Graduation fanfare returns with in-person WDC commencement ceremony

In a gym almost back to full capacity, the smiles of family members and graduates became a highlight of the evening at the Wadena-Deer Creek graduation ceremony on May 28.

The class of 2021 students shared their memories of growth with four student speakers: Tony Kreklau, Nevada Schulz, Sara Goetze and Emma Mehl. The short ceremony also included two musical performances of the “Star Spangled Banner” by Teagan Roberts and “I’ll Always Remember You” by Emma Bushinger.

The in-person ceremony brought back the feeling of a graduation with the student processional to the fanfare of “Pomp and Circumstance” while students and attendees did not have to wear masks. Kreklau welcomed seniors to their 104 days of summer before adulthood kicks in⁠—but most importantly welcomed their in-person time together rather than Zoom meetings.

While seniors thanked parents, guardians, teachers, custodians and cooks for their dedication to the students’ school careers, activities director and dean of students Norm Gallant also thanked seniors for the lessons and memories they shared with the school community.

“I can honestly say in my time I’m not sure we’ve ever graduated a group that is more ready for life after high school,” Gallant said. Through a year and a half of hybrid, distance and in-person learning and quarantines due to the pandemic, Gallant said seniors showed poise, grace and resilience.

WDC Graduation 2021 Gallery The class of 49 students celebrated with their families in a ceremony in the gym and with the community in a parade following the ceremony.

In her rendition of past memories, Schulz shared how the class of 2021 has always included “utter craziness.” Each school year had “drastic changes and missed events,” like field trips conveniently added after they completed sixth grade. The experiences were a part of seniors growing up alongside each other, as Goetze shared.

Mehl said the seniors went from a nightmare for teachers to becoming an example for other students—though that doesn’t mean a fair number of teachers retired after having them as students, she joked.

As students headed into their future, Mehl encouraged her fellow classmates to find their passions, put others first, forgive others and ask for help.

“Now you guys have the power and responsibility of deciding your future,” Mehl said.