On January 28th, the Cascade High School Class of 2025 presented their senior projects, marking a major milestone in their educational journey. The senior project is a statewide graduation requirement in Idaho, requiring both a written report and an oral presentation by the end of grade 12. At Cascade High School, students must design a project that fulfills at least two of three core expectations: Teach, Create, or Community.
This year’s projects showcased a deep commitment to community service, benefiting numerous local organizations, including the Cascade Recreation Center, Cascade Elementary and Middle Schools, the American Legion, Rise Up to Thrive, the Idaho Crisis & Suicide Hotline, the West Mountain Snowmobile Club, Cascade Medical Center, the Game Changer Teen Center, the Cascade CTE Program, CAP Afterschool Program, the Cascade Food Pantry, and Crown Point Cemetery.
Projects included fundraising events such as fun runs and a polar plunge, as well as educational workshops on topics like the disposal of medical waste and recognizing unhealthy vs. healthy relationships. Several students took on construction and restoration projects, including building benches for Crown Point Cemetery, refurbishing playground basketball courts, and installing an avalanche beacon check station at Hazard Creek. Others organized a food drive for the local food bank, a supply drive for the afterschool program and teen center, and a special project honoring Cascade’s American Legion veterans by interviewing them and compiling their stories into a book. One student took the initiative to establish the Cascade High School Welding Club, providing opportunities for students to develop hands-on technical skills and explore career paths in welding.
Athletics and youth development were also a major focus, with students hosting basketball workshops for Cascade Elementary students, volleyball camps for elementary and middle school students, and a tumbling class for the Cascade Recreation Center.
In addition to their hands-on projects, students conducted in-depth research on a variety of important topics. Their papers explored subjects such as wildlife management, the impact of exposure to domestic violence on children’s lives, the stages of grief and healing in a positive manner, the transformative impact of physical activity on people with disabilities, avalanche safety for backcountry enthusiasts, the acceptance of women's athletics in the United States, and the history of welding.
Through these projects, students gained invaluable life lessons in perseverance, time management, and compassion. They also developed confidence in their abilities and a deeper understanding of their impact on their community. As these seniors prepare for their next chapter, they carry forward not only the skills they have learned but also a strong sense of responsibility to serve and uplift those around them.
Cascade High School continues to foster a culture of civic engagement and innovation, ensuring that students graduate with both knowledge and a dedication to making a difference.
