Big Horn graduates have been ‘awesome’ group

The 2020 graduates of Big Horn High School have been an absolutely awesome group in the words of High School Principal Al Sparkman.

Sparkman is finishing his first year as Big Horn principal. Over 30 students walked across the stage in the high school gymnasium to receive their diplomas Sunday. Originally scheduled to be on the football field, the ceremony was moved inside because of the weather.

Mary Nicholson was salutatorian and Casey Prior valedictorian. Commencement speaker was Colter “Coach” Brantz, an English teacher at the high school and former Sheridan County School District 1 teacher of the year. He also is the high school’s football coach.

Sparkman said dealing with the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 virus this year has been challenging.

He said the students have been well-equipped to handle the pandemic wall.

Big Horn High School did make accommodations to allow the graduation ceremony to take place in the gym, limiting the number of invited guests to no more than six per graduate and seating in groups that adhered to regulations of state and county health officials.

Sparkman said there were also fewer school board members and school staff and faculty than in years past.