Sho-Ban High School graduates celebrated at Class of 2026 commencement
Shoshone-Bannock High School graduates at the Class of 2026 commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 21, from left: Keoni Loneman, Aiyana Eschief and Deston Enos.
By YVONNE WARJACK
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — Families, tribal leaders, educators and community members gathered to celebrate the graduating Class of 2026 during a ceremony centered on culture, tradition, leadership, and academic achievement at the Shoshone-Bannock Jr./Sr. High School Blaine Dixey Gymnasium Thursday, May 21.
The graduation ceremony carried the theme, “Honoring the Past, Carrying the Future,” as graduates entered the gymnasium during the processional led by Ghost Canyon.
From left, Sho-Ban valedictorian Keoni Loneman and salutatorian George Tindore.
Tribal elder Ernest Wahtomy, Miss SBHS Acacia Mendez, and Jr. Miss SBHS TaLyia Ish led students into the ceremony before Ghost Canyon performed the Flag Song and Victory Song.
Michael Tindore served as master of ceremonies throughout the evening program. Ernest Wahtomy offered the prayer and cedaring while Sho-Ban School Royalty and Miss Sho-Ban welcomed attendees. A message was also shared by a Fort Hall Business Council member before Ghost Canyon performed the Honor Song.
Keynote speaker Leela Abrahamson speaks to graduates.
Leela Abrahamson delivered the keynote address. George Tindore gave the salutatorian message following his introduction by Carmelita Benitez, while Keoni Loneman delivered the valedictorian address after being introduced by Pamela Eschief.
Sho-Ban graduates at the commencement ceremony.
Presentation of diplomas was conducted by the Shoshone-Bannock School Board and the Fort Hall Business Council before graduates crossed the stage to receive their diplomas surrounded by applause from family members, classmates, staff, and community supporters.
The graduating Class of 2026 included Tyree Antelope, Keilee Brunette, Karlissa Cerino, Ahmari Cherry, Thor Denny, Maddox Edmo-McArthur, Deston Enos, Aiyana Eschief, Keoni Loneman, Kennion Martin, Wambli-Luzahan Matsaw, Ace Mendez, La Naya Poog, Kelton Pubigee, George Tindore, Jasette Tindore, Keylii Tsosie, Ebonee Whiteman, and Pongose Wynne.
Shoshone-Bannock High School graduates wearing beaded graduation caps at the ceremony.
Graduates wore decorated caps, honor cords, beadwork, Pendleton blankets, floral leis, eagle feathers, and cultural regalia during the ceremony as family members gathered throughout the gymnasium.
The graduation program also featured two quotations included in the commemorative booklet: “We are what we imagine. Our very existence consists in our imagination of ourselves,” by N. Scott Momaday, and “Let us be the ancestors our descendants will thank,” by Winona LaDuke. Closing remarks were provided by R.J. Kutch as graduates concluded the evening celebration surrounded by drum songs, photographs, and recognition from the Fort Hall community.
Shoshone-Bannock High School graduate Keilee Brunette gives a family member a hug.
