Superintendent Arntzen’s 2020 Graduation Message 

May 22, 2020

HELENA— Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen congratulated Montana’s 2020 class of high school seniors today, recognizing the significance of their accomplishments and the hurdles they have overcome to cross the finish line.

“You have reached the pinnacle of your high school career and accomplished great things that have made your family, community, and our great State of Montana proud,” Superintendent Arntzen said Friday. “Your graduations will look different this year, but that doesn’t diminish the value of your diploma or sense of self-accomplishment. As you look forward to your future, do so with optimism!”

Superintendent Arntzen’s full address can be viewed on the OPI’s YouTube channel.

Below is the full transcript

Hello, Montana’s Class of 2020. My name is Elsie Arntzen and I am your State Superintendent of Public Instruction. First off, I want to say congratulations! You have reached the pinnacle of your high school career and accomplished great things that have made your family, community, and our great State of Montana proud.

I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the impact of COVID-19. Your celebrations come at a time of uncertainty for our state and our nation. Your graduations will look different, but that doesn’t diminish the value of your high school diploma or the sense of self-accomplishment that I hope you feel. This experience will lead you to a strong, resilient adulthood.

As you look forward to your future, do so with optimism! The opportunities that lie ahead of you are bigger than our Big Sky. Reflect on who you are and who you want to be. Congratulations, and go make Montana proud!

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CONTACT:   Dylan Klapmeier

                       Director of Communications, Montana Office of Public Instruction

                       dylan.klapmeier@mt.gov

                       406-444-3559