BRAINERD DISPATCH | SUNDAY, MAY 16, 2021
BRAINERDDISPATCH.COM
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GRADUATION 2021
Photo illustration by Metro Newspaper Service
Graduation 2021
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Grads look to in-person pomp and circumstance ceremonies By Theresa Bourke 6WDႇ :ULWHU nother school year is about to end, and once again high school graduation ceremonies will look a little different than normal. But the class of 2021 can count their lucky stars, as they participate in commencements that aren’t hosted over the internet, unlike their 2020 peers. While 2020’s seniors were thrust from their classrooms and peers at the tail end of their last year of high
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school, the 2021 grads rode on a seemingly endless roller coaster as seniors, never quite sure what the next day, week or month was going to bring. For most, classes began in person — like a normal year — but with the addition of masks, social distancing and plenty of hand sanitizer. Some stayed home part time in a hybrid format, seeing their classmates and teachers virtually for a portion of the week and looking forward to the days they got to be in the physical
classroom. Others opted for a home classroom all year, trying to keep themselves and their loved ones safe from the rapidly spreading coronavirus. As the COVID-19 climate changed throughout the year — with infection rates rising and dropping — so too did school days for students, as those in school moved back and forth between in-person, hybrid and remote classes. Both students and teachers alike struggled to maintain meaningful relationships but
creatively used technology and other resources at their disposal to make sure the best learning possible still occurred. School leaders labored over the best decisions to keep both their students and staff safe and their educational instruction top notch. Area principals described the classes of 2021 as talented, optimistic leaders who never failed to use their creativity, grit and problem-solving skills to endure a crazy year. They persisted through all the
highs and lows, paving an unconventional path on the way to academic excellence and personal success. Most of the 2021 grads will get to celebrate those accomplishments in person with their peers this year. Masks and social distancing may still be in play, but gone are the virtual ceremonies, pre-recorded speeches and drive-thru parties — at least we hope. THERESA BOURKE may be reached at theresa.bourke@brainerddispatch.com or 218-855-5860. Follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DispatchTheresa.
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AITKIN HIGH SCHOOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .H8
LITTLE FALLS COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL . . . . . . . . . . . . .H3
PINE RIVER-BACKUS HIGH SCHOOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .H6
CROSBY-IRONTON HIGH SCHOOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .H8
PEQUOT LAKES HIGH SCHOOL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .H8
STAPLES-MOTLEY HIGH SCHOOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .H7
CROSSLAKE ONLINE HIGH SCHOOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .H8
PIERZ - HEALY HIGH SCHOOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H4-5
WADENA-DEER CREEK HIGH SCHOOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .H7
LAKE REGION CHRISTIAN SCHOOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .H8
PILLAGER HIGH SCHOOL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .H2
GRADUATION STORIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H8-12