Troy seniors encouraged to 'be unassuming heroes'

With a 4.12 grade-point, 10 college credits and $25,000 in scholarships to his name, Troy High School Class of 2014 Valedictorian Nathan Olds spoke to his classmates about what he believes to be a very important topic — Lord of the Rings.

“Be unassuming heroes,” Olds said during Sunday’s graduation ceremony in the Troy Activity Center, encouraging his friends to find their inner Frodo.

While admitting to watching the Hollywood versions but never reading the classic book, Olds said he finds a lot of strong life lessons in the adventure series. Like Gandalf, he believes it is the little things in life that matter.

Olds said he practiced his speech for a week with his father and sister. The young man had a family precedent to follow. Two of his older sisters, Delsey and Alyssa, are former Troy High valedictorians.

“Oh yeah, I was pretty nervous,” Olds said. “But it was cool. I took a public-speaking course and that helped a lot on stage.”

Olds plans to attend New Hope Christian College in Eugene, Ore., where he will study ministry. Already known for his focus and drive, Olds is also an opportunist. Olds — who is a non-denominational Christian — said his life course was changed by a cold call from the Air Force.

“They asked me what I was doing after I graduated and they said they have a chaplain program,” Olds said. “I didn’t know anything about it, but it sounds cool. That’s what I want to do after I graduate.”

The top graduate’s go-with-the-flow attitude matched commencement speaker Jim Jones’ message. A driver’s education teacher, Jones spoke of his close relationship with the unexpected.

“It’s OK to make mistakes in life,” Jones told the audience. “I’ve been teaching drivers for nine years. A lot of mistakes happen out there.”

Troy High School Principal Jacob Francom was pleased with the hour-long event.

“I thought it went really well,” Francom said. “The musical number by the choir was good. It was a nice time.”

A total of 23 students graduated Sunday. Kellie Lundin was recognized as the salutatorian with a 4.08 grade-point average. She, like her twin sister Katie, will attend Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho.

It was an impressive weekend for Olds. Before leading his class in graduation, Olds claimed second in the triple jump and third in the high jump during the Class B state track meet in Butte.

“Nathan works hard in everything he does,” Troy Coach Neil Newton said. “I am thankful for everything he did in our program.”

Olds plans to follow his intrepid advice by beginning his adventures with New Hope’s international missionary programs.

“I look forward to seeing more of the world,” Olds said.