Every student here has a different path be here today. As you look to your left and your right, it’s obvious that no two of us share the same story. But, we all made it, and that’s cause for celebration.”

Miles Kaiser

3M Arena at Mariucci
1901 4th St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
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The Park High School Class of 2025 has officially graduated, some 507 in all.
Opening with “Pomp and Circumstance” and taking place Tuesday, June 10 at 7:00 p.m. in the 3M Mariucci Arena in Minneapolis, the Park High commencement was an event to remember.
Following the opening processional, a welcome that included a land acknowledgment was given by Park High Principal Todd Herber, followed by the singing of the “Star Spangled Banner” by the Park High Concert Choir under the direction of Choir Director Benjamin O’Connor.
The national anthem completed, a welcome and introduction of guests was given by Principal Herber.
Following this, the musical selection “And So It Goes” by Billy Joel as arranged by Chilcott was performed by the Concert Choir under the Direction of Choir Director O’ Connor.
The Summa Cum Laude with Distinction address was given this year by a team of 12 graduates, including Jordyn Darling, Gabrielle Fenske, Rex Fish, Nathan Kinney, Emery Lettner, Calissa Newton, Dora Nguyen, Samuel Paulsen, Giancarlo Serrato, James Waletzko, Jaycevion Waller, and Justin Waterman.
Summa Cum Laude with Distinction indicates a GPA of 4.3 or higher, indicated by a blue ribbon medallion and gold stole. Summa Cum Laude (GPA 4.0-4.333, white ribbon and gold stole), Magna Cum Laude (GPA 3.667 - 3.999, silver stole), Cum Laude (GPA 3.5-3.666, white stole), the National Honor Society, (gold tassel, gold and blue cord), International Baccalaureate (full diploma, black stole), and numerous other student activities and cultural backgrounds were recognized as well.
“Maya Angelou once said, ‘if you don’t know where you come from, you don’t know where you’re going,” one Summa Cum Laude with Distinction speaker said. “Although our memories when we were younger may be seem long and and far away, we can only travel on, as we remember what we have learned. We retain all these fundamental lessons, so that we can continue to grow.”
The message was aded to by another Summa Cum Laude with Distinction speaker.
“Morgan Freeman once said, “Failure is part of life. If you don’t fail, you don’t learn. If you don’t learn, you’ll never change. These high school years have been about learning, falling, and getting back up. Resilience in the face of challenges. We needed all those moments to shape us and discover wiser versions of ourselves.”
Following the Summa Cum Laude with Distinction Address, a musical selection entitled “Iron and Ice” by Randall Standridge was played by the Combined Bands, under the direction of Band Director Thomas Storm and Student Conductor Gavin Stauffer.
Student speakers chosen by the class to address spoke next, Miles Kaiser, Samuel Paulsen, and Justin Waterman. First up were selfies with the podium and crowd, followed by the speech.
“Hello and good evening, to friends, family, faculty, and most importantly, the Class of 2025,” Paulsen said, followed by Justin Waterman.
“We’re here today, not to talk about our achievements and accomplishments, but to celebrate those of everyone here today,” Waterman said. “As we look out at the student body we not only see 500 fellow students, but 500 mini stories, and 500 mini journeys.”
Waterman was followed by Miles Kaiser.
“Every student here has a different path be here today. As you look to your left and your right, it’s obvious that no two of us share the same story. But, we all made it, and that’s cause for celebration,” Kaiser said, followed by Paulsen
“As you cross that stage, your family, friends, teachers and coaches are right there with you,” Paulsen said. “They have been with you no matter what…no you can have the same impact on future classes.”
Following the remarks by student speakers, Park High English Teacher Katie Block addressed the students and others present as honored staff speaker.
“Hello Class of 2025, thank you so much for inviting me to speak here tonight,” she said. “So many unbelievable things have happened on your individual and collective journeys.” Citing academics and sports, Block also acknowledged the private and individual challenges for some.
“For some of us, school itself has been hard to get through,” she said. “Maybe emotionally, academically, socially…But tonight I want you to know we are proud of each and every one of you.” Addressing parents and family next, Block said it wasn’t the end of guidance roles.
“This isn’t the end of our parent or guidance roles, but it does mark a new milestone for them and for us,” she said. “So congratulations to all the families and parents. You did it too.”
Block then closed by the moment of transition.
“And so Class of 2025, tonight marks the end of one journey, and the beginning of another journey. This is exciting, and maybe even a little scary. Some of us know exactly what we want to do, while others are still uncertain and maybe a little afraid. That’s OK. Life isn’t really about the set destination, but it’s about the people and experiences you meet on the way.” Block then shared an episode from her life to give example.
Following Block’s address, Principal Herber presented the Class, acceptance given by District Superintendent Julie Nielsen. In order to graduate from Park High in 2025, a student must have the following:
• 12 credits in English
• 10 credits in Social Studies (including 1 credit in Political Science and 1 credit in Economics)
• 9 credits in Mathematics
• 9 credits in Science (must include one year of Biology and one year of Chemistry or Physics)
• 1 credit in General Physical Education
• 1 credit in Health (embedded throughout high school)
• 2 credits in Fine Arts, and
• 22 credits in electives
For a total of 66 credits.
The Class of 2025 having met these requirements, the presentation of diplomas was made by School Board Chair Katie Schwartz along with School Board Director Ryan Clarke, as National Honor Society President Samuel Paulsen, National Honor Society Vice President Kylee Bentson, Student Council President Miles Kaiser, and Student Council Vice President Hollen Thompson each played their part as well.
From diploma presentation it was on to the recessional, the band playing “Hail to the Wolfpack” by Louis Elbel as arranged by Paul Yoder, along with “Tahoka Galop” by William Owens.