The top two Tarkio High School Class of 2026 graduates were Isaac Vette (valedictorian) and Zoe Madron (salutatorian).
Jina Harbit, left, and Olivia Schaefer, right, walk in together to start graduation.
Valedictorian Isaac Vette addressed the Class of 2026 and shared the memories he had along with wishing everyone the best as they move to the next chapter of their lives.
Salutatorian Zoe Madron gave a speech to the Class of 2026 and those in attendance, sharing her memories and well wishes for the future.
Mr. Devin Albertson was the commencement speaker for the Class of 2026. Devin taught math and was a coach at Tarkio for two years.
Board President Josh Wright presents Kale Lekey with his diploma.
Board President Josh Wright presents Bo Peregrine with his diploma.
Following the slide show, the Tarkio High School Choir sang “I Am Still Your Dreamer” by Pinkzebra.
Mr. Petersen presents the Class of 2026 as they toss their hats.
Once the graduates were outside and lined up they took a moment to shoot off confetti cannons to celebrate their big day.
The graduates lined up on the sidewalk on the east side of the high school in a receiving line.
Dylan Drummond gets a big hug from Barb Swinford following graduation.
The commencement ceremony for the Tarkio High School Class of 2026 was held Sunday, May 10, 2026, in the high school gym. Twenty-four seniors earned their diplomas: Glenn Robert Armstrong III, Dylan Olivia Drummond, Emily JoAnn Gebhards, Jina AnnMarie Harbit, Jonas Lucian Hurst, Gavyn John Irvine, Bresayda Danielle Jimenez, Kale Daten Lekey, Zoe Elise Madron, Noah Douglas McCoy, Mason Douglas McMahon, Harley Dianne Mitchell, Rainy Shiann Nordhausen, Bo Logan Peregrine, Adrienne Sadie Phillips, Raelee Naomi Kaylynn Russell, Olivia Lynn Schaefer, Lilah Rae Sjulin, Brayden Michael Paul Smith, Quin Eldon Clement Staten, Isaac Daniel Vette, Carter Dean Wennihan, Kennedy Morghan White, and Jaeka Lynn Wiley.
The top five students were: Isaac Daniel Vette (valedictorian), Zoe Elise Madron (salutatorian), Raelee Naomi Kaylynn Russell, Rainy Shiann Nordhausen, and Quin Eldon Clement Staten.
Graduates who completed the Missouri College Preparatory Studies were Zoe Madron, Olivia Schaefer, Quin Staten, Isaac Vette, and Kennedy White.
Senior National Honor Society members included Glenn Robert Armstrong III, Dylan Olivia Drummond, Emily JoAnn Gebhards, Bresayda Danielle Jimenez, Zoe Elise Madron, Rainy Shiann Nordhausen, Bo Logan Peregrine, Raelee Naomi Kaylynn Russell, Olivia Lynn Schaefer, Quin Eldon Clement Staten, Isaac Daniel Vette, Kennedy Morghan White, and Jaeka Lynn Wiley.
Senior class officers were: Isaac Vette, president; Quin Staten, vice-president; Zoe Madron, secretary; Rainy Nordhausen, treasurer; and Brayden Smith and Jaeka Wiley, student council representatives. Class sponsors are Dustin Lambertsen and Melody Barnett.
The class song was “The Scientist” by Coldplay. The class motto was “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13. Class colors were yellow and white and a lily was the class flower.
The Tarkio High School Band played “Pomp & Circumstance” as the seniors, led by junior escorts, Bailey Wennihan and Brody Wennihan, filed into the gymnasium. Tarkio High School Principal Terry Petersen led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. Tarkio R-I Superintendent Bob Heddinger welcomed all in attendance and introduced the guest speaker, Mr. Devin Albertson. A slide show presentation was played and then the Tarkio High School Chorus sang “I Am Still Your Dreamer” by Pinkzebra. Isaac Vette, valedictorian, and Zoe Madron, salutatorian, gave remarks.
Mr. Terry Petersen, with the assistance of Tarkio R-I School Board President Mr. Joshua Wright, presented the diplomas. Mr. Petersen then led everyone in the Pledge to the School Flag and the graduates exited the gym to their class song, “The Scientist.”
Everyone gathered outside on the east lawn to congratulate the graduates.
