Plains High School graduates celebrate new beginnings

Graduation day at Plains High School marked a proud and emotional milestone as 29 seniors gathered one last time to celebrate the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. For these students, graduation isn’t an ending — it’s the start of many new adventures.

Nine graduates plan to continue their education at post-secondary institutions. Four will answer the call to serve their country, while the remaining 16 are preparing to enter the workforce. 

The Sunday afternoon ceremony began with Class President Django Oakcedar leading the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance. He was followed by Plains Mayor Joel Banham, who offered words of encouragement to the graduates. 

“As milestones go in life, this is actually one of the big ones,” Banham said. “This day is a launch pad for you. It’s a day you will remember forever.” 

He added, “None of us come into life having it all together. If I could give you one piece of advice, it would be to access forgiveness — for yourself and for others.” 

High School Principal Heidii Fettinger also addressed the Class of 2025, congratulating them on their achievements. 

Salutatorian Logan Steinebach delivered a heartfelt and reflective speech. 

“There is one title I would like to keep after I graduate,” he began. “And I think anyone my age should hold onto it like an umbrella in the rain or a flashlight in the dark — and that title is ‘student.’” 

He continued, “We often feel that if we can’t do something right the first time, we shouldn’t try at all. But if I had held onto that belief, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to stand before you today. I was lucky to learn the importance of forgiving yourself and remembering that you’re always a student. A diploma doesn’t mean you stop learning or that you’re suddenly an adult. To me, it’s proof that we’re ready to go out into the world and discover who we are.” 

Guest speaker Austin Ransom followed, leading into the final speech by Valedictorian Layla Harris. 

“Standing up here is very surreal,” Harris said. “I’ve been to my fair share of graduation ceremonies, and it’s strange being on this side of it. It’s a day my classmates and I have been counting down to, but now... I’d give my right arm for it to last just a little bit longer.” 

Reflecting on the bond she shares with her peers, she added, “I’ve been with this group of people during the most influential years of my life. So, to my classmates — and to anyone else listening — whatever’s waiting for you out there, don’t skip it just because you’re afraid. Don’t wait until you feel perfectly ready. Do it anyway.”

Over 200 friends and family attended this year 2025 Graduation Commencement. 

Nine graduates received scholarships this year.  

Layla Harris received the MSU Premier Scholarship and Mary Ellen Lynch Scholarship, Stem/Healthcare Scholarship, Blackfoot Communications Scholarship, Clark Fork Elks Most Valuable, Class of 1983 Gone Too Soon Scholarship, VFW, and the W.W. Scott Memorial. 

Alexis Deming received the Class of 1983 Gone Too Soon Scholarship, Kenny Marjerrison Memorial, Plains Drug Store, VFW, Kim Duane McNeil (Kimo Memorial Scholarship, Plains Booster Club Scholarship, and the W.W. Scott Memorial.

Fabio Martinex received the Carroll’s Presidential Scholarship, Stem/Healthcare Scholarship, Nep and Mary Ellen Lynch Scholarship, Class of 1983 Gone Too Soon Scholarship, Carroll College Montana Advantage Award, VFW, Clark Fork Elks Most Valuable, and the W.W. Scott Memorial. 

Mackenzie Tulloch received the Jack Essler Trades Scholarship, Kenny Marjerrison Memorial, Sanders County 4H Council, and Mary Gertude Leavy LaPointe Scholarship. 

Senior Class President Django Oakcedar received the Payne Family Impact Scholarship, UofM Achievement Scholarship, George Wurm Memorial Scholarship, Class Award, Community Commitment Scholarship, Plains Teachers Organization, Ponemah Masonic Lodge, W.W. Scott Memorial, 1-2-Free Scholarship of U of M, and the VFW 

Trystan Larsen received the Class Award. 

Zayden Allen received the Northwest Montana Attendance Area Waiver-FCC, Nep Scholarship, Blackfoot Communication Scholarship, Kenny Marjerrison Memorial, W.W. Scott Memorial, Edgar French Scholarship, and the VFW. 

Rubea Privett received the U of M Achievement scholarship. 

Jacob Lulack received Gary’s Glass and Auto Body and the Ponemah Masonic Lodge awards. 

    Plains Mayor Joel Banham giving the welcoming speech to the 2025 Plains graduating class. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
  

    Plains senior class valedictorian Layla Harris during her speech to the 2025 graduating class. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)