Waseca Area Graduation 2024

Anhorn

Maxwell Armendariz

Parents: James Armendariz, Carol Armendariz

Armando Balderas Sage Barnett Parent: Scott Barnett Future plans: Continuing education at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Aliyah Barstad Parents: Heidi Barstad and Merle Barstad Future plans: Attending SCC in Faribault for Elementary Education; then MNSU for bachelor’s

Conner Britton Parents: Brian Britton and Amy Britton Future plans: Undecided

Lylah Bauman Parents: Polly and Timothy Klampe Future plans: Going to college to become a veterinarian

Mallory Bruhn Parents: Stacie and Ryan Bruhn Future plans: Attending Minnesota State University

Grace Below Parents: Carly Broughten and the late Justin Below Future plans: Attending the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management

Branden Busse Parent: Nicole Busse Future plans: Attending Pine Technical and Community College for gunsmithing

Savanna Benson

Aurora Cacchione Parents: Host Family-Mark and Jennifer Pearce Future plans: Continuing my education

Cecelia Bjerke Parents: Tara and Chad Bjerke Future plans: Attending the University of Kansas

Charlie Cariveau Parents: Jewel and Chris Cariveau Future plans: Attending South Central College

Addison Bomsta Parents: Sarah and Dan Bomsta Future plans: Attending University of North Texas

Talen Cliff Parents: Ben and Shannon Cliff Future plans: Attending Minnesota West for powerline technician

WASECA

Samantha Corr Parent: Lisa Corr Future plans: Continuing education

Allie Eldeen Parents: Jason Eldeen and Cathy Eldeen

Future plans: Going to Rochester Community Technical College for vet technician

Tricia Cox Parents: Eric Cox and Cori Fostveit Cox Future plans: Attending the University of Sussex in Brighton, England for International Relations and Development

Carter Ellis Parents: Lisa and Chris Davidson; Shaunta Ellis and Nate Ellis Future plans: Attending the University of Rochester Community and Technical College, also playing football.

Jose Cruz Parent: Charlissa Martin Future plans: Joining the workforce

Nate Engel-Mueller Parents: Jesse Mueller and Jessica Engel Future plans: Furthering educationunsure where at the moment

Noah Dahle Parents: Teya Dahle and Chris Dahle Future plans: Attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison

Shane Engel-Mueller Parents: Jesse Mueller and Jessica Engel Future plans: Plans on getting welder certificate and welding

Quinn Dahle Parents: Tim and Katie Dahle Future plans: Attending the University of Manchester to further my education

Alexandria Eustice Parents: Peter and Marya Eustice Future plans: Attending University of Northern Iowa to pursue education in nursing

Seth Eaton Parents: Zach Eaton and Cassie Meister Future plans: Attending Western Welding Academy

Tarun Ewest Parents: Scott and Amy Ewest Future plans: Attending University of Northwestern St. Paul and majoring in mechanical engineering

Ahmed Farooq Parents: Atif Bhati and Farkhanda

Tristin Gross Parents: Benjamin Gross and Lisa Mackey

Makenzi Ferch

Dominic Grunzke Parents: Pam and Chris Grunzke

Attending University of Minnesota, Mankato Tegan Flatau

Lola Guggisberg

Eddy Gallegos

Erin Gunderson Parents: Sarah Gunderson and Brian Gunderson

Carter Goins Parents: Jason Goins and Shaundra Hadt

Grace Guritz Parents: Bianca Guritz and Ryan Guritz

Emily Gordon Parents: Steve and Linda Gordon Future plans: Attending NDSU

Cyrus Guse Parents: Benjamin Guse and Melissa Guse Future plans: Attending University of Minnesota or a tech school for welding

Sarah Haley

Bailey Hodgkins Parents: Dave and Traci Hodgkins Future plans: Attending South Dakota State University with goal of becoming animal chiropractor

Kadynce Hansen Parents: Lana Vincent and Chris Hansen Future plans: Undecided

Zachary Hulscher Parents: Stephanie and Jay Hulscher Future plans: Army National Guard and attending Winona State University

McKyla Hasselquist Parent: Katie Hasselquist

Samuel Hyland Parents: Kari Hyland and Kriss

Catrina Headline Parents: Alicia Headline, Casey Headline Future plans: Taking a gap year than going to school for radiology

Mason Jes Parents: Greg and Shannon Jes Future plans: Attending South Dakota State University to pursue degree in mechanical engineering

Andrea Herrera Parent: Carmen Garcia Future plans: Attend Owatonna Riverland Community College and work

Jose Johansen Parents: Matthew Johansen and Stacy Johansen Future plans: Joining the workforce

Logan Heyer Parents: Jason and Jocelyn Heyer Future plans: Attending Riverland Community College

Gaige Johnson Parents: Amanda Holthus and Jacob Johnson Future plans: Continue to pursue career as a diesel mechanic

WASECA HIGH SCHOOL

Kaeden Johnson

Linda

Johnson

Hannah LaCroix

Laird Keeton

Kiera Landrum Parents: Angela and Josh Landrum Future plans: Attending the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

Emma Keith Parents: Muriah Miller Keith and Joseph Keith Future plans: Attending St. Catherine University for pre-physical therapy and hockey

Kaelyn Larrabee Parents: Jamie Larrabee and Dana Larrabee Future plans: Attending the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire

Daniel Kohler Parents: Toni Kohler and Agnieszka Sucharska Future plans: Attending the College of Science & Engineering at the University of Minnesota

Kymberly Lopez Huerta Parents: Saul Lopez and Erika Huerta Future plans: Continuing education

Dominic McBeth Parent: Jessica Robinson Future plans: Military or workplace

Preston Miller Parents: Jaala and Jeremiah Miller Future plans: Enlisting in the United States Marines Corps

Ella Krautkremer Parents: Amy Krautkremer and Ryan Krautkremer

Future plans: Attending the Mayo PA Program at St. Mary’s University

Haydn Lynch Parents: Sara and Jason Lynch Future plans: Attending University of Wisconsin-La Crosse to major in radiation therapy

Thomas Mens Parents: Lisa and Brad Mens Future plans: Joining the Workforce

Titus Mokoff Parents: Lisa Mokoff and Chad Mokoff Future plans: Undecided

Suzanne Kuhns Parents: David and Deanna Kuhns Future plans: Attending the University of Minnesota Rochester

Josie Madson Parents: Susan and Jason Madson Future plans: Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato

Elijah Miller Parents: Jason and Carrie Miller Future plans: Attending University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and majoring in marketing

Bobby Mortensen Parents: Jeremy and Angie Mortensen Future plans: Working full-time at Wenger Corporation

Alison Mumme Parents: Matthew and Michele Mumme Future plans: Attending Winona State University

Stacy Reyna Parent: Luis Campos Future plans: Continuing education and working

Ava Omtvedt Parents: Carol and Aaron Omtvedt Future plans: Attending the University of Montana

Javonn Rodney

Parents: Barbara Rodney and Carchious Rodney Future plans: Attending tech school and pursuing career in the trades

Samuel Nelson Parents: Jerit and Stephanie Nelson Future plans: Continuing my education

Amanda Riecke Parent: Theresa Riecke Future plans: Continuing education

Lily Peterson Parents: Roy and Andrea Peterson Future plans: Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato for early childhood education

Keaton Roeker Parents: Missy and Dustin Roeker Future plans: Attending Riverland CC to play baseball

Joshua Norman

Gabriel Riecke Parents: Michael Riecke and Kari Peterson Future plans: Continuing education

Cheyenne Pilaczynski Parent: Nicole Pilaczynski Future plans: Attending South Central College in Mankato

Carter Roemhildt Parents: Bill and Stephanie Roemhildt

plans: Attending second year at South Central College

Evelyn O’Brien Parents: Ben and Ria O’Brien Future plans: Attending the University of Minnesota Rochester

Patrick Ritchie-Brady Parents: Molly and Chris Mc Guiggan; Patrick Brady Future plans: Plans on enjoying life however they want

Gracie Possin Parents: Jodi and Randy Possin Future plans: Attending Riverland Community College for welding

Elizabeth Roessler Parents: Matthew and Shane Roessler Future plans: Attending Winona State University for early childhood and elementary education.

Olivia Oestreich Parent: Tiffany Melcher Future plans: Attending Broken Arrow Community College

Salvador Rivera Parents: Dora Palacios and Salvador Salazar Rivera Future plans: Joining the workplace for a bit, then continuing education

Melanie Quintero

Oliver Rohwer Parents: Charlie Rohwer and Anne Gerber Future plans: Attending the Milwaukee School of Engineering to pursue degree in mechanical engineering

Isabel Olson Parents: Katie Olson and Heath Smith Future plans: Continuing my education

Andrew Robran Parents: Todd and Britta Robran Future plans: Attending Lake Area Technical College, enrolled in the John Deere Tech Knowledge program

Daniel Ramirez-Sotelo

Zach Schimek Parents: Randy and Traci Future plans: Joining the workforce

Norah Schimming

Parents: Chris and Rebecca Schimming

Future plans: Attending the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire

Emily Slattery

Parents: Jude and Krystal Slattery

Future plans: Continuing my career in childcare

Joshua Teachout

Parents: Jason and Melanie

Teachout

Future plans: Attend South Central College in Faribault for carpentry

Cody Vagts

Parents: Mark and Mandy Vagts

Future plans: Attending Winona State University to study Finance

Colton Schroeder

Parents: Anthony and Shari

Schroeder

Future plans: Working on becoming an electrician

Cameron Stagman

Parent: Jill Stagman

Future plans: Attending North Dakota State University (NDSU), majoring in biology

Sabastian Teague

Parents: Kevin and Ruby Teague Future plans: Attending Hamline

Geo Vanengelenburg

Parents: Hunter Vanengelenburg; Angie Rodriguez

Future plans: Attending Winona State University

Kayla Schulz

Parents: Jordan Schulz; Christy Walker

Future plans: Heading to trade school

Ethan Stenzel

Parents: Lisa and Jason Stenzel

Future plans: Attending the North Dakota State University for civil engineering

Zachary Theobald

Parents: Tammi Brooks and Michael

Theobald

Future plans: I am going to college for education at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

Lucas Vasquez

Parents: Katie and David Vasquez

Future plans: Continuing my education studying political science

Clarissa Seeley

Parents: Cameron Michael Seeley; Gwen Joy Hoehn

Future plans: Working part time for two years, then training school for dog grooming

Stinehart

Parents: Heather and Todd Stinehart

Future plans: Attending the University of Northern Iowa

Cherilyn Thissen

Parent: Karen Hruska

Future plans: Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato for dental hygiene

Wieseler

Parents: Tania and Patrick Wieseler

Future plans: Attending Occidental College

Cody Sieberg

Parents: Brad Sieberg and Abbie Hanson

Future plans: Attending University of Wisconsin-Stout

Jordyn Sturdivant

Parents: Mike and Tonya Sturdivant

Future plans: Attending discipleship training school in Maui, Hawaii through Youth With a Mission

Jacob Thompson

Parents: Jodie and Isaac Thompson

Future plans: Attending the University of Winona State

Isabelle Wilhelmi

Parent: Sam Langer

Future plans: Attending the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

Parents: Rick Wulf and Jill

Future plans: Attending Central Lakes College

Trista

Addison

Caitlin Slattery

Parents: Bridget Southwick and Jimmy Slattery

Future plans: Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato

Noah Thompson

Parents: Jodie and Isaac Thompson Future plans: Attending Winona State University

Paige Swenson

Parents: Tanya Schneider and David Swenson

Future plans: Attending South Central College in Mankato

Lily Wulf

Wulf

Patrick Adams

Macie Bublitz

MaKae Erdman

Memphis James

Dylan McWaters Kaden Baker

Austin Carda

Cole Gartner

Caitlin Kleve

Tyler Melchior

Joshua Bengtson

Cyndal Coult

Jeramiah Hale

Gavin Krause

Mickenzye Mendez

Cole Blomstrom

Alexis Dahlberg

Drake Hershberger

Ryan Kronbach

Carter Miller

Baylia Borgmeier

Steven Denn

Josilyn Holland

Keegan Kwasniewski

Kylie Moravec

Persia Borgmeier

Steven Dimmel

Alex James

Kelsey Loeffler

Nolan Morsching

Hunter Mudgett

Lydia Sack

Jorgen Thompson Stranton Oftedahl

Breanna Santo

Mackenzie Triemert

Alison Olson

Cole Schlueter

Conner Welvaert

Tate Prentice

Hunter Schmahl

Lauren White

Austin Quast

Caitlin Sheeran

Katelyn Ziemke

Amerikyiah Sack

Logan Thell

Isaac Zimmerman

N.R.H.E.G. HIGH SCHOOL

Ned Elliot Bell Parents: Alex and Angela Bell Future plans: Entering the workforce

Parker Bunn Parents: David and Jennifer Bunn Future plans: Attending Winona State University for business administration

Grace Violet Borchard Parents: James Borchard and Candace Darling Future plans: Entering the workforce

Caleb Samuel Bice Parents: Josh Bice and Stephanie Anderson Future plans: Undecided

Payton Bunn Parents: David and Jennifer Bunn Future plans: Attending Ball State University for pre-medicine and general biology

Gavin Phillip Briggs

Anna Elizabeth Blatti Parents: Brian and Shannon Blatti Future plans: Attending South Dakota State University for architecture

Kyra Cain Parents: Robert Reese and Jane Reese Future plans: Attending Riverland Community College for nursing

Kia JoyAnn Buendorf Parents: Chad and Kari Buendorf Future plans: Attending South Dakota State University for exercise science

Parents:

Future plans: Entering the workforce

Parents:

Future

Future plans: Attending Marquette University for biophysics

Parents:

Jackson Chrz

Parents: Regeher and Jared Chrz

Future plans: Attending Dunwood College of Technology Automotive Technology

Levin Kitzer

Parents: Jeff and Amy Kitzer

Future plans: Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato for mechanical engineering

Dylan Fleming Parents: Curt and Jenna Pederson Future plans: Entering the workforce

Addison Loken

Dallas and Nicole Loken

plans: Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato for music education

Julia Churchill Parents: Pat and Joni Churchill

Future plans: Attending University of Minnesota, Twin Cities for developmental psychology

Haillee Klemmensen Parents: Brandon Klemmensen; Aana Garner and Michaela Jenkins Future plans: Attending college, then entering the workforce

Carter Johnson Parents: Lowell Johnson and Mary Baker Future plans: Entering the workforce

Payden Loverink

Parents: Laura and Marlin Beckman Future plans: Attending Riverland Community College for diesel mechanics

Peyton Curtis

Parents: Robert Curtis and Angie Mudgett Future plans: Attending Riverland Community College for business

Jordis Kruger

Kyli Johnson Parents: Luke and Stephanie Andersen Future plans: Working in psychology

Dacoda Malakowski Parents: David and Amanda Malakowski Future plans: Attending Minnesota North Vermillion Fisheries and Wildlife Management

Garrett Degan Parents: Eric and Dawn Degen Future plans: Entering the workforce

Daxter Lee Parents: Mark and Rachel Lee

Future plans: Attending University of Dubuque for basketball

Alexis Johnston Parents: Todd and Melissa Johnston Future plans: Elementary education

Kiyah Mikesell Parents: Bethany and Curt Boswell; Terry Mikesell

Future plans: Attending Riverland Community College Ag Science

Danny Deniz-Clark

Tiffany Clark and Barrie Trebor-MacConnell

Keira Lenort

Parents: Tami and Chris LaCanne; Jason Lenort

Lukas Johnston Parents: Todd and Melissa Johnston

Future plans: Entering the workforce

Devin Morkrid

Amanda and Curtis Peterson; Michael and Julie Morkrid

Future plans: Attending Riverland Community College

Cody Donovan Parents: Jay Donovan and Sally Schull Future plans: Entering the workforce

Sydney Lewer Parents: Dan and Amber Lewer Future plans: Attending University of Wisconsin, River Falls for equine Sciences and vet technology

Graden Karl Parents: Tony and Melissa Karl Future plans: Serving in the National Guard

McKenzie Mueller

Parents: Richard and Penni Mueller Future plans: Attending University of Minnesota, Duluth for exercise and rehabilitative science

Parents: Isabelle Petsinger and Lynette Petsinger

Future plans: Attending Iowa Central Community College

Parents: Darrin and Linda Stadheim

Future plans: Attending University of Minnesota for design and architecture

Parents: Bruce and Jennie Nielsen

Future plans: Attending Riverland Community College

Jaylin Raab

Parents: Tiffany Raab; Rodney and Pam Berg

Future plans: Attending Gustavus Adolphus College for business and sports management; football

for communication sciences and disorders

Parents: Kyrstin Daily and Nathan Thorson

Future plans: Entering the workforce

Brian Laine Possin

Parents: Layne and Jillian Possin

Future plans: Entering the workforce

Elsie Schultz

Parents: Matt and Emily Schultz

Future plans: Attending University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse for prephysical therapy

William Tuttle

Parents: Thad and Jessica Tuttle

Future plans: Entering the workforce

Parents:

Future plans: Undecided

Madison Murray

Parents: Angela Hoium and Adam Murray

Future plans: Attending University of Winona for finance

Debra Rollins Parent: Stephanie Rollins Future plans: Undecided

Samuel Olson Parents: Patty Olson and Dan Budach

Future plans: Entering the workforce

Brenna Sommer

Parents: Tony and Amanda Sommer

Future plans: Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato for communication sciences and disorders

Kaeden Nietzel

Parents: Chad and Elizabeth Nietzel Future plans: Entering the workforce

Clay Routh Parents: Chan and Kim Routh Future plans: Entering the workforce

Erin Peterson Parents: Chris and Mandra Peterson

Future plans: Attending South Dakota State University for nursing

Kyra Spies

Faith Nielsen

Parents: Bruce and Jennie Nielsen Future plans: Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato for dental hygiene

Reese Routh

Parents: Travis and Lisa Routh Future plans: Attending Riverland Community College

Annabelle Petsinger

Isabel Stadheim

Hope Nielsen Parents: Bruce and Jennie Nielsen Future plans: Attending Riverland Community College

Tayler Schmidt Parents: Dan and Tina Schmidt Future plans: Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato

Cayden Thorson

Preslie Nielsen

Evelyn Kay Nydegger

Parents: Larry and Michele Nydegger

Future plans: Attending Minnesota State University, Moorhead for exercise science

Hallie Schultz

Parents: Rick and Jackie Schultz Future plans: Attending Iowa State University for architecture

George Roesler

Greg and Barb Roesler

Future plans: Attending University of Minnesota, Mankato for mechanical engineering

Malonna Wilson

Parents: Becky and Richard Lassahn

Macy Anderson

Parents: Shawn & Shawn Anderson

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

Parents: Joe and Rachelle Caldwell

Future plans: Attending South Central for Business Management.

Nora Ell

Parents: Steve and Laura Ell

Future plans: Minnesota State College Southeast in Winona, majoring in radiography

Kylie LaFrance

Parents: Jared and Stacy LaFrance

Future plans: Attending Minnesota

State University, Mankato and majoring in business

Alayna Atherton

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

Caleb Caron Parents: Jake and Missy Caron

Future plans: Attending Riverland for criminal justice and become a state trooper

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

Lauren Lamp Parents: Jennifer Arne and Michael Lamp

Future plans: Attending Riverland Community College in Austin

Grace Baker

Parents: Pat and Pam Baker

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

Hayley Coon

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

Travis Flohaug

Parent: Trevor Flohaug

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

Parents: Angela Moriarity Jeffery

Moriarity

Future plans: Joining the workforce

Parents: Ken and Jolene Balfe

Future plans: Attending the University of Minnesota’s College of Science and Engineering

Future plans: Attending South Dakota State University majoring in ag business

Parents: Amy and Brad Bohlen

Future plans: Attending Minnesota West Community and Technical College

Parents: Sarah Kaplan and Steven Duenes

Future plans: Attending RCTC for Radiology

Parents: Abby Hughes & Eric Hughes

Future plans: Attending Nova Academy in Rochester, MN for Cosmetology

Lindy Caldwell

Christina Moriarity

Madeline Balfe

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

Desirae Domonoske Parents: Chad and Brenda Domonoske

Isaac Murphy

Claire Bohlen

Ava Hughes

Ella Duenes

Spencer Oorlog

Katrina Brekke Parents: Troy Brekke, late Audrey Brekke

Future plans: Taking a year off then going to college 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

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

Myles Pratt

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 admin-

istrator 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.

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: Amy and Todd 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

Dressing up for Graduation

Caps and gowns are iconic symbols of graduation ceremonies, representing academic achievement, tradition and the transition from student to graduate.

From their origins in medieval academia to modern-day celebrations, caps and gowns have remained an integral part of graduation attire, steeped in symbolism and tradition.

Origin and Symbolism

The tradition of wearing caps and gowns dates back to medieval Europe, where scholars and clergy donned academic robes as a symbol of their status and learning.

These early robes were practical garments designed to keep scholars warm in unheated buildings, with hoods serving as makeshift head coverings. Over time, academic dress became more standardized, with distinct styles and colors representing different degrees, disciplines and institutions.

Today, caps and gowns are worn by graduates at high school, college and

university graduation ceremonies around the world. The cap, or mortarboard, symbolizes the culmination of academic achievement, while the gown represents scholarly tradition and dignity.

How to Wear Them

Wearing caps and gowns correctly is an important part of graduation etiquette. Here’s how to do it according to Jostens:

Cap: Place the mortarboard squarely on your head, with the front point centered and the tassel hanging to the right side. The cap should sit flat

and level, not tilted or cocked to one side. Men should take the caps off during the school song and the National Anthem.

Gown: Put on the gown with the zipper or buttons at the front. The sleeves should hang down naturally, with the hem of the gown falling to mid-calf length. If the gown has a hood, drape it over your shoulders with the velvet trim facing outward. Traditionally, garments worn under the gowns include dark trousers with dress shirts or lightweight dresses or blouses and skirts that do not hang

below the gowns. Some people wear a detachable white collar. Flowers and jewelry should not be worn on the gown.

Tassel: At many graduation ceremonies, the tassel starts on the right side of the cap and is moved to the left side after receiving your diploma. Some schools have specific instructions for when to turn the tassel, so be sure to follow any guidance provided by your institution.

Sometimes caps and gowns are accessorized with stoles or honor cords depending on the school’s traditions.

Mortarboard Decoration

In recent years, there has been a growing trend of decorating mortarboards with creative designs, personal messages, and symbols representing graduates’ interests and achievements. This tradition of personalizing mortarboards has its roots in individual expression and celebration.

A professor from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Sheila Bock, researches mortarboards. She said the earliest examples she found of people decorat-

ing mortarboards were in the 1960s as protests against the Vietnam War. Graduates use a variety of materials and techniques to decorate their mortarboards, including paint, glitter, rhinestones, fabric and decals. Common motifs include graduation caps, diplomas, school mascots, quotes and symbols representing future aspirations or hobbies. Decorating mortarboards has become a fun and creative way for graduates to express their personalities and commemorate their academic journey.

Crafting the Perfect Graduation Announcement

While many of the events surrounding graduation are steeped in tradition, there are plenty of ways to express your creative style. One of these ways comes in your graduation announcement.

Graduating from high school or college is a significant achievement, marking the culmination of years of hard work, dedication and personal growth. Sharing this milestone with loved ones is part of the celebration, and one way to do so is by sending out graduation announcements.

These announcements typically serve as a formal announcement of your achievement and provide an opportunity to express gratitude, share future plans and invite others to join in the celebration. You can choose to go with traditional, formal formats or make your own creative, casual graduation announcement.

Jostens assures graduates there are no rules on how these work.

Choose a Design

The first step in preparing graduation announcements is selecting a design

that reflects your personality and style. Whether you prefer classic elegance, modern simplicity or bold creativity, there are countless options to choose from, including traditional paper cards, digital designs and customizable templates. Consider factors such as color scheme, typography and layout to create a design that resonates with you and captures the spirit of your graduation.

When crafting your graduation announcements, be sure to include essential details such as your full name, graduation date, degree or diploma earned, and the name of your school or university. You may also want to include additional information, such as honors or awards received, future plans or aspirations, and a personal message of thanks or reflection.

Personalize your graduation announcements with a heartfelt message that reflects your journey and expresses gratitude to those who have supported you. Whether it’s a simple thank you to family and friends, a quote that has inspired you, or a personal reflection on your educational experience, adding a personal touch to your announcements can make them more meaningful and memorable.

Distributing Announcements

Decide how you want to distribute your graduation announcements, whether it’s through traditional mail, email, social media or a combination of these methods. Consider the preferences of your intended recipients and choose

the method that is most convenient and accessible for them.

If you’re sending physical cards, be sure to include postage and allow plenty of time for delivery.

Give yourself plenty of time to prepare and send out your graduation announcements, ideally several weeks before your graduation date. This will ensure that your announcements ar-

rive promptly and give recipients ample time to mark their calendars and make arrangements to celebrate with you.

Preparing graduation announcements is an opportunity to celebrate your achievements, express gratitude, and share the joy of this milestone with loved ones.

Meal Prep Tips for Graduates

For graduates who are leaving home and won’t have a meal plan at college, suddenly having to feed yourself can seem like an overwhelming task.

Mastering the art of simple meal prep can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle on a budget.

With a little planning and creativity, you can whip up delicious and nutritious meals that will fuel your body and mind without breaking the bank.

Planning

When it comes to meal preparation, simplicity is key. Focus on recipes that require minimal ingredients and preparation time, such as one-pot meals, sheet pan dinners and

easy stir-fries. Opt for versatile ingredients that can be used in multiple dishes, such as rice, pasta, beans and vegetables, to maximize efficiency and minimize waste.

Take some time each week to plan your meals and create a shopping list based on your menu. This will help you stay organized, save time at the grocery store and ensure that you have all the ingredients you need on hand when it’s time to cook. Consider batch cooking and meal prepping on weekends to save time during the week and have healthy meals ready to go when you need them.

Keep staple ingredients on hand, such as canned beans,

diced tomatoes, whole grains, olive oil, herbs and spices and condiments like soy sauce and vinegar. These pantry essentials can form the basis of a wide variety of meals and add flavor and nutrition to your dishes.

Meal Choices and Techniques

Seek out simple and nutritious recipes that are easy to prepare, budget-friendly and packed with flavor and nutrients to keep you feeling satisfied and energized throughout your day.

OVERNIGHT OATS

Food Network recommends overnight oats as a staple for college students and it provides this recipe.

Ingredients 1/3 to 1/2 cup of milk (any kind will do) 1/3 to 1/2 cup of old-fashioned rolled oats 1/3 to 1/2 cup yogurt, optional 1 teaspoon chia seeds

Batch cooking is a time-saving technique that involves preparing large quantities of food at once and portioning it out for future meals. Cook a big batch of grains, protein and vegetables at the beginning of the week and mix and match them to create different meals. Soups, stews, casseroles and grain bowls are all excellent candidates for batch cooking and can be customized to suit your tastes and dietary preferences.

Optional ingredients: fruit, nuts, nut butter, seeds, protein powder, granola, coconut, spices, citrus zest and vanilla extract.

Directions 1. Add the desired amount of milk, oats, yogurt, chia seeds and banana to a jar or container and stir. Refrigerate overnight or for at least 5 hours. 2. Add additional liquid until you achieve your desired consistency. Top with optional ingredients. The mixture will keep up to two days or four days if you don’t add the banana.