Anderson, Auden
Parents: Natalee Anderson and Jesse Anderson Future plans: Attending St. Mary’s University of Winona, MN to play softball and major in occupational therapy.
Baxa, Samuel Parents: Jennifer and Steven Baxa Future plans: Attending Vrije University Brussels - Business Economics.
Bice, Tarynn Parents: Randy and Tabitha Bice Future plans: Attend the New York Institute of Technology Honors College in NYC - architecture.
Blaschko, Carter Parents: Tyler and Stephanie Blaschko Future plans: Undecided
Bocanegra, Danely Parents: Karina Diana Felix and Daniel Bocanegra Future plans: Attend Minnesota State University - Mankato, majoring in nursing and cheer on their cheer team for football and basketball.
ST. PETER HIGH SCHOOL
Borowy, Ethan Parents: Matt and Kristi Borowy Future plans: Attend the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire and will be a percussionist in the Blugold marching band.
Burale, Aisha
Parents: Fatuma Dayib and Mustafa Muse Future plans: Going to the University of Minnesota, majoring in Biology with a Pre-Med track.
Elias, June
Parents: Eric Elias and Betsy Anderson-Elias Future plans: Grinnell College, Grinnell IA.
Cherland-Narum, Elijah
Parents: Elisabeth Cherland and Kent Narum
Future plans: Study music at St. Olaf College.
Ely, Kemper
Parents: Jaimie Ziesmer and Jacob Ely Future plans: Playing football and studying at UW - Stout.
Christenson, Vivian
Parents: Jim and Valerie Christenson Future plans: Attend Minnesota State University Mankato, Elementary Education.
Filand, Liliand
Parents: Julie and Trenity Filand Future plans: Attend St. Olaf College for Social Studies education.
Daidzic, Amar
Parents: Roberta Zamma Gallarati and Nihad Daidzic Future plans: Attend the University of Minnesota Twin Cities for an aerospace engineering major.
Freemo, Cyrus A.
Parents: Rebecca Fremo and the late Brian Fremo Future plans: Attend Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and major in Criminal Justice. He will also participate in Track and Field as a thrower.
Dlouhy, Alex
Parents: Julie Gronewold and Lance Dlouhy
Future plans: Attending Carthage College majoring in Criminal Justice.
Frey, Noah
Parents: Mike and Rachel Frey Future plans: Attending MSU Mankato for Business/Accounting.
Bly, Lathe
Parents: Kaari and Galen Bly Future plans: Attend Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI to study Education.
Friedrich, Keira
Parents: Jed and Jennie Friedrich Future plans: Attend the University of Minnesota and major in biology. She will also run cross country and track for the Gophers.
Garad, Hamdi
Parents: Aisha Ismael and Aden Garad
Future plans: Planning on majoring in international relations, minor in business law, on a pre-law track, University of Minnesota or Mankato State University - Mankato.
Hall, Shelby
Parents: Terry and Shirley Hall Future plans: Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato.
Gilbertson, Levi
Parents: Jeff and Heather Gilbertson
Future plans: Levi will attend Benedictine College in Atchison, KS and study Architecture.
Hanson, Alison
Parents: Christopher Hanson and Katie Hanson Future plans: Attending Winona State University, majoring in elementary education.
Graham, Megan
Parents: Jared and Beth Graham Future plans: Attending the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse, majoring in Biology, with plans to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy.
Harmes, Sada
Parents: Katie and Christopher Harmes Future plans: Attending Williams College in the fall.
Graupmann, Hannah
Parent: Nicole Martin Future plans: Attend South Central College for Health Science.
Haynes, Aubrey M
Parents: Kriss and Dani Hyland, Sean Haynes Future plans: Attending the University of Iowa, majoring in Psychology.
Gunderson, Carson Parker
Parents: Heidi Strelow and David Gunderson Future plans: Join the work force.
Herron, Ahna
Parents: Abby Martin and Pat Herron Future plans: Ahna plans to take a gap year to travel and explore what she wants to do in the future.
Hagen, Elliot
Parents: Jay and Tara Schroeder and Travis Hagen Future plans: Riverland College Radiography.
Holcomb, Reese
Parents: Richard Holcomb and Ashley Williams Future plans: Undecided
Parents:
Joosten, Parker
Parents: Lisa Joosten and James Joosten
Future plans: Pursuing both Accounting and Business Management degrees at MNSU Mankato.
Letts, Adeline
Parents: Thomas Letts and Jennifer Letts
Future plans: Attend the University of Wisconsin Madison to major in Communication Arts - Radio/ Television/Film track. Plans to study screenplay writing.
Loula, Ashlyn
Parents: Joe and Krystal Loula Future plans: Attending the University of Iowa.
Parents: Terry and Amy Kamm Future plans: Playing junior hockey and attending college online.
Magelee, Annika
Parents: Nick and Heather Magelee Future plans: Annika will attend University of Minnesota Duluth. She plans to major in Statistics & Actuarial Science. She will also pole vault on the track team.
Parent:
Future plans: Starting diesel mechanics right out of high school.
Kamm, Riley
Knife, Brock
Beth Pletka
Marlow, Andrew Parents: Richard and Kristen Marlow Future plans: Attend MN Independence College and Community.
Krakow, Tyler Parents: Jackie and Tracy Krakow Future plans: United States Army.
Marti, Jamie Parents: Melanie Marti and Andrew Marti Future plans: University of Minnesota, Duluth (majoring in math).
LeDell, Anders
Parents: Kurt and Brigette LeDell Future plans: Minnesota State University, Mankato.
Martinez, Merlyn A Parents: Juana Maria Alvarado and Oscar Martinez Future plans: Major in Social Work at MSU Mankato.
Johnson, Alixandra
Bill and Stacey Johnson
Future plans: South Central College.
Matejcek, Owen
Parents: Steve and Trisha Future plans: Attend Minnesota State University, Mankato and major in finance and play golf.
Nienow, Allan
Parents: Aaron and Amanda Nienow Future plans: University of St. Thomas.
McHugh, Malcolm
Parents: Tom and Brenda McHugh Future plans: Attend the University of Minnesota Duluth.
Parras, Brianna
Parents: Abdiel and Laura Parras Future plans: Attend MSU Mankato to study accounting and finance.
McLean, Jillayne Joy
Parents: Pat and Willayne McLean Future plans: Pediatric CNA and Dance Coach.
Petersen, Madison
Parents: Ralph and Bonnie Petersen Future plans: Attending College of St. Benedict - nutrition.
Meyer, Sophie
Parents: Heidi Meyer, Mitch Meyer Future plans: Attending college, undecided major.
Ploog, Gavin Jae
Parents: Chris and Marnie Ploog Future plans: Jacksonville University - majoring in Marine Science.
Myhra, Rowyn Gracie
Parents: Ryan and Mariah Myhra Future plans: Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato to pursue a degree in nursing.
Portner, Macey
Parents: Chad and Roxanne Portner Future plans: Attending Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota to study biology/pre-physician assistant and play hockey on their women’s team.
Niemeyer, Gavin
Parents: Mike and Heidi Niemeyer Future plans: Attend South Central College for Electrical Technology
Pugh, Riley
Parents: Mary Alitz and Michael Pugh Future plans: Army
Ralios Ortiz, Dominga
Cristina
Parents: Martin Ralios Gutiérrez and Maria Ortiz Juarez Future plans: Attending Mankato State University for Elementary Education.
Schroeder, Kai
Parent: Lynn Schroeder Future plans: Attend UW-Stout to study photography.
Rassbach, Quinn
Parents: Scott and Rita Rassbach Future plans: Major in biology at Gustavus Adolphus College.
Smith, Jacob
Parents: Scott and Stacie Smith Future plans: Attending Mankato State University - Business Management.
Rezmerski, Nevaeh
Parents: Emily Rezmerski, Peter Rezmerski
Future plans: Attending University of Wisconsin - La Crosse and majoring in Biology on a PreOccupational Therapy track.
Stadick, Kallie
Parents: Jessica Stadick and Cory Stadick
Future plans: Attending Drake University, majoring in Kinesiology.
Rodeback, Sofia
Parents: Paola Rodeback, Nathan Rodeback
Future plans: Majoring in Biology at Mankato State University for preveterinary school.
Staples, Amelia
Parents: Jason and Deanna Staples Future plans: Going to NDSU and majoring in Pharmacy.
Roemhildt, Rebekah
Parents: Mark and Gabriela Roemhildt
Future plans: Attending St. Olaf College to study Music and Vocal Performance.
Suska, Cole
Parents: Mike and Megan Suska Future plans: Attending University of Wisconsin La Crosse and majoring in Exercise and Sports Science on Pre-Physical Therapy track.
Szybnski, Samuel
Parents: Mark and Rachel Szybnski Future plans: Attend University of Wisconsin River
Schneider, Haydin Parent: Elise Schneider Future plans: Army (Combat Engineer).
Falls
Thomas, Landon
Parents: Brandon and Kristen Thomas Future plans: Undecided
Voeltz, Abby
Parents:
Timmerman, Matthew J.
Parents: Jim and Sonja Timmerman Future plans: Attending Michigan Technological University to study engineering.
Vogt, Ashley
Parents: Steve Vogt and Angela Sicker Future plans: Attend Winona State University to study nursing.
Tish, Riley
Parents: Nathan and Erica Tish Future plans: College
Volk-Kleschult, Emma
Parents: Butch and Steph Warning and Tony Kleschult Future plans: Attending The University of Mississippi.
Travaille, Brynlee
Parents: Zachary and Angie Travaille Future plans: Attend MN State University, Mankato.
Travaille, Colton
Parents: Emily and Eli Travaille Future plans: Workforce
Weber, Julie
Parents: Bill and Debbie Weber Future plans: Attend the College of Saint Benedict for Elementary Education.
Wachal, Levi
Parents: Clint and Lindsay Wachal Future plans: Attend Dakota County Technical College, play baseball, and major in Business Management.
Ulman, Kameron
Parents: Matt and Karen Ulman Future plans: South Central College
Wendroth, Kylee
Parents: Molly and Jason Wendroth Future plans: Going into the work force and may consider college for business after a year or two.
Parents:
Parents: Charlie and Jessica Yost Future plans: Attending North Dakota State University majoring in Animal Science and Agribusiness.
Parents: Steven and Rachel Grubish Future plans: Attending South Dakota State University majoring in Pharmacy.
Parents:
Wills, Ian
Brian and Ann Wills Future plans: Attend UW-Eau Claire for Exercise Science and Football.
Yost, Kyla
Parents: Jake and Jen Yost Future plans: Iowa Western Community College.
Yost, Lydia Marie
Zayas, Gabe
Carrie White, Ramon Zayas, Nathan Alter, and Anna Alter Future plans: Attend Concordia College in Moorhead to study Political Science and Music.
Bowman, Mollie
Parents: Dave and Laura Bowman Future plans: Attending Kansas State University majoring in Biology on a Pre-med track.
Anderson, Dominic
Parents: Steven and Kaitie Anderson Future plans: Entering the workforce.
Dent, Gavin
Parents: Michelle and Bryan Dent Future plans: Entering the workforce.
Baker, Samantha Parents: Jamie and Tonja Baker, Stephanie Almanza Future plans: Attending South Central Community College majoring in Nursing.
Doerr, Deandra
Parents: Jessica Doerr and Jacob Doerr Future plans: Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato majoring in Psychology.
Bartell, Bode
Parents: Brett and Amber Bartell Future plans: Attending South Central Community College Business Transfer Pathway.
Baumann, Sean Parents: Nickolas and Tracy Baumann Future plans: Entering the workforce.
Bluhm, Emma
Draheim, David
Parents: Rich and Lynnette Draheim Future plans: Attending Gustavus Adolphus College majoring in Business Management.
Duron, Isabel
Parents: Ervy and Vicki Duron Future plans: Attending Nova Academy of Cosmetology
Janzen, Mickayla
Parents: Brandon Janzen and Mandy Janzen Future plans: Attending South Central Community College majoring in Accounting.
Business Administration.
the University of Wisconsin-Madison majoring in Biology on a Prepharmacy track.
Esser, Maxwell Parents: Pete and Shannon Esser Future plans: Attending Crown College majoring in
Fowler, Jackson Parent: Joann Fowler Future plans: Entering the workforce.
Gibbs, Judd Parents: Jason and Kim Gibbs Future plans: Undecided.
Hilfer, Vivian Parents: Paul and Julia Hilfer Future plans: Attending Baylor University, majoring in Business on a Pre-law track.
Kawatski-Klein, Anna
Parents: Mike Klein and Karla Kawatski Future plans: Attending
Kern, Carter Parents: Rich and Becky Kern Future plans: Attending the University of Minnesota Rochester majoring in Health Sciences on a Pre-med track.
Kluntz, Mason Parents: John and Jennifer Kluntz Future plans: Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato majoring in Civil Engineering.
Knish, Hollis Parents: Jason Knish and Anna Mehltretter Future plans: Attending Gustavus Adolphus College majoring in Sports Management. Ely, Dylan Parent: Jessica Ely Future plans:
workforce.
Kortuem, Alexander
Parents: Bernie and Wendy Kortuem Future plans: Attending Gustavus Adolphus College majoring in Sports Management.
Kunkel, Killian
Parents: Rosemary and Keith Kunkel Future plans: Attending Gustavus Adolphus College.
Lotspeich, Dacota
Parents: Pat and Cherish Lotspeich Future plans: Attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln majoring in Agribusiness Management.
Parents:
Future plans: Attending Minnesota State
McCabe, Sierra
Parents: Don McCabe and Heidi
Future plans: Attending the College of St. Benedict majoring in Psychology.
Daniel
Parents: John McClune and Vanessa Ochoa Future plans: Attending South Central Community College History Transfer Pathway.
ALIX JOHNSON AND GRADUATES! Congratualtions
Ross, Brylee Parents: Nick Ross and Lisa Ross Future plans: Attending South Central Community College majoring in Computer Technical Studies.
McClune,
Schmidt, Kaden Parents: Kalvin and Dawn Schmidt Future plans: Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato majoring in Business.
Miller, Melissa Parents: Tyler and Nichole Miller Future plans: Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato for an Associate of Arts Degree.
Seeman, Nathan Parents: Chris Seeman and Joe Seeman Future plans: Attending Minnesota West Technical College majoring in Electrical.
Mons, Elijah Parents: Travis and Katie Mons Future plans: Attending North Dakota State University majoring in Business Administration and Computer Science.
Possin, Caleb Parents: Tim Possin and Sarah Possin Future plans: Attending Minnesota West Technical College majoring in Electrical.
Reinhardt, Olivia
Michelle and Chad Reinhardt
University, Mankato majoring in Psychology and Elementary Education.
Hollerich
Struck, Gavin
Parents: Todd Karels and Amber Karels
Future plans: Attending Minnesota State University Mankato, majoring in Construction Management.
Thompson, Ethan
Parent: Deb Hunt
Future plans: Entering the workforce and continuing education.
Wollschlager, Madison
Parents: Adam and Natalie Wollschlager
Future plans: Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato majoring in Nursing.
Wondra,
Woodrum, Bryn
Parents: Jesse and Shannon Woodrum, Jeff and Brandi Reiter Future plans: Continue working and then going into the trades and obtain a CDL.
Vanessa Parents: Matt Wondra and Stephanie Wondra Future plans: Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato majoring in Criminal Justice.
Zuehlke, Kasyn Parents: Nathan Zuehlke and Anoria Zuehlke Future plans: Entering the workforce.
Arias, Zayn Morningstar Parents: Juana Arias & Andre Archerd Future plans: Work.
Bessel, Brody Lee Parents: Karen & Lee Bessel Future plans: Welding and Metal Fabrication.
Cowl, Willem Reed Parents: Elina & Darren Cowl Future plans: IT and Photography.
Kubes, Samuel George Parents: Monica & Scott Kubes Future plans: Work as a Mechanic.
Dhaene, Ashlynn Marie Parents: Paula & Dan Dhaene Future plans: Hamline University for Forensic Science: Biology.
Malloy, Logan Zachariah Parents: Brenda & Benjamin Malloy Future plans: Work.
Dimock, Elizabeth Jean Parents: Becky & Aaron Dimock Future plans: UMD for Musical Theatre.
Menne, Noah Eugene Parents: Kathleen & Michael Menne Future plans: South Central College for Agricultural and Diesel Service.
Goff, Reece Anthony Parent: Anthony Goff Future plans: Work.
Gustafson-Sundell, Dylan Adelaide Parents: Danielle & Nat GustafsonSundell Future plans: DePaul University to study film.
Hoff, Alyssa Anne Parents: Denise & Jeremy Bahr Future plans: South Central for generals, then nursing school.
Kehoe, Victor Valen Parents: Deirdre Zamecnik & Thomas Kehoe Future plans: Get a job and explore what I would like to do in life.
The symbols of graduation
(METRO) After many years of time spent toiling classrooms and study halls, many students welcome graduation. Graduating high school or college is a major milestone. It is associated with many symbols that have endured for some time. As graduates prepare to receive their diplomas or degrees, they might be curious to know what’s behind some notable symbols of graduation ceremonies.
• Gown: The gown is a customary garment worn on graduation day. The Georgia Institute of Technology says gowns historically were heavy robes worn by medieval scholars for warmth in the largely unheated universities. Today, graduates don gowns not for warmth (as most graduation ceremonies take place in the spring and summer), but to symbolize the level of degree being conferred.
• Cap: A cap, also known as a mortarboard, often goes hand-in-hand with a graduation gown. Historians surmise the at, square shape rep-
resents either a mason’s mortarboard to symbolize hard work. Others say it may be the shape of a book to signify academic achievement.
• Tassel: The turning of the tassel is a relatively modern tradition. The tassel, which is attached to the mortarboard, initially was an ornament but has since evolved into a traditional element. The Honor Society says the practice of moving the tassel from one side of the cap to the other symbolizes completion of this important academic milestone. Typically, graduates move the tassel from the right to the left. The right side represents the student being a candidate, while the left means he or she is now a graduate. While some sources date the tradition to the early 1900s, the current tradition has been traced to the 1960s and 1970s.
• Cords and stoles: Graduates may adorn their graduation garb with other elements. Cords are twisted ropes that often represent high grade point averages or participation
in honor societies. Stoles are satin scarves that often denote participation in speci c organizations or a student’s cultural heritage, according to the University of Colorado Boulder.
• Diploma: A diploma is a legal document. Historically, diplomas were written on thin sheepskin and rolled into tubes. Students may receive a prop diploma on graduation day or empty diploma folio. Later on the actual document will be mailed or made available for pickup.
• Rings: Some graduates have opted to purchase class rings. Students will often wear the ring with the school
name facing them while still a student. Upon graduation, the ring will be turned so the name faces outward, presenting the completed coursework to the world.
• Commencement speech: The word ‘commencement’ means ‘beginning,’ which is tting for a graduation ceremony. Instead of marking the end of something, commencement is for students who are about to start a new chapter. Graduation rituals and symbols have endured through the ages, and are likely something students and their families will encounter as they prepare for the ceremony to come.
Class of 2026! It has been a pleasure and privilege to report on all you achievements. We can’t wait to see what you do next!
Reinitz, Miles Paul Parents: Sally & Josh Reinitz Future plans: Move out.
Santovi, Alexander Maximus Parents: Amber & Andy Santovi Future plans: College to become a pilot.
Specht, Evalyn Meta Parents: Brooke Shields & Adam Specht Future plans: College for Biology and Theater.
Mikolai, Rylee Jo
Parents: Nicole & Barry Mikolai, Lucy & Steeve Oothoudt Future plans: Move to Oklahoma and attend college.
Olsen, Ethan Alexander Parents: Sarah & Erik Olsen Future plans: MSU College.
Petsch, Bradley Clarence Parents: Amanda & John Petsch Future plans: Welding.
