Seminary Graduation 2025

Seminary graduation for the seniors from both East and West Stakes was held Sunday, May 18. The East Stake graduates are: Anya Lindberg, Sydnee Anderson, Daxton Noel, Audrey Fiso, Max Hughes, Stockton Humes, Brayden Taylor, Charlotte Wagner, Oliver West, Decker Lee, Maverick Ludvigson, Katelee Tietjen, Bryant Denninghoff, Nataly Martinez, James Park, and Lincon Toone. Graduates from the Wesst Stake are: Brianna Abbott, McKadie Cowley, Asia Cannon, Ari Easton, Weston Felshaw, Aeowyn Allen, Ember Anderson, Anson Hollingshead, Reece Leavitt, Destry Tobler, Mark Davis, Rachel Kazek, Lindsey Marshall, Joshua Matthews, Brandon Perkins, Conner Averett, Andrew Cox, McKay Mulitalo, Cambria Olsen, and Sweden Smith.

Lincoln Toone, Seminary Council President, thanked all the teachers for sharing their love of Jesus Christ. He quoted Pres. Russel M. Nelson’s talk on choices in our actions and to remember that we are a representative of Christ. He retold Sr. Fiso’s story of the Samoans who were able to attend the temple and that has influenced him to want to make the temple a priority too. Sweden Smith, vice present, said one of her favorite memories of seminary was listening to video recordings of the missionaries currently serving. She also talked about singing the hymn, “Count Your Blessings” and the powerful feeling she felt with the words. Weston Felshaw said his first year of seminary, he just liked having a free period but that changed when he heard a senior talk about the new youth theme – ‘Trust in the Lord.’ He started reading the Book of Mormon over the next two years and spoke of how it changed him; now he had confidence he could figure things out for himself.

Nathan Porter, principal and teacher, said in the last days of class this year, he asked the students to write their questions. He then passed them back out and had them answer their own questions. He shared some of their answers and many were quotes of scriptures - a testament that the students had read their scriptures and remembered them in their four years of study.

He said, “the gospel is the greatest message of hope. Search the scriptures instead of the internet. Hearts are changed by so doing. Wherever you go, take Christ with you, your conversion, and take a prayer in your heart.”

Pres. Jared Hollingshead quoted 2 Nephi 25:26. He advised the graduates to follow the brethren, the fifteen men we sustain as prophets, seers and revelators; heed their council for they can see around corners. The power of Jesus Christ is available to you. it will strengthen us and magnify us. The Savior loves you personally; if he walked into this room, he would call you by name. Be obedient, be spiritually safe, and keep the commandment. There is no one else like you. You are an original, you are loved, you are worthy.

Pres. Ryan Toone spoke about the scriptures that invite us to “be of good cheer.” Be of good cheer for” the riches of eternity are yours. Be of good cheer and I will stand by you. Be of good cheer for I am in your midst.” He invited all to - let Jesus Christ be the center of your life.

Speaking in Finish, Pres. Toone thanked Bro. Porter for teaching the students for many years. Bro. Porter and his family will be missed when they move to Arizona due to the fact there is no more released time seminary.

The seminary teachers are: Jennifer Fiso, Carmina Hughes, Justin Ludvigson, Amy Marshall and Shannon Peterson Many thanks to them for teaching the students and sharing their testimony of their faith in Jesus Christ.

By Cheryl Jensen