Potomac Teacher Damian Gaglia (right of stage) speaks to nine of the 11 eighth grade graduates, their families and friends that attended in the outdoor ceremony June 12 at the Salter's ranch.
POTOMAC - Signs and banners decorated the highway in front of Cullys and along Potomac Road in celebration of the Potomac School graduating classes of 2020.
Both the kindergarten and eighth grade graduations had to comply with Missoula County Public Health Department rules regarding social distancing and disinfection. The events were by invitation only and were held outside.
On Thursday evening, June 11, nine Potomac School kindergartners graduated. The ceremony was held in the athletic field of Potomac and was presented by principal John Rouse and teacher Karry Betson.
Kindergarten graduates include Burke Bastian, Cillian Brewer, Emily Curtis, Wiley Kelley, Amanda Kirkham, Ryder Lomont, Marley Ringsbye, Theron VanGrinsven and Lyza Zupan.
The Potomac School eighth grade class graduated Friday, June 12 outside amid family and friends at the Salter family residence in Potomac. Graduating students include Brian Shinnick, Sawyar Cooney, Brandon Leathers, Owen Dry, Alex Duello, Chase Salter, Maci Flomer, Sage Fife, Lauren Nordberg, Anna France and Penelope Russell.
Per Potomac tradition, the class and eighth grade teacher Damian Gaglia created a slideshow. Instead of being shown during the ceremony because it was too light outside to view, it is available through Gaglia. While the slideshow typically includes footage from the class trip, due to COVID-19 restrictions the class was unable to take their trip.
Students chose their favorite song to be played as they entered. They also chose someone to speak about them. Potomac teachers Gaglia, Kristina Davis, Sarah Schmill and Jessica VanKerkhove were selected speakers as well as Eric Marchesano, who spoke on behalf of Fife, his younger sister.
During the ceremony, Davis presented the annual Citizenship and Pioneer Awards. The Citizenship award reflects a student's kind, positive, respectful, responsible attitude to him or herself and others. Cooney received the Citizenship Award. Cooney did not attend the optional graduation ceremony, but said he is thankful for the teachers and aids that stood by his side during his time at Potomac School and is looking forward to high school.
The Pioneer Award recognizes an outstanding eighth grader who exemplifies the greatest combination of a dedication to academics, self-improvement, leadership, athletics, the ability to find their best in their peers and a joy for life. Nordberg was awarded this year's Pioneer Award.
"Thank you all for your support of these students. It's been an honor to be a part of this group," said Gaglia. "It is bitter sweet."
In addition to the Potomac kindergartners and eighth graders, Potomac students who graduated from high school in Missoula included: Michaela Ailport, Lars Erickson, Bridger Hall, Jennifer Kimmel, Ethan Martinez, Kyla Nelson and Brennan Richardson.
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