By Jack Reaney SENIOR EDITOR
On Saturday, May 17, Big Sky Discovery Academy celebrated five graduating seniors in a ceremony that included speeches by each student’s chosen mentor.
The five students represent the sixth graduating class of the 11-year-old school, which continues to grow and evolve its programming to meet the needs of its families. The class of 2025 is tied with 2021 for the school’s largest-ever class.
“Having five graduates is an exciting moment for Discovery,” Assistant Head of School Beth Marlington told EBS in a phone call. “We’re filled with gratitude and excitement for the graduates and their families.”
Marlington described the group as “incredible adults who have persevered through diverse challenges… grounded, respectful, thoughtful and open” in her commencement speech.
She commended them for their academic achievements and their fulfillment of the school’s mission to discover their potential. “Making plans for what will fulfill them going forward, and that makes me very proud of them.”
The “tight knit” class of students have shown dedication to their work, their friends and their community, and pursued their interests through extracurricular activities in the community and programs offered by Lone Peak High School, such as sports and theater productions, Marlington explained.
Head of Schools Scott Poloff told EBS that Discovery’s flexible schedule teaches high school students to manage their time and balance responsibilities and independence. He’s proud that the graduates spent their time working part-time, volunteering, and diving into their passions while succeeding academically.
“They’re just very good active members within the community,” Poloff said.
His message to graduates is to reflect on the time they put into their academics with Discovery, and to remember that many of the lessons they learned in high school will allow them to continue to be successful in life.
He added that each of the graduates is unique, and their graduation ceremony reflected their individualism as a group—they quickly chose pink caps and gowns, in contrast to last year’s senior class, a group of three headed to trade school who wore black and planned a “completely different” ceremony, he said.
Poloff thanked the Big Sky community and Discovery families for their support, and noted that the graduating seniors are strong representatives of the academy.
Before graduation, Marlington asked the seniors to think of an adult in their life who has been a mentor and helped them on their journey to adulthood. Those mentors spoke on their student’s behalf at graduation, and Marlington shared summaries of each speech.
Henry Flach
Pete Costain spoke on behalf of Henry Flach, noting Flach’s hard work on the Terraflow Trail Systems crew—the trail construction company owned by Costain—and Flach’s willingness to solve unique problems during construction, his dependability at the job, and his exceptional talent on skis.
Flach plans to continue working and taking time to explore after graduating.
Jayden Jacobson
Jackie Robin spoke on behalf of Jayden Jacobson, reflecting on their relationship since the day Jacobson was born. Robin highlighted Jacobson’s empathetic personality and strong perseverance through challenges.
Jacobson plans to take a gap year and will join Discovery’s staff to support its early childhood program.
Brandt Maybee
Social studies teacher Molly DeMarco spoke on behalf of Brant Maybee. DeMarco listed courses in which she taught Brandt, and the lessons in resilience, respect and honesty that Brandt taught her as an engaged student.
Brand plans to work and take time to explore after graduating.
Cameron Pecunies
Kamron Hansen spoke on behalf of Cameron Pecunies, whom Hansen tutored. Hansen highlighted Pecunies’ thoughtful approach to life and his motivated, intelligent qualities that enabled him to succeed in difficult courses like physics.
Pecunies will attend the University of Oregon.
Marley Schack
Morgan Comey spoke on behalf of Marley Schack. Comey was Schack’s teacher during her study abroad experience in southern Africa with the Traveling School, and emphasized Schack’s adventurous spirit, friendly leadership, and willingness to think critically.
Marlington added Schack did “an amazing job” after being chosen by her classmates to give a speech at graduation. Schack described the meaning of growing up in Big Sky.
She plans to attend the University of Colorado Boulder.
