Commencement speaker Zach Murphy urges Big Sky graduates to seek connection and acknowledges personal struggles with depression
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Summary
Teacher and commencement speaker Zach Murphy told the Big Sky High School class of 2025 that their generation will face novel challenges in technology and social media, and he urged graduates to prioritize human connection; Murphy also spoke openly about his own experience with episodes of significant sadness.
Zach Murphy, a teacher and the 2025 commencement speaker at Big Sky High School, told graduates on May 20 that while older generations can offer guidance, today’s students will face problems their elders did not, and it will be up to them to solve those challenges.
“None of us grew up with social media being around from the moment we were born,” Murphy said. “...it will be up to you to solve the complex issues and problems that face you personally and your generation as a whole.”
Murphy told the assembled graduates and families that connection and vulnerability are central to being human. He urged graduates to be “the reason someone smiles” and to thank the people who have supported them.
In a direct personal disclosure, Murphy said: “Since I was in my late teens, I have at times struggled with episodes of abnormal sadness,” and described how relationships with students, colleagues and family have helped him through difficult periods. He encouraged graduates to recognize the power of small daily connections — examples he cited by name included Cale Burkhalter, Colin Curley, Derek Johnson, Emmy Newhouse and Ryan Papama — and to thank people who made a difference in their lives.
Murphy also read a note from a former student, cited resilience and urged graduates to continue showing up when challenges arise. His remarks combined practical advice about changing technology with personal appeals around mental health and human connection.