Sandpoint, Idaho — Students from three Bonner County schools marked the end of their academic journeys this week as Clark Fork High School, Lake Pend Oreille High School, and Sandpoint High School each held commencement ceremonies honoring the graduating Class of 2026.
Clark Fork Sends Off 18 Graduates Wednesday Night
Clark Fork Jr./Sr. High School kicked off the week’s ceremonies on Wednesday evening, with 18 graduates earning their diplomas. Students processed onto the track as the celebration got underway, with graduate Jesse Raynor among those marking the milestone. Fellow graduate Solomon Holderman was also among those receiving diplomas. In a tradition beloved at many high school commencements, the cap toss capped off the evening’s festivities as graduates marked the moment.
For more on local events surrounding graduation weekend across Bonner County, see the Bonner County Weekend Events roundup.
LPOHS Holds Thursday Commencement
Lake Pend Oreille High School followed with its own ceremony on Thursday. Principal Chris Davis personally handed a diploma to graduate Addison Bates, while school counselor Sara Gosling participated in the proceedings. Office manager Belinda Wilson helped students get their graduation caps in order before the event began.
One particularly moving moment came when Bart Gutke stepped to the podium to read the graduation speech written by his son, Jack Gutke, on his behalf. The gesture drew attention to the personal significance of the milestone for families throughout the community.
Sandpoint High Wraps Up the Week at War Memorial Field
Sandpoint High School held its commencement at War Memorial Field on Saturday, where the traditional ringing of the victory bell marked the occasion. The ceremony included a musical performance by three graduates of Forrest Bird Charter School — Hunter Borges, Arayah Glines, and Sawyer Klind — who performed “Landslide,” the classic Fleetwood Mac song, adding a memorable touch to the day’s events.
Two Forrest Bird graduates were also recognized for specific achievements: Annabelle Shobe received a certified nursing assistant certificate alongside her diploma, and Corban Kreutzmann obtained his diploma as well.
In a moment that carried special weight, the family of McCoy Jensen received his diploma from Athletic Director TJ Cleary on his behalf, a gesture that reflected the community’s commitment to honoring every graduate.
What Comes Next
With graduation season now wrapping up across Bonner County, the Class of 2026 moves on to the next chapter — whether that means college, trade school, military service, or entering the workforce in North Idaho and beyond. Local community members and organizations continue to support young people in that transition, as the region’s schools have consistently demonstrated a commitment to recognizing individual student achievements alongside academic milestones.
The Bonner County community has shown throughout the week that graduation is not simply a school event but a shared celebration. From families filling bleachers at War Memorial Field to the quiet dignity of a father reading his son’s speech, the ceremonies reflected the values of connection and perseverance that define North Idaho communities.
For more on community life across the North Idaho Panhandle, including how local faith communities serve the region, read about how an African-born priest travels Bonner County’s Panhandle to keep Catholic parishes served.