Faribault Area Graduation 2024

2024 GRADUATES:

Faribault High School • Bethehem Academy

Minnesota State Academy for the Blind • Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf Kenyon-Wanamingo High School • Waterville-Elysian-Morristown High School

Muhudin Ali Parent: Sirad Muhumed Future plans: Attending Riverland Community College for a major in radiography

Bailee Amberg Parents: David and Tammy Amberg Future plans: Joining the workforce

Ethan Amundson Parent: Malinda Amundson Future plans: Enlisted in the Marine Corps

McKenna Anderson Parents: Jason and Dineen Anderson Future plans: Working Full TimeMenards

Makia Bauer Parents: Tom Bauer; Theresa & Robert Pitt Future plans: Study psychology at MNSU to become a therapist and keep pursuing acting and music

Viggo Baum Parents: Damian and April Baum Future plans: Attending the University of MN - Duluth

Cristian Escobar Pearson

Layah Ferris

Carley Breitenfeldt

Missy Mechura

Chris Breitenfeldt

Jacee Frank

Ann Frank and John Frank

Falls

Logan Gonzalez

Parents: Gabriel and Melissa Gonzalez

Future plans: Attending Utah Tech University in St. George, UT

Samantha Huinker

Parents: Kate and Mike Huinker

Future plans: Attending the University of Minnesota

Caden Hart

Parents: Jonathon and Carrie Hart Future plans: Attending MNSU to pursue a career in Physical Education & DAPE

Emma Johnson Parents: Jay and Colleen Johnson Future plans: Attend Dakota County Technical College in the fall 2025 to pursue vet tech degree

Farah Hassan

Parents: Rashid Hussein and Saredo Mohamed Future plans: Attending South Central College and will be majoring in electrical engineering

Emma Jouard

Parents: Emilie Vancutsem & Samuel Jouard, Doug and Tina Rauenhorst (Host Parents) Future plans: Returning to France to finish her senior year there

Jathyn (JT) Hausen

Parents: Jamie Hausen and Travis Hausen

Future plans: Attending St. Cloud State University to wrestle and pursue a major in exercise science

Samuel Koivisto

Parents: Robert and Jessica Eskelson Future plans: Continuing to carry the boat’s

Nichole Hausen

Parents: Samantha Bultman and Richard Hausen Future plans: Travel the U.S.A.

Carson Kreager

Parents: Chad and Kim Kreager Future plans: Attending Winona State University

Jesse Hill

Parent: Catherine Stepan Future plans: Attending South Central College

Dalton Krueger

Parents: Amanda Winkelman and Phillip Krueger Future plans: Continue My Education and Pursuing a Degree in Marketing

Leichtnam

Logan Peroutka

Darryn

Stacie Petricka

Shalinie

Miller Munoz Parent: Sarah Munoz

Hailey Reuvers Parents: Dominic and Tiffany Reuvers

Avery Nymann-Eastman

Halle Rose Rice

Chloe Page Parents: Anita Page and Jerrad Page Future plans: Attending Rochester Community Technical College, to become an x-ray technologist

Kiya Schneider Parents: Erik and Kate Schneider Future plans: Attending Dakota County Tech to join the welding workforce

Rylee Sietsema

Parent: Andrea Sietsema Future plans: Attending Luther College

Mae Tinaglia

Parents: Drew and Sheryl Tinaglia Future plans: Attending Augustana University on the Pre-Optometry Track

Asiya Abdi

Zuhur Abdullahi

Addison Adams

Fatumo Aden

Yussuf Aden

Faduma Ahmed

Omar Ahmed

Zakariya Ahmed

Maziee Alberts

Asia Ali

Ayub Ali

Halima Ali

Saabiriin Ali

Austen Almendinger

Belter Alpirez-Ramon

Charles Amoako

Abubakar Anis

Ismerai Arriaza Lopez

Arthur Badillo Velazquez

Makia Bauer

Robin Bauer

Owen Beardsley

Laura Bignardi

Alex Blaschko

Landon Borka

Jordan Boudreau

Eva Bursik

Jessica Carrera-Carrera

Nancy Cate

Ana Chavez

Liyi Chen

Knute Christianson

Kayla Cisneros

Ashley Cruz Perez

Carlos Cruz-Cruz

Thatcher Simon Parents: Josh and Keri Simon Future plans: Attending Michigan Technological University

Meredith Umbreit

Parents: Mark and Jennifer Umbreit Future plans: Attending Winona State University for athletic training

Parents: Shannon and Joe Wegner and Erik and Anissa Smith Future plans: Continuing my education

Amy Vien

Parents: Lien Vien, Thanh Mai Future plans: Attending SCC for generals, then U of M to complete degree to become travel nurse

Parents: Pat and Barb Steinberg Future plans: Johns Hopkins University majoring in computer science and economics while playing football

and

Future plans: Attending Alexandria Technical & Community College and going into law enforcement

FARIBAULT HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES NOT PICTURED:

Adnan Dagane

Logan Daniels

D’Shaun Davis

George Delgado

Emma Dienst

Sara Dobson

Michael Dorantes

Reagan Drengenberg

Johannes Dull

Alizea Dunn

Long Duong

Abygale Dupont

Mikaiya Dymeck

Juan Echegaray

Carter Ennis

Geraldine Espinoza Briones

Alexandra Estrada

Lorena Estrada

Rafael Fernandez Delgado

Tristan Fierst

Michelle Figueroa

Aubrey Filan

Andrew Flicek

Deacon Floer-Ahlman

Amelia Ford

Esteban Galvan

Roman Garcia

Sergio Garcia

Joshua Garcia Compean

Raul Gargiullo Rodriguez

Jonathan Gehrke

Gage Graham

Liam Gregersen

Aden Hanson

Owen Hanson

Abdirahman Harun

Maida Hashi

Nasteho Hassan

Elena Hayden

Montana Hell

Diego Herrera Valenzuela

Gabriel Hoisington

Cole Houge

Roman Howells

Efrain Huerta-Ochoa

Suban Hujale

Naima Hussein

Noaman Ibrahim

Fuad Jama

Hunter Jeno

Ismail Jimale

Carter Johnson

Abdiweli Kassim

Benjamin Kiefer

Maiya Kolterman

Dalton Krueger

Ella Kuntze

Christian Lara Bonilla

Garrett Lindblom

Lilyan Lovinggood

Buay Lual

Naomi Maas

Abraham Macias-Palomares

Hamdia Mahamud

Ryan Manilao

Yesenia Marquez

Jacqueline Martinez Torres

Skye Maul

Duncan McDowell

Joshua Mendez Albeno

Kaydee Mickelson

Collin Midland

Jesika Miller

Emma Minick

Kin Mohamud

Aileen Moreno

Gabriella Morris

Parker Morrow

Hunter Mueller

Shuaib Muhumed

Allison Norton

Brian ODonnell

Patricia Ortiz

Amino Oyow

Sadie Paquette

Raychelle Parker

Hailey Peterson

Elmer Portuguez Morente

Riley Quinnell

Brooke Racine

Hunter Rainey

Brody Redding

Aaliyah Reyes

Alexis Rezac

Alexis Rios

Jose Rios

Jacob Roberts

Johanna Rocha

Daniel Rodriguez Munoz

Lupita

Rodriguez Perez

Pedro Romero

Jeremiah Rondorf

Joseph Ruisi

Mariana Salt

Erick Sanchez

Sophie Sanders

Yahilyn Sanoja

Tucker Schreck

Warsame Shire

Bradley Slinger

Emma Snesrud

Chloe Soderberg

Adryan St Martin

Logan Stone

Preston Strese

Rocco Strouth

Marili Suarez

Brielle Sunde

Loren Tatge

Fatima Terrones

Abigail Teske

Alyssa Thayer Gruber

Rahmo Tohow

Emily Torres Aguirre

Luis Trevino

Christian Trujillo

Jonathan Tutewohl

Ariana Vang

Beau Velishek

Dominick Vold

Ethan Warner

Noah Warren

Luke Weng

Kalie Wheelock

Luke Wojnarowski

Olivia Smith

Joey Steinberg

Isaac Yetzer Parents: Joe

Gina Yetzer

Griffin Steward Parents: Geoff & Sara Steward Future plans: Working in carpentry

Ben Stoessel Parents: Pete and Patty Stoessel Future plans: Attending the University of St Thomas

Diego Almaguer

Parents: Alexandra Acevedo Alarid and Efrain Almaguer Silva Future plans: College undecided; major Pre-Med

Michael Crone

Parents: Mary Cameron-Crone and Robert Crone

Future plans: Attend Colorado School of Mines to study computer science

Isabella Dokkestul

Parents: Cecile and Kevin Dokkestul

Future plans: Attend University of Wisconsin - La Crosse to study Psychology

Aaron Huerta

Parents: Dora Mata and Jose Huerta

Future plans: Attend Missouri Welding Institute

Joshua Arroyo

Parents: Leticia Lopez and Miguel Arroyo

Future plans: Attend Saint Mary’s University in Winona

Chloe Crow Parents: Roxie and Jason Crow Future plans: Attend University of Mary, double major in psychology and criminal justice

Matthew Friesen

Parents: Shelley Klemensen and Gerald Friesen

Future plans: Attend Dakota County Technical College for the GM Automotive Service Educational Program

Carson Kanzenbach

Parent: Sara and Mark Kanzenbach Future plans: Attend Dakota County Technical College for drafting

Riley Bauer

Parents: Tami and Ryan Bauer

Future plans: Attend Minnesota State University, Mankato for Construction Management

Lucy Cunningham Parents: April and Arthur Cunningham Future plans: Attend College of Saint BenedictEntrepreneurship

Harrison Gibbs

Parents: Andrea and Jeremy Gibbs Future plans: Attend Benedictine College for finance and accounting

Lucas Klokonos

Parents: Jackie and Shane Klokonos

Future plans: Attend University of Iowa, major in chemistry and organ performance; join Air Force ROTC

Ava Beske

Parents: Jolene and Tyler Beske

Future plans: Attend Bemidji State University for Business Administration

Elliot Daschner

Parents: Julie and Robert Daschner Future plans: Study Economics/ Computer Science at the University of St. Thomas

Ava Hacker

Parents: Susan Kempenich and Ben Hacker

Future plans: Planning to become a realtor and work at family-owned realty business

Braden Kruger

Parents: Stacy Kruger & Trevor Kruger

Future plans: Enter the field technician program at Riverland Community College

Katherine Busch

Parent: Krista Busch

Future plans: Entering the workforce

Sydney Dienst

Parents: Beth and Nick Dienst Future plans: Attend Minnesota State University, Mankato, major in business

Kendra Hanson

Parents: Darla and Alex Hanson

Future plans: Attend SDSU, majoring in Agriculture Education with a minor in Agricultural Business

Joseph Kunze

Parents: Mary and David Kunze

Future plans: Attend University of Minnesota, Duluth and major in environmental science

Caron

Parents: Sara and Cory Caron

Future plans: Planning on attending flight school to become a pilot

Andrew

Maressa Hanson

Parents: Darla and Alex Hanson Future plans: Attend Winona State University, majoring in Movement Science and pre-Athletic Training

Hudson Dillon Parents: Katie and David Dillon Future plans: Attend Minnesota State University, Mankato

Oliver Linnemann

Parents: Katie and Colby Linnemann Future plans: Attend University of St. Thomas and double major in computer science and business

Lucas Nelson

Parents: Todd & Mary Nelson

Future plans: Attend St. Cloud State University and major in business

Derrick Sando

Parent: Evelyn Sando Future plans: Attend Colorado School of Mines to study computer science

Jessica Nghi Ung

Parents: Ly Phan In and Phong Van Ung Future plans: Attend University of Minnesota, major in pre-veterinary

Jesus Palma Parents: Maria Palma Martinez

Future plans: Attend North Dakota State University, major in Agricultural Engineering and Bio Systems

Thelma Santarrosa Parent: Myranda Ramon Future plans: Attend South Central College for general credits, transfer to U of M for bachelor’s in business

Elliott Viland Parents: Maren and Darren Viland Future plans: Attend Southwest Minnesota State University to play football and study exercise science

Bennett Wray-Raabolle

Parents: Chandra and Jason Wray-Raabolle

Future plans: Attend University of Wisconsin, La Crosse for radiation therapy or nuclear medicine technology

Mallorie Pavek

Parents: Sarah and Joseph Pavek Future plans: Attend Minnesota State University - Mankato, major in dietetics

Jackson Simon Parents: Cassy and Paul Simon Future plans: Attend Dakota County Technical School for a Business Administration Degree

Jonathan Vold Parent: Diane Schmidtke Future plans: Planning to attend a trade school

Willie Potter

Parents: Steve & Anne Potter Future plans: Go into sales

and Kee Jung

Future plans: Attend University of California,

and

for industrial engineering

Lindsay Rauenhorst

Parents: Amanda and David Rauenhorst

Future plans: Attend Ave Maria University, major in Psychology

Vincent Vollbrecht Parents: Susan Kempenich

Ben Hacker Future plans: Attend Dakota County Technical College

Mineseok Song Parents: Mee Young Jung

Song

Irvine

Hannah Wheeler Parents: Donna and John Wheeler Future plans: Attend Winona State University, major in biology

Logan Terhaar Parents: Mary and Kevin Terhaar Future plans: Attend Minnesota State University - Mankato for Business Management

Natalia Rodriguez Parents: Tara and Carlos Rodriguez Future plans: Attend Winona State University to study Social Work

Kaitlyn Worke Parents: Melissa and Adam Worke Future plans: Attend Grand Canyon University, majoring in nursing

Matthew Twaites Parents: Patty and Allen Twaites Future plans: Planning to start working and go to college

Riley Christianson Parents: Bryan and Sara Christianson Future plans: Work in Vending

Benjamin Nyberg Parents: Benjamin Nyberg and Jerri Nunnery Future plans: Get a job at a mechanic shop

Faith Kern Parents: Ashley and Jeff McFadden Future plans: Attend A+ Transition Program at MSAB

Tyler Roberts Parents: April Englin and grandmother Lisa Barbea Future plans: Attend A+ Transition Program at MSAB

Addi Flom Parents: Mason and Holly Flom Future plans: Planning on attending college

Riley Huschle Parents: Mary Bailey, Scott Huschle Future plans: Welding Cooper Collins

Louis Gillot Parents: Dominic and Birgit Gillot; Host family Mekita and John Herring Future plans: Finishing school in Germany

RJ Hodgman Parents: Frank and Sarah Hodgman Future plans: Heavy machinery operator

Josie Flom Parents: Marshall and Jen Flom Future plans: Attending college for Kinesiology on the pre-med track

Gavin Johnson Parents: Dan, Erica Johnson Future plans: College for business and accounting

Siri Loken

Hayley Lentsch

Mason Mensing Parent: Amber Knott Future plans: Getting a house Soren

Ivette Mendoza

Aidan Lindell Parents: AJ and Tiffani Lindell Future plans: Become a pilot

Blake Miller Parents: Deb Miller and Patrick Miller Future plans: Going to college for Sports Management

Parents: Ryan and Tasha Moore

Future plans: Attending College for Sports Management and hopefully play softball

Parents: Jay & Jamie

Future plans: Attending college to get a degree in either business or marketing, hopefully become realtor

Jessie Munoz Parent: Yolanda

Future plans: Planning to go to Colibri Real Estate and get real estate license

Lilly Nesseth

Parents: Stacey Albers & Brandon Nesseth

Future plans: Going to Fort Lauderdale, FL; tech school to be an estimator at dad’s auto body business

Jocelyn Sandberg

Parents: Joshua and Meghan Sandberg Future plans: Going to college

Mckayla Marie Nokes Parents: Kayla Nokes and Morris Nokes

Future plans: Becoming a preschool teacher; cosmetology

Kya Schmitt

Parents: Joe Schmitt and Kara Nelson

Future plans: Planning on attending RCTC and majoring in Dental Hygiene

Future plans: Hodgman Drainage

Originating in 1948 but making Kenyon “home” since 1967, Plymold (formerly Foldcraft) serves the dynamic foodservice industry. Plymold is dedicated to crafting furniture and fixtures for demanding environments. As a 100% employee owned operation, our more than 150 employees directly benefit from our success while creating a fun place to work.

MacKenzie Moore

Norah Rechtzigel

Rechtzigel

Kiefer Olson Parents: Tom Olson and Michelle Olson

Ben Short Parents: Tanya and Michael Short Future plans: Planning to attend 4-year Aviation program at Mankato

Osorio

Rachel Ryan Parents: Molly Ryan and Matt Ryan Future plans: Attend Winona State University for Elementary Education

Brody Parks Parents: Holly Feidt & James Parks

Jay Smith Parents: John, Jennifer Smith Future plans: Study Aviation and become a pilot

Parents: Sheri and David Stenbakken Future plans: Attending Winona State University, majoring in nursing with a minor in psychology

Thomson Sprute Parents: Tom and Imelda Future plans: Get done with school

Bethany Trelstad

Parents: Angie and Tom Trelstad

Madison Stenbakken

William Van Epps Parents: Scott and Sarah Van Epps Future plans: Attending MNSU, studying exercise science and playing college baseball

Dakota Temple Parents: Angie Anderson, Mike Temple Future plans: Still finding a college

Madrox Wagner Parents: James Wagner and Amanda Hollund Future plans: Becoming an electrician and living life; law school possibly later in life

Colton Steberg Parents: Jesse and Kelly Steberg Future plans: Possibly going to a 2-year college for business management

Landon Trump Parents: Krystal and Brandon Trump Future plans: Going into body work for cars

Anna Syverson Parents: Todd and Marilyn Syverson Future plans: Attending college, pursuing Human Resources Development

Emmitt Veal Parents: Willie Veal Jr, Tanya Veal Future plans: Getting rich

Mason Torgeson Parents: Aaron and Elsa Torgeson Future plans: Attending college and majoring in aviation to become a commercial pilot

Samuel Max Walker Parents: Chad Walker, Lisa Johnson

Parents: Shawn & Shawn Anderson

Future plans: Pre-med in biomedical science and psychology; music production minor; Army Reserves

Parents: Joe and Rachelle

Future plans: Attending South Central for Business Management.

Alayna Atherton Parents: Rhea and Chad Atherton Future plans: Attending the University of Minnesota, majoring in nursing

Grace

and

Future plans: Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato to pursue degree in business marketing

Macy Anderson

Lindy Caldwell

Caldwell

Caleb Caron Parents: Jake and Missy Caron Future plans: Attending Riverland for criminal justice and become a state trooper

Baker Parents: Pat

Pam Baker

Hayley Coon Parents: Jason and Laurie Coon Future plans: Joining the workforce

Madeline Balfe Parents: Ken and Jolene Balfe Future plans: Attending the University of Minnesota’s College of Science and Engineering

Desirae Domonoske Parents: Chad and Brenda Domonoske Future plans: Attending South Dakota State University majoring in ag business

Claire Bohlen Parents: Amy and Brad Bohlen Future plans: Attending Minnesota West Community and Technical College

Ella Duenes Parents: Sarah Kaplan and Steven Duenes Future plans: Attending RCTC for Radiology

Katrina Brekke Parents: Troy Brekke, late Audrey Brekke Future plans: Taking a year off then going to college for cosmetology

Kyleigh Duffey Parents: Stephanie James and William Duffey Future plans: Attending the University of Minnesota Duluth

Nora Ell Parents: Steve and Laura Ell Future plans: Minnesota State College Southeast in Winona, majoring in radiography

Henry Fessel Parents: Brad Fessel; Kair Cole Future plans: Fessel farm ranch

Travis Flohaug Parent: Trevor Flohaug Future plans: Plumbing at Faribault Plumbing and Heating for two years while going to Anoka Tech

Zara Gibson Parents: Andrea and Travis Gibson Future plans: Attending MNSU for elementary education

Ava Hughes Parents: Abby Hughes & Eric Hughes Future plans: Attending Nova Academy in Rochester, MN for Cosmetology

Taylor Krenik Parents: Dani and John Krenik Future plans: Attending South Central in Mankato for an associate of applied science degree in culinary arts

Amy and Todd

How to plan a fulfilling gap year

Many high school students tend to enjoy a few months of summer vacation after they graduate, and then embark on new adventures at college or trade school. Graduating college seniors follow a similar path of joining the workforce or beginning post-graduate work after earning their degrees. But such paths are not the only ones available to students. Some students may want to consider a gap year.

A gap year is a break from academia to pursue other interests or even experiential learning, according to Forbes. It’s more than just a time to relax, and can prove especially helpful to self-development and discovery. If time and budget allows, taking a gap year can be a worthwhile and productive endeavor. Here are a few ideas and benefits relating to gap years.

· Hone skills: Some see a gap year as a chance to goof off or lounge around. Instead, this break provides an opportunity to sample the workforce and gain experience. Individuals can seek opportunities that will be relevant to the careers they intend to pursue in the future. A future certified public accountant, for example, may want to spend tax season working with an accounting firm to learn the ropes.

· Learn a language: Students may think a gap year is the perfect opportunity to become more proficient in a foreign language or two. Bilingualism can be a key advantage in one’s job search and future career. Traveling to a country where a studied language is spoken and learning it while immersed in the culture can be a particularly effective means to acquiring lan-

guage skills.

· Engage in a passion project: There are many projects that may be put on hold because of lack of time or resources while in school. A gap year can be the ideal time to write more or explore an innovative new business idea.

· Perform service work: A gap year can be an opportunity to engage in social change or to help a cause. Certain people may want to travel to underprivileged areas on humanitarian missions or teach English to students overseas. These are experiences that will promote personal growth and help boost a résumé when it comes time to find a job.

· Improve academic performance: A study by Colorado College’s Gap Year Research Consortium

reported that those who participate in gap years exceeded their predicted GPAs by roughly 0.15 points. A gap year may help a person become a better student.

· Land an internship: Some companies may want to extend internship offerings beyond the standard semester. Many professionals land their jobs through networking, so taking time away from school to participate in a lengthy internship can make for a smoother entry into that company should one want to work with them in the future.

Taking a gap year may not be the traditional route for students, but the benefits of time away from formal learning can be profound.

Kylie LaFrance

Parents: Jared and Stacy LaFrance Future plans: Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato and majoring in business

Lauren Lamp Parents: Jennifer Arne and Michael Lamp Future plans: Attending Riverland Community College in Austin

Christina Moriarity Parents: Angela Moriarity Jeffery Moriarity Future plans: Joining the workforce

Isaac Murphy Spencer Oorlog Myles Pratt

Isaac Quast

Parents: Robert Quast; Katie Quast Future plans: Attend South Central for Ag service

Mya Tracy Parents: Heidi & Chris Tracy Future plans: Attending Rochester Community and Technical College for graphic design

Quincy Randall Parents: Jeremiah Randall; Nicole Strong Future plans: Getting into a welding trade

Gage Valentyn Parents: Matt and Sarah Valentyn Future plans: Working

Emma Ready Parents: Jeff Ready and Holly Ready Future plans: Continuing education at South Central for business management

Josephine Volkmann

Parents:

Volkmann Future plans: Attending South Dakota State University, Brookings

Koby Sanders Parents: Ryan Sanders, Rhonda Sorenson Future plans: Likely working; only going to college, if scholarship program works out

Ainsley Schieffer Parents: Cathy and Rob Hermel Future plans: Continuing my education

Izabela Slechta Parents: David and Heather Slechta Future plans: Attending the University of South Dakota

Traditions and Modern Practices

High school graduation ceremonies are steeped in tradition and symbolism, serving as a rite of passage for students transitioning from one phase of their lives to the next.

Over the years, these ceremonies have evolved significantly, reflecting changes in society, education and cultural norms.

History

The origins of high school graduation ceremonies can be traced to medieval universities, where students were awarded degrees in formal ceremonies known as commencements. These early ceremonies often included processions, academic regalia, and the conferral of degrees by university officials.

Over time, these traditions were adopted by secondary schools. In the U.S., graduation ceremonies in the 1900s included events for the graduating seniors, according to Jostens.

These included senior plays, banquets, picnics or sometimes even outdoor hikes and backpacking trips.

“Pomp and Circumstance,” the most commonly played processional, was written for the coronation of King Edward VII of Great Britain, according to History.com. In 1905, Yale bestowed an honorary degree on the song’s composer and played it for the graduation, a practice that was picked up by other schools.

Etiquette

Graduation ceremonies are formal events. Students are expected to dress appropriately, typically wearing caps and gowns in school colors. Guests should dress tastefully and refrain from disruptive behavior during the ceremony.

It is customary for attendees to arrive early, silence cell phones and remain seated. Applause and cheering are encouraged at appropriate times, such as when graduates receive their diplomas, but excessive noise should be avoided out of respect for others and the proceedings.

Some schools limit the number of guests each graduate can have at the ceremony. Jostens recommends inviting one person from each wing of the family or coming up with a creative solution such as drawing names.

Components

While specific elements of graduation ceremonies vary from school to school, several common components include:

1. Processional. The ceremony begins with a formal procession of graduates, faculty and school officials entering the venue to the accompaniment of music.

2. Welcome address. A school administrator or faculty member delivers a welcome address, greeting attendees and setting the tone for the ceremony.

3. Student speakers. Graduation ceremonies often feature speeches by student representatives, such as class valedictorians or student council members, reflecting on their experiences and offering words of inspiration to their peers.

4. Presentation of diplomas. Graduates are individually called to the stage to receive their diplomas or certificates, often accompanied by handshakes or congratulatory remarks from school officials.

5. Commencement address. A keynote speaker, typically a distinguished guest or prominent community member, delivers a commencement address, offering words of wisdom and encouragement to the graduating class.

6. Turning of the tassel. At the conclusion of the ceremony, graduates participate in the symbolic turning of the tassel on their mortarboard hats, signifying their transition from students to alumni.

7. Recessional. The ceremony concludes with a formal recessional, as attendees exit the venue to the accompaniment of music.