Seven Lake City Community School Students Receive Diplomas as the Class of 2025 Graduates May 31

The grounds of Lake City Community School played host to more than a hundred celebrants as well as teachers, staff, and Board on Saturday, May 31.
Under bright skies the LCCS graduating class of 2025 received their diplomas and opened the door to the future.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance led by the kindergarten and 1st grade students Superintendent Rebecca Hall addressed the crowd. Displaying gentle good humor and keen insight of her students, Hall spoke of the sound of dedication, which is not found in the loud celebrations of milestones or in front an audience’s applause. Instead, she found the sound of dedication in quiet rooms, the effort marked by click clack, pause, and resume. The hum of the lights, the quiet voice from the next classroom, and the concentration of students is where greatness grows.
Chosen by the graduates as the keynote speaker was Mindy McClung, World Language Teacher. McClung began by thanking her fellow teachers for their support of the students but noting that the students themselves provided the persistence, resilience, and commitment to growth that took them to the threshold of their lives.
McClung went on with observations of each of the graduates gleaned from her years with most of them. She admired the way that Dawson Brown dug deeper into their studies of ASL (American Sign Language) to better understand deaf culture, adding depth to his language study.
Silas Fox drew many superlatives for his work in her language labs, with McClung describing him as a steady and uplifting presence exhibiting thoughtful leadership. She went on to praise Priya Hartman for her kindness, generosity, and helpful attitude.
Continuing her observations, McClung called out Leland Hudgeons for his loyalty to family and his commitment to always being his true self. Fellow classmate Titus Humphreys demonstrated quiet determination and a strong sense of purpose, often leading by doing.
McClung’s insights continued by noting Ava Wingard’s spark, her ability to turn ordinary moments into something special, and her ability to give her all at all times. Noting that she had not had as much time with KC Wuest as with her other student, McClung was nonetheless able to point to his sense of humor and quick wit, his ability to be himself in all situations.
McClung concluded her remarks by urging the graduates to take their curiosity with them into the world and that learning is a lifelong journey.
As is the custom at LCCS, the graduates each took turns addressing the crowd of well-wishers.
KC Wuest spoke with brevity, thanking his family and teachers, and remarking on future unknowns.
Dawson Brown pointed out the bittersweet moment of graduation, noting that he did not like school but that he has shared many good memories with friends and family. Dawson had particular thanks for his family, especially his brother Dean. He was particularly grateful to his teachers for recognizing his struggles and offering him what he needed in the moments.
Leland Hudgeons followed that with a touching tribute to a childhood friend lost to a tragic accident recently. After thanking his family and fellow graduates, he reminded everyone to remember those who have been lost and to not take loved ones for granted.
Titus Humphreys made note of the transition of leaving childhood behind and moving into adulthood. He spent time thanking his extended family, and shared a quote from Nicola Tesla, “The scientists of today think deeply instead of clearly. One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite insane.” Like Tesla, Titus looks to make a mark on the world. Ava Wingard took the podium to remind the onlookers that each day is long but the years are short. Ava spoke eloquently about her family and the lessons they provided for her. She also amused the crowd with a story involving some of her fellow graduates when they were in kindergarten, illustrating one of the peculiarities of a small school system.
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness, streams in the wasteland.” (Isiah 43:19) Priya Hartman spoke of the importance of doing new things and how that is possible knowing that one has a secure home base. She thanked her extensive family for her loving and sometimes riotous upbringing.
Rounding out the afternoon was Silas Fox, who spoke about the experience of being in a small town and an even smaller school and the unexpected connections this can build. Silas explained that his connection to Lake City was not supposed to happen in the first place but for a fortuitous set of circumstances that brought him from Kazakhstan to the San Juan Mountains.
Silas is also credited with bringing two special guests to the ceremony, former State of Colorado Representatives Kathleen Curry and Barbara McLachlan. Silas’ friendship with McLachlan dates back to an early school trip to the State Capitol. He found both of them to be inspirational mentors that fostered his love for politics and his decision to pursue a degree in Political Science.
The commencement ceremony moved quickly through the presentation of candidates and awarding of diplomas. The crowd was boisterous in its approval of each graduate and the recessional led to celebratory cupcakes on the school lawn.