A DAY TO REMEMBER — Aracelis Sepulveda sits in her vehicle during NRHEG Commencement Sunday, May 31. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
By JIM LUTGENS
Publisher
It wasn’t a typical graduation ceremony.
But this isn’t a typical year.
Fifty-five NRHEG High School seniors officially graduated Sunday, May 31, though certainly not the way they expected.
Instead of the usual ceremony in the gymnasium where students walk across the stage to receive their diploma, graduates and guests remained in their motor vehicles — parked about 8 feet apart — as the commencement was moved to the grassy area west of the school in wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Police were present at both entrances and most of those helping with the festivities wore facemasks. A large stage was set up on a flatbed trailer, flanked by two semi trailers, with a big screen above the stage.
No outside visitors were allowed, though a few watched from neighboring yards. At the conclusion, a fireworks display replaced the tradition of gathering in the street for congratulations and photos.
“I wish none of this would have happened, but it has, and you will be stronger for it,” said principal Dave Bunn, before reminding everyone — except the three class speakers — to remain in their vehicle. Bunn said information on the distribution of actual diplomas would be e-mailed to students.
“May I present to you the class of 2020,” said Bunn, as Pomp & Circumstance played and pictures of graduates were shown on the big screen.
Superintendent Dale Carlson welcomed everyone.
“Thank you to the parents, to the graduates, and to our staff for making this event possible,” said Carlson. “If there is a positive in all this, it is that you now have first-hand experience in how fast life can change, and you did very well.”
“We’re proud of the educational opportunities our school district has had to offer you,” said school board chairman Rick Schultz. “But as it turned out, you’re the ones who did the teaching. We thank you for everything you have taught us. Congratulations, and remember, you will always be from NRHEG.”
Mia Williams was the first class speaker.
Before beginning, she asked all to observe a moment of silence in wake of the death and violence in Minneapolis and other cities.
“Do you remember your dreams in kindergarten?” Williams asked. “Do you remember how exciting the idea of school was? Now, I know that nap time is wasted on the young.”
Williams talked about having some great teachers and spoke of making great memories on field trips such as Eagle Bluff. She also recalled getting hit in the face during the egg-toss event for homecoming.
“Needless to say, the egg toss is no longer a homecoming activity,” she said.
Williams said everyone is warned how fast high school passes, and it really does.
“Thank you to the teachers,” said Williams. “I wish we had had our last few weeks with you.”
Maggie Maloney found it difficult to speak.
“Today, my heart is heavy,” she said. “It almost makes it impossible to celebrate this milestone.”
Maloney talked about how her class of 55 is smaller than most at NRHEG and how they never sought the spotlight.
“We’re independent thinkers,” she said, pointing out there were 20 girls out for basketball in grade 7 but only one as a senior.
“Our class has been most active in Knowledge Bowl,” she said. “It’s the thing I enjoyed the most about high school. I believe our uniqueness is one of our greatest attributes. The class of 2020’s individuality is what will set us apart. We have shaped each other and will forever be a part of each other.”
“What’s poppin’ gamers?” said the final speaker, Jon Hoelscher. “As of today, we’re all done with high school. The rest of our lives is up to us. We’re headed toward the great unknown, where we decide what happens.”
Hoelscher said that won’t always be easy.
“Most of it will be very challenging,” he said.
The thought of an uncertain future is scary, according to Hoelscher.
“But that also gives me hope,” he said. “To shape the future however we want it. In a few years, we will be the decision-makers of this world.”
Hoelscher said he planned on delivering a funny speech but in the end changed his mind.
“All I could think of was how much I would miss you guys,” he said.
A prerecorded vocal performance by Alexandra Combs was displayed on the big screen.
Recognized for their academic prowess were co-valedictorians Jayna Domeier and Combs, and salutatorian Holly Stene.
New Richland’s hometown hero, Carlie Wagner, read the names of the graduates.
A drone could he heard hovering overhead and several vehicle horns honked.
“Remember,” said Bunn. “You don’t have to be smarter than the person next to you. All you have to do is be willing to work harder. Class of 2020, I will miss you.”