113 graduate during Libby High School Commencement

Libby High School Commencement Speaker Gene Reckin didn’t paint a very rosy picture of the world during his address to graduates Monday – blaming his generation for its current state — and then challenged the class to go out and make things better.

“We are standing on the edge of another precipice,” Reckin told the class of 113 graduates. “Wouldn’t it be great if we looked back at your generation as the one that transformed this?” said Reckin, a biology teacher.

Reckin began his address from the elevated platform, but soon moved the lectern right down in front of the students situated in the southeast corner of Logger Gymnasium. He blamed his generation, the Class of 1972 from a San Diego high school, for having made a mess of this world.

However, he told students and the estimated 1,400 who attended, that this group of students — the Class of 2011 — could do much better.

   And then, the biology teacher stressed the whole point of his address, and his key for righting past wrongs and re-establishing greatness: “(Let) each of you dedicate your lives to something greater than your own self-interest. Let me repeat …” Reckin said for emphasis. ...

  “Someone has to start the movement right this ship, and it might as well be you,” he said.

   As Reckin wrapped up his presentation, he urged graduates not to spend what they don’t have; to cherish every day; told them success is not measured by the size of their homes or “how many four-wheelers you have in your garage.”

   Reckin’s 28-minute presentation followed addresses from dual Salutatorians Cree Maloney and Daniel Webster and dual Valedictorians Garrett Craig and Jamie Gilden.

   Maloney said his favorite animal is the turtle because a turtle is “not afraid to stick its neck out.” Maloney urged classmates to be bold as they took on life.

   Webster began by thanking teachers who have “inspired him in the classroom.”

Craig thanked his classmates.

   Gilden told classmates: “Different people have different dreams. Some of you are the lucky ones. You know exactly what you want.” …

   Gilden spoke of a family that had lost a child, and the dreams of that child were unrealized. She urged classmates to strive for greatness.

   “Go out and make your parents proud,” she said. … “Come alive and be somebody.”

   Senior Class President Taylor Barton served as emcee, introducing fellow classmates and speakers.

   The ceremony also featured two fine performances by the Libby High School Choir. The first was “Bonse Aba,” a traditional Zambian Folk Song that featured a distinctly African beat with percussionists. The second was quite a contrast — “Journey in Peace” — that featured a softer sound with a flute solo by graduate Jasmin Larsen.

   Libby High School Principal Rik Rewerts presented graduates their diplomas as School Board President Tracy Comeau, Superintendent Kirby Maki and Reckin congratulated graduates.

   Vice Principal Jim Germany assisted new grads with the traditional toss of the tassel upon receiving their diplomas.

   Band Director Brenda Nagode led the ceremony’s Processional with “Pomp and Circumstance” and the Recessional with “Carry On Wayward Son.”