Poplar High School Honors Graduates
Poplar High School recognized the hard work of its 2025 with its commencement exercises on Sunday, May 18.
Rebecca Gorder was valedictorian and Angelina Escarcega was salutatorian for the class.
Gorder thanked the school’s teachers and staff for making a difference in her life. She said she enjoyed all four years with her classmates and wishes them the best of good luck. Gorder added all the graduates are capable of accomplishing great things.
She explained that success won’t look the same for all of the graduates. “What matters is we keep moving forward,” she said.
Escarcega said when she started high school that a goal was being one of Poplar’s top students. She thanked her parents, friends and teachers for helping her reach that goal.
She said success isn’t measured by only grades and awards. Growth can be seen by continuing to work hard for a goal and maintaining meaningful friendships.
Guest speaker Loren Fuhrmann shared a few Paul Harvey’s “The rest of the story” pieces including the topics of Coca-Cola, artist Vincent van Gogh and Col. Sanders of KFC fame. Fuhrmann noted the stories illustrated that people who never fail, never try anything new.
“Mistakes are a natural part of life,” Fuhrmann said. He urged students to own up to mistakes, fix it and then move forward. “A mistake can lead to a brand new opportunity for you,” he said.
Other student speakers included class president Lanie Moran with the welcome address and Bailey Dupree with the closing address.
Poplar’s veterans provided a color guard.
Graduates included Eva Adams, Acacia Black Eagle, Parker Brien, Sage Brown, Kelan Buckles, Walker Bushia, Yvette Carpentier, Katelyn Chapman, Garret Dehner, Jayden DeMarrias, Bailey Dupree, Paiton Dupree, Angelina Escarcega, Navarjo Escarcega, Mattie Falls Down, Ronald Fast Horse, Rebecca Gorder, Gavyn Grainger, Jaizon Grambling, Daniel Gray Hawk, Jazlyn Grey Bear (in remembrance), Calley Guldborg, Kya Iron Bear, Ivan Iron Cloud, Taran James, Earl Jones, Josie Kirn, Blake Lambert, Chimerri Lester, Dylan Marottek, Sahnose Martell, Lanie Moran, Davie Muskrat, Mylee Olson, Tamra Pinkerton, Aiden Prichard, Matthew Red Boy, Kaniel Ricker, MacKenzie Robles, Yasmyn Sherman, Aberial Spotted Elk, Aiden Spotted Elk, Kyra Stormy, Kayler Strauser, Kelcie Strauser, Tah’nee Thunderchild, Kodilynn Weinberger, Charli Yellow Hammer and Ryan Youngman.
