremony at Blue Pony Stadium, as district teachers, administrators and board members presented students their diplomas.

Havre Public Schools Interim-Superintendent Brad Moore presented the class' choice of speaker, Highland Park Early Primary School Principal Hayley Criner, who taught many of the graduating students math in middle school.

Criner thanked the students for choosing her despite the fact that middle school math class was likely not the highlight of their lives up until this point.

She said looking back on the students of this class, one collective characteristic stands out to her, their competitive spirit.

She said it was hard to set up games in her class because the students knew that no matter how well they all did in the game, not all of them could win, and they hated losing more than anything.

"The kids in this class have disliked, more than anything, the feeling of defeat, losing or being unsuccessful. This trait of setting the example, striving for excellence and wanting to always do the best they could possibly do was something that followed them into their years at Havre High," Criner said.

"This started with winning a math game in room 206 at Havre Middle School, and then transpired into four years of success, growth and giving the people in this community a variety of reasons to be incredibly proud of the young people that are sitting in front of us today," she added.

She said she hopes they keep that drive as they move into their adult life, and she hopes that they know that this is just a small part of their journey, the beginning of a life that will see many days greater than this one.

"I have one wish for you, I hope this isn't the best day of your life," she said. "Enjoy this celebration. Revel in the accomplishment that you've made with your loved ones, but know that the best part lies ahead of you."

Havre High School Principal Dustin Kraske also spoke at the ceremony before students were presented with their diplomas.

Kraske said it's been a privilege to be part of these young people's pursuit of achievement and thanked them and their parents and guardians for being so involved in the school.

He said every year's senior class drives the culture of the school, and the class of 2023 did a great job of making an uplifting environment for those who follow them.

"This past year, our seniors have taught us four valuable truths," he said. "There is strength in positive leadership, there is power in pursuing greatness, appreciate the harmony of working together, and embrace the courage to achieve."

Kraske said the future belongs to young people like them and he wishes them well.

Students were handed their diplomas after performances by the school's band and A Cappella Choir to a packed stadium and a hillside full of family and friends.