CLASS DISMISSED

The incessant rain outdoors didn’t dampen the spirits inside the Minneota High School gymnasium on Saturday as proud parents and others witnessed 43 Minneota seniors graduate during commencement exercises.
Two-by-two, the blue-robed graduates walked across the gymnasium to their seats next to the stage during the processional as John Voit directed the band in the playing of “Pomp and Circumstance.”
Senior Class President Kate Hennen opened the ceremony by welcoming those in attendance.
The Class of 2023 co-Valedictorians Reagan Bierschenk, Autumn Dovre and Michael Pitzl, as well as Salutatorian McKenna Moorse, all spoke to their classmates about their time spent together and what to expect in the next chapter of their lives.
Minneota High School Principal Heather Anderson, who just completed her first year in that role, was the keynote speaker and gave a compelling and inspirational speech.
“I’m going to start by giving you some advice,” she told the seniors. “Stay hungry. By that, I mean you should always be reaching for goals. If you reach that goal, reach for another one. Always have another one ready. Figure out what you want and be passionate about it in life.
“The goals are your own and can be anything you want. They may take a day, a month, a year, or even 10 years to reach. But it’s worth it. From pre-school to where you are today is a goal you have reached. It took hard work but you did it. You have been raised in a community where hard work and respect for others is engrained in you.”
The other piece of advice that Anderson offered was to accept failure.
“Embrace it,” she insisted. “Don’t be afraid of it. Keep fighting. When life gets hard, lean on your family and friends.”
Anderson concluded with “It’s a great day to be a Viking” as senior Joe Verschelde gave an emphatic “Yes” while pumping his fist. The touching moment of the graduation ceremony came with the audio tribute from each of the seniors to their parents, thanking them for the journey they have just concluded. Each senior then presented a flower to a family member while hugs brought an abundance of tears.
The recognition of the honor students was followed by the presentation of the diplomas.
As the hats were tossed in the air, several screams by graduates echoed through the gym.
This year’s class is recognized in the Mascot. See Pages 8-12.