Senior Night celebrated at Seeley-Swan High School

Graduating seniors played their last home basketball game against Charlo. The seniors were recognized with their families and friends, before playing in their game. The game was a perfect ending for their home court, with both the boys' and girls' teams taking the win, as well as both JV teams. The teams played their last regular game, including JV teams, against Thompson Falls on Saturday, and will go on to District tournaments on Thursday in Hamilton. 

First row, from left:

Ben Haley

Ben was escorted by his mother Tanya Haley and brother Jacob. He would also like to acknowledge the memory of his dad Mike. Ben has played football for four years, lettering all four years. Ben was elected captain for the football team the last two years. Ben has played basketball for four years and lettered twice and looks forward to playing this winter. Ben also has played golf for the Blackhawks qualifying for state two out of three years. Ben's favorite memory of high school is sophomore year state golf getting to hang out in Bozeman with his golf team and Coach Palmer. Ben would like to thank his family, friends, coaches, and teachers for being supportive of him for the past four years. Ben is planning on attending the University of Montana.

Emily Maughan

Emily was escorted by her parents, Lisa and Keith Maughan, her sister, Sariah Maughan, and her grandmother, Ruth, and her Aunt Marie. She has lettered in basketball for three years, track for two years, and cross country two years. Emily has been a member of the LEOs for four years and has been part of Student Council for one year. Her favorite memory is from her freshman year during covid when school was at home: she and Kyla renovated a bus, turning it into a camper. Emily's future plans are to get her EMT certification to become an EMT firefighter.

Sean Mercado

Sean was escorted by his mother Deidre, his three sisters Emily, Grace and Lilly. Sean has lettered in freshman football and in three years of basketball. After graduation, he plans on attending the University of Providence in Great Falls to play basketball for the Argos, on a scholarship. Sean intends to study Developmental Psychology and acquire a PhD. His favorite memory is: Every moment he got to share on the court with his brother, Owen. Sean would like to thank Jacob Haley and Mr. Haines for their mentorship and his brothers for always setting the bar high and pushing him hard.

Second row, from left:

Klayton Kovatch

Klayton was escorted by his parents, Karen and Kalvin Kovatch. He participated and lettered in football for three years, basketball for four years and track and field for two years. Klayton is a current member of the Destinations for Education service project heading to Costa Rica in March. One of Klayton's favorite memories was ice fishing with his friends.

After graduation, Klayton is traveling to Australia and then returning to spend another summer working in the backcountry. In the fall, he has been accepted to attend Montana Tech in Butte where he will major in Metals Fabrication.

Connor Mathew

Connor was escorted by his parents Jonathan and Jamie Matthew, and his sister Aubrey. He has participated in football for four years, lettered all four years, basketball for four years, lettered all four years, golf for one year, and track for one year, lettering. Connor plans to pursue a career in construction. His favorite memory has been competing with all of his teams. 

Trista Alexander

Trista was escorted by her father, Boomer Alexander, Felicia Boyd and her friend, Tegan Mauldin. Trista has participated in volleyball for four years, basketball for three years, track and field for two years. She has received academic all-state every year, and went to state basketball her sophomore year and state track her junior year. After graduation, Trista plans to go into the Air Force ROTC program at a college of her choice. Trista's favorite high school memory was state track when she and her friends climbed into the bus to change their outfits in the Scheels parking lot. 

Third row, from left:

Kyla Conley

Kyla was escorted by her parents Owen and Dana Conley, and three sisters KeAnna, Darrian, and Aspen. Kyla has participated in volleyball for three years, basketball for four years, track for two years, and Junior Olympic track for one year. She has received all-conference in both basketball and volleyball. She has also participated in LEOs club for four years, Student Council for four years, BPA for one year, and is a part of Destinations for Education which is heading to Costa Rica in the spring. Kyla's favorite memory is stealing the big mirror out of the boys locker room sophomore year in weights with Klaire, Bethany, Trista, Dani, and Tru. After graduation, Kyla plans to move to Texas while pursuing a degree in Business Management online.

Ava Thornsberry

Ava was escorted by her mom Chantel, and brother Kaden. Ava has participated in volleyball for four years, basketball for three, and golf for two. She has received academic all-state every year and first-team all-conference for volleyball her Junior and Senior year. She has also participated in LEOS club for two years, this year as President, Student Council for two years, and National Honors Society for one year. After graduation, Ava plans to pursue a degree in criminal justice or forensic science. Her favorite memories

are all the fun laughs she's had with friends during sports practices.

Chris Auchenbach

Chris was escorted by his parents Chris and Kellie Auchenbach, his sisters Lacie and Jolene and his brother Parker Auchenbach. He lettered in football for two years, participated in basketball and golf for one year. Chris plans to become a carpenter here in the valley. His favorite memory was getting his first basket in a varsity basketball game.

Fourth row, from left:

Danielle Sexton

Dani was escorted by her parents, Toni and Michal Sexton. She lettered in volleyball and basketball for four years.

She lettered in track for two years, missing one year due to covid and plans to participate this spring for her third year. Dani has been active in 4-H for 11 years and she is part of the LEOs club this year. She has also played club volleyball for Zootown for three years now and made it on the 18's 1 team this year. Dani has been accepted to Carroll College to continue her volleyball and academic career, studying pre-law business. Her favorite memory in high school was the formal homecoming dance. 

Owen Hoag

Owen was escorted by his parents, Tim and Kelly Hoag. He lettered in football for four years, basketball for one year, track for two years, and managed the basketball team for one year. He has also been a member of the LEOs club and a student trustee to the school board for two years. After graduation Owen plans to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point and become an officer in the Army.

His favorite memory was watching Top Gun: Maverick on its opening weekend while at state track in Great Falls.

Cora Stone

Cora was escorted by her parents, Brie and Trace, and her brother Noah. Cora has participated in volleyball for four years, golf for two years, and Nordic skiing for three years. She has been active in LEOs for four years, Student Council for four years, and Business Professionals of America for three years. After graduation, Cora plans to attend college and study diplomatic relations. Her favorite high school memory is placing second in volleyball districts senior year.