Capital High moves 2026 graduates forward with compassion, care during ceremony

Capital High School celebrated its seniors during a graduation ceremony on Saturday at Carroll College's Valley Bank Field at Nelson Stadium with cheers, songs and one final goodbye to its principal.

There were 307 graduates from CHS, including 34 valedictorians and eight salutatorians, but one graduate was not a student.

Principal Brett Zanto concluded his final graduation ceremony with a sing-along version of "Sweet Caroline" during the ceremony before graduates threw their caps into the air.

Zanto gave his final class encouragement and support throughout his speech. He also urged them to find their "why" in their lives.

"It might be today. It might be tomorrow, or it could be in a few years, but make sure that you figure that out at some point," he said.

Zanto listed off the dozens of accomplishments his senior class held and added how happy he and his staff were for setting them up to succeed.

Capital's guest speaker was former alum and current University of Montana Assistant Athletic Director-Chief Revenue Officer Marcus Welnel, who began his high school career when Zanto took over as principal.

"I hope every graduate here can think of at least one person who believed in them before they believed in themselves," Welnel said. "... The people who get remembered in life aren't always the most talented people in the room. They're the ones who made everyone around them feel like they mattered."

He urged the students to maintain their compassion for those around them and around the world, to check on those they care about, or to hold the door for someone because "it costs you nothing and can change everything."