WDC Graduation 2021 Gallery

Graduates had eight tickets each for the in-person ceremony, which brought the gym closer to full capacity. The ceremony was also livestreamed online and on the radio. Rebecca Mitchell/Pioneer Journal

Family members snap photos as the Wadena-Deer Creek graduating class of 2021 enters. Rebecca Mitchell/Pioneer Journal

As the opening speaker, senior Tony Kreklau welcomed seniors to the in-person ceremony and the beginning of summer before adulthood. Rebecca Mitchell/Pioneer Journal

Teagan Roberts (right) receives her diploma from Lawson and Superintendent Lee Westrum on May 28, 2021. She also sang the “Star Spangled Banner” at the beginning of the ceremony. Rebecca Mitchell/Pioneer Journal

With the return of handshakes and no masks, school board member Dan Lawson (left) congratulates senior Laytee Chessor on May 28, 2021. Rebecca Mitchell/Pioneer Journal

As one of two musical performances, senior Emma Bushinger sings "I'll Always Remember You." Rebecca Mitchell/Pioneer Journal

In her speech, WDC senior Sara Goetze shared one last cat fact: both humans and cats have identical regions in the brain for emotions. Rebecca Mitchell/Pioneer Journal

Senior Emma Mehl closed the evening with reminders for her fellow classmates to take part in making the world a better place. Rebecca Mitchell/Pioneer Journal

A row of Wadena-Deer Creek seniors tune into fellow classmate Emma Bushinger singing "I'll Always Remember You" during the commencement ceremony on May 28, 2021. Rebecca Mitchell/Pioneer Journal

Senior Nevada Schulz shares memories of the class of 2021's past, including many missed events before the pandemic. Rebecca Mitchell/Pioneer Journal

Ryan Conn (right) receives his diploma as one of 49 graduates. Rebecca Mitchell/Pioneer Journal

Wadena-Deer Creek graduates throw their caps in the air on May 28, 2021. Rebecca Mitchell/Pioneer Journal

Taliah Brown kicks off the parade with a pose for community members cheering on the seniors. Rebecca Mitchell/Pioneer Journal

Seniors head down 5th Street at the start of the parade of graduates on May 28, 2021. Rebecca Mitchell/Pioneer Journal

Seniors Angela LeComte and Corbett Wensmann ride atop a vehicle in the parade of graduates following the ceremony on May 28, 2021. Rebecca Mitchell/Pioneer Journal