The Hayden School District class of 2024 is described as being strong and resilient, owing to the fact that they overcame countless challenges in their lives and education together. 

They were so strong and resilient that Chuck Norris and Olympian Dan Gable recorded messages to compliment the class on their achievements. 

Commencement exercises at the Hayden School District occurred in the main gym on Friday from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. 

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“These 23 students hold a special place for me because they’ve set a bar for subsequent graduating classes,” said Superintendent Eric Owen.

Commencement began with high school Principal Lanc Sellden welcoming the class and community. Following the national anthem he bestowed academic honors, with magna cum laude being awarded to six members of the graduating class followed by students Jenna Kleckler and Dalton Hockaday being recognized as summa cum laude. 

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Outgoing senior Josee Smith introduced Valedictorian Jenna Kleckler. Klecker addressed the reputation of the class throughout the years, noting the immense growth that had occurred since elementary and middle school.

Klecker closed by wishing the class the best in their future, stating that she was “proud” of them and that their time together had been “unforgettable”, while also reminding them to enjoy the fleeting time that they had left together. 

Superintendent Owen then spoke noting that though the class was small in size, they each had “immense potential”.

“In a small, close-knit community like Hayden, every achievement is magnified, every success deeply felt by all,” said Owen.

Following the class giving flowers to supporters and loved ones, Salutatorian Dalton Hockaday thanked school staff, family and friends for their support and guidance. He noted the challenges the group faced, and their ability to overcome them individually and collectively, while being able to “bond along the way”. 

“Our graduating class has left a mark on Hayden High School,” said Hockaday. “Let us carry with us the memories we’ve made, the lessons we’ve learned, and the friendships we’ve created.

Following Hockaday, graduate Dakota Munden sang “Dear High School” by Carolina Rial. 

Hayden coach and physical education teacher Matt Linsacum was the honored speaker. In his address to the students, Linsacum presented the class with a “life-changing” quote to contemplate 

“The concept of a comfort zone is synonymous with a sense of security, but in actuality it can be detrimental to our personal growth and success,” said Linsacum. 

He then presented the class with two recorded messages, one from Olympic wrestler and coach Dan Gable and one from Chuck Norris.

“It’s not easy but your success will be honored and your education, profession and family will make a difference,” said Gable.

Following Gable, a recording of Chuck Norris was played where he encouraged the Hayden graduates to “keep up all the incredible work” as they strive towards new goals. 

The class was awarded their diplomas by Sellden and counselor Kezia Zuber, who had taught the class in fourth grade.

The ceremony closed with the senior slideshow and with Klecker releasing the students from the ceremony as they popped confetti poppers and threw their caps into the air.