By Joseph Back

The Wolfpack just sent 470 seniors out into the world.

Meeting for commencement June 5 at 5 p.m., the Park High School Class of 2022 walked in green and and yellow to say goodbye to high school and hello to life after classes.

At least for the summer. With packed stands and and on-site band to provide the entrance and exit music and choir present as well, parents and gradates alike marked the end of the old and start of a new life chapter.

With welcome being given by principal Todd Herber, the ceremony taking place under clear skies started on a high note.

“Good afternoon and welcome to the 106th Park High School commencement ceremony,” he said, “and a special welcome to the Class of 2022.”

Next taking time to acknowledge the Mdewakanton Dakota who once lived in South Washington County, Herber gave tribute to those who had come before.

“South Washington County Schools supports indigenous land acknowledgement as an expression of gratitude and appreciation for those whose territory we reside on,” Herber said. “And a way of honoring the indigenous people who have been living and working the land since time immemorial. We would like to acknowledge that the land we

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Mia McGraw was one of two student speakers chosen by the class of 2022. Image from Park High graduation livestream.

Logan Lucas was one of two class speakers chosen by the Class of 2022. Image from Park High graduation livestream. GRADUATES

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reside on is the land of the Mdewakanton Dakota people. ‘Mdewakanton’ means ‘dwellers of the Spirit Lake.’” Next shifting to acknowledge the Park High graduates from the Class of 2022, Herber called for those present to stand.

“Everyone please rise for the Star Spangled Banner, our nation’s anthem, as performed by the Park High School choir,” he said. “The flag is at the south end of the field.

The anthem over, it was into more acknowledgements. Taking time out to acknowledge district school board chair Sharon Van Leer, Herber also acknowledged many others, including vice chair Katie Schwartz, board member Pat Driscoll, district superintendent Julie Nielsen, and assistant district superintendents Tyrone Brookins, Kelly Jansen, and Kristine Schaefer, present at the commencement ceremony.

“Additionally I wish to acknowledge our own Park High School administrators,” Herber said, then listing Jonathan Hunt, Phil Kimball, Carlos Myles, Gretchen Romaine, and Dr. Sara Scullin Stokes. Then acknowledging the staff speaker for the day, Herber acknowledged staff speaker Kate Buhr, with many other teachers from all grade levels. Last but not least, Herber acknowledged graduates parents, grandparents, and/ or guardians.

“Of course, we have one more group of people here who deserve our appreciation. Parents, guardians, grandparents, and families,” he said. “Students, remember to thank all those people who helped you get here today. Rarely is success achieved without help along the way.”

Following this, the Park High School Choir sang, “You’ll Never Walk Alone; Climb Every Mountain.”

Following this, Herbert wished the class good health and success, then introducing Summa Cum Laude with distinction(“With All Praise”) graduates and inviting them to the stage, including the following: Taylor Dahlquist; Isau Daie; Anastasia Daily; Aliiyah Freiberg; Abigail Guettch; Esther Lankau; Megan Maloney; West Mann; Patrick McLaughlin; Stephanie Miles; Jacob Olsen; Abigail Rechinger; Samantha Schmitt; Audrey Cease, and Kathryn Townsend.

Shifting next to the graduate speech, the Summa Cum Laude graduates shared from their experience, including allusions to “The Very Hungry Catepillar” by Eric Carle, as well as one graduate who shared that “being afraid” was the most valuable lesson they had learned that year, along with rising to the challenge in spite of this.

From there it was into a band number, followed up with student speakers Logan Lucas and Mia McGraw, who shared from their experience at Park High.

“We are united here today, for the last time, to say we made it,” McGraw said after offering welcome and opening remarks. “Our last day at Park High, finally.” Lucas picked up where McGraw left off.

“Today marks the end of a 13-year phase of our lives. We started out as freshmen who united together for the first time four years ago in freshmen orientation.”

Then shifting to their respective journeys to park from Crestview Elementary to Cottage Grove Middle School (for McGraw) and Hillside Elementary to Cottage Grove Middle School (for Lucas), they shared how their South Washington County journey would end at Park, before continuing at the University of Minnesota (for McGraw) and the University of Notre Dame (for Lucas).

“Although Mia and I are choosing to go to a four-year college next year, it doesn’t matter if your next step is a four-year, two-year, trade school, gap year, military, or going right into your career,” Lucas said of the different paths students might choose. McGraw picked up where Lucas left off.

“We are the world’s future,” she said, trading a list of occupations with Lucas to show the breadth of student options. “Even though we are all dressed the same today, under these caps and gowns we are each unique and amazing individuals who have impacted the school in different ways.” The two used a selfie stick to take a smartphone photo together before leaving the podium.

Principal Herbert next thanked McGraw and Lucas before introducing staff speaker Kate Buhr, who gave remarks of her own.

Sharing her surprise at being chosen as well as fear, Buhr said that fear could be overcome.

“I am a big believer in facing your fears,” she said, then sharing an experience from her junior year of high school and of studying abroad in Germany. She also shared of how she tried out for the Fairbault Emeralds dance team in the late 90s, and was able at last to be the team’s videographer, which led into a light historical note.

“If any of you can still play a VHS (Video Head System) at home, I’d be happy to share some of my best work with you,” Buhr told students of 90s dance video and recording options. Taking a semester off to be more sure of what she wanted to do and where to go, Buhr had ended up as a teacher at Park High, following a return to college for teaching after starting in business.

“I must say that you, the Class of 2022, have changed lives,” Buhr said. Facing their fears over and over, they had overcome fears and difficulties.

Following Buhr’s remarks it was on to presentation by district superintendent Nielsen, diplomas, and class exit from the field to the next life chapter.

Park High Principal Todd Herber (right) led with opening remarks, while superintendent Julie Nielsen (middle) and assistant district superintendent Tyrone Brookins also played roles at commencement. Image from Park High graduation livestream.

The Park High School Choir sang the National Anthem and more Park High School graduation.

Image from Park High graduation livestream.