Huntley Project High School graduate Emma Cranford and Shepherd High School graduate Hyrum Hanson meet in the middle on the Yellowstone River Bridge at Huntley. Both student athletes and 2016 graduates, they are preparing for LDS Church missions. (Jonathan McNiven photo)
Originally published in the print edition of the Yellowstone County News-by Judy Killen
HUNTLEY — A few months ago, they competed for rival high schools and cheered on the Mustangs and Red Devils.
Now, recent graduates Hyrum Hanson of Shepherd and Emma Cranford of Worden are preparing to represent the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on missions far from home.
Hyrum was called to his mission with only 44 days to prepare. After a church farewell on Oct.16, he departs for mission training on Oct. 18 before his eventual arrival in Bokolod, an urbanized area on an island in the Philippines.
Emma has longer to prepare; she leaves Dec. 27 for training for her mission to Ecuador. Cranford will be gone for 18 months as Hanson will be gone for 2 years.
Both had to receive a series of immunizations, but Emma said she’s already traveled internationally with Huntley Project School groups and so she needed only boosters.
Hyrum, a Shepherd graduate, spent his summer working construction but was wrapping up at his job last week.
Emma and Hyrum both think their missions will prepare them well for the rest of their life, while requiring them to tackle the unknown — both expect culture shock, but are excited to meet the people and learn the customs of their new countries. read more
