Instrumental in establishing a mentoring program and the FFA…active in the all-school play, band, Knowledge Bowl and the NHS…on a volleyball team that won the Valley Conference and made it all the way to the section championship…
The 46 members of Class of 2023 left their mark on CHS before they officially graduated in a ceremony in the new gym on Friday.
“Throughout our time together at Cleveland, we have grown immensely," said class president Amelia Tauer in her welcome address. "We went from battling our lockers in seventh grade and racing to get to class to battling for a parking spot and racing to finish a last-minute assignment due at 11:59 pm.”
Tauer went on to say that their senior year has been a year of lasts.
“The last band concert, the last game, the last homecoming, the last day. But it is important to remember this year is also a year of firsts for us: Our first graduation ceremony, our first time applying for colleges, our first time getting to decide what we want to do with our lives.”
She acknowledged that passing the graduation milestone is a great achievement but said it would have been difficult to do alone.
“Thank you to teachers for coming in early and staying late and spending countless hours helping us. Thank you to all of the paras and custodians who kept our school running smoothly. Thank you to friends and family for being there for us when we needed it the most.”
Honor graduates Lilly Draheim and Emma Sweere presented the Honors Address.
“While this might be the last time we are all together in this school, you are the only people in this entire world that we would have wanted to make the journey with,” Draheim told her class and the large crowd on hand. “The journey of high school is at its end, and yes, it is sad, but it is also something to commemorate because we are about to embark on a new adventure.”
“In this new adventure, don’t ever let your heart stop dreaming of all the possibilities that you have,” Sweere told her classmates. “The new chapter is yours to write…You are all going to do great things. We all know it and cannot wait to see it. Wherever life takes you, always remember that you are enough, you are loved, and you matter.”
Chosen by the class, English teacher Tracie Yule was the guest speaker.
“Most of life, you will find, is about showing up in normal places under very ordinary circumstances…Some of you may find that disheartening, but this is where my message lies. You will have many boring days, but it is your job to see beyond the boring and not only find the exceptional but to live it. For example, my career is lived from bell to bell. Sometimes, the monotony is difficult, but then there is a moment or person or a class that I can’t forget that touches me, and I know that is why I am here.”
As only their teacher could, Yule went on to describe the particular ways the seniors were “delightful.” (See in photo captions below).
Also at the graduation ceremony, Serena Remiger and Jacob Rohlfing read the class history.
Superintendent Brian Philips presented the Androli Award to Rohlfing and the Athena Award to Draheim.
Named after Leo “Ole” Androli, who, in 1947 at age 14, died in a drowning accident, the Androli is awarded to a senior boy based on scholarship, school and community service, leadership, participation in extracurricular activities and character. It was first presented in 1948. With similar requirements, the Athena Award was established for female students in 1981.
Principal Scott Lusk presented the graduates.
School board chair Scott Miller, with an occasional substitute, awarded the diplomas.
During presentations of the diplomas, assistant principal David Cink read off the scholarships awarded. Before that, he addressed the graduates:
“Speaking for my fellow teachers and administrators, we have enjoyed watching you grow over the years, watching you learn a variety of academic subjects, watching you make mistakes while taking ownership of them and growing stronger as a result.”
Cink went on to ask how the graduates want to be remembered.
“Perhaps the best way to make that mark is by the way you treat people around you…Treat others as you would hope to be treated. This can get tricky. Sometimes others aren’t so nice to us…How should you respond? Treat others as you should, not how they might deserve to be treated. For my money, that would be a great legacy to leave behind.”
A combined group of school bands under the direction of Erik Hermanson played the traditional Fanfare and Processional/Recessional.
Lexy Waldron, Harley Connor and Jersie Kelley before the procession.
Caitlyn McCarthy, Sarena Remiger, Lilly Draheim and Katie Cink pose for selfie.
The band provided traditional pomp and circumstance.
The school board and admin were out in full force.
Emma Sweere and Lilly Draheim gave the honors address.
Madix Lutterman symbolized his career choice on his mortarboard.
Jacob Rohlfing and Sarena Remiger recited the class history.
Class president Amelia Tauer. She gave the welcome address.
English teacher Tracie Yule was the guest speaker.
Gavin Selly and Sophie Shouler listen to the speeches.
Madisyn Seely and Nathan Strobel were the junior attendants.
Jacob Rohlfing won the Androli Award.
Lilly Draheim won the Athena Award.
Kaylee Karels enjoyed the class history.
A decorated mortarboard was de rigueur. This one belonged to Hailey Plonsky.
Turning the tassels are Abby Larson, Ava LaFrance and Sebastian Kleven.
The traditional mortarboard toss.
Dakota Alitz: Plans: Work as a welder; Yule insight: “Dakota always has a friendly wave for me, even if it’s miles down the hallway.”
Jonathan Biehn: Plans: Trade school for welding; Yule insight: “Jonathan always gets teased for asking the questions that others actually want to know.”
Cole Bonorden: Plans: Working; Yule insight: “Cole has grown so much since 7th grade. With his passion for coloring and logic puzzles.”
Katie Cink: Honor graduate, NHS; Plans: U of River Falls, WI for agriculture education; Scholarships: Bill Susa Memorial ($500), Bob Stocker Memorial ($500), Buster & Nina West Family ($250), Dollars for Scholars ($750), FFA Alumni ($250), Edward H. Schultz ($250), Falcons Fly Higher ($1000), HomeTown Bank ($500), Jack Zimmerman Leadership ($250) Yule insight: “Katie and her slight head nod when she says ‘that’s true’ and often matches it with a finger wave.”
Harley Connor: Honor graduate, NHS; Plans: MNSU, Mankato for communication science and disorders; Scholarships: Bruce Fasnacht Memorial ($250), Dollars for Scholars ($750), SADD ($750), Terry Matejcek Memorial ($1000); Yule insight: “Harley’s shocked eyes whenever she had a new assignment but will always put her head down and get the work done.”
Mya Dent: Plans: Undecided; Yule insight: “Mya, whose quiet sarcasm and quirkiness always make me smile.”
Lilly Draheim: Honor graduate, NHS: Plans: U of Nebraska, Lincoln; Scholarships: Dollars for Scholars ($250), Dee Shuttloffel Memorial ($1500), George Beadle ($15,000/yr); Yule insight: “Lilly’s ability to gather the troops and to be kind but firm while doing so.”
Elsa Ely: Plans: South Central College for graphics communications and art; Yule insight: “Elsa, who likes to cup her hands on her chin to emphasize her beautiful smile.”
Abigail Fonseca: Plans: Everglades U, Florida for alternative medicine; Yule insight: “Abigail…there’s no one in the world like you. You have such a unique perspective on the world, and I hope you never conform.”
Alexander Garcia: Plans: Colorado Technical University for technology/cyber security; Yule insight: “Alex, who always greets me with a smile and a ‘good morning,’ and little does he know that there are some days that I really need it.”
Martin Gibbs: Honor graduate; Plans: MNSU, Mankato; Yule insight: “Martin, who has an amazing work ethic and whose determination will make him a success no matter the work he chooses.”
Alanna Hartman: Honor graduate Plans: Winona State for sociology and psychology; Scholarships: Dollars for Scholars ($500), Concrete Cutter ($500), Winona State Academic ($2500/yr); Yule insight: “Allana, whose firey nature and attitude will be the thing that always sustains her.”
Braeden Hastings: Plans: construction and trades; Yule insight: “Braden, who is smarter and more valuable than he knows.”
Tanyon Hoheisel: Plans: U of Jamestown, ND for computer science and will also play baseball; Scholarships: Redman Club ($250), Jamestown Baseball ($13,800/yr); Yule insight: “Tanyon, who has the heart of a poet and who always wears a goofy smile when he tells me that he knows he’s written something good.”
Emily Holden: Honor graduate, NHS; Plans: St. Olaf for psychology; Scholarships: Dollars for Scholars ($250), Elysian Bank ($250), St. Olaf Camus Housing ($3000/yr), St. Olaf Grant ($11,270), St. Olaf Presidential ($28,000/yr); Yule insight: “Emily’s strength and determination through all of life’s obstacles. She has a backbone of quiet steel.”
Saige Hutchens: Plans: Gap year; Yule insight: “Saige, who always came to class with a compliment for me. She has an extraordinary ability to make others feel good.”
Kaylee Karels: Honor graduate; Plans: MNSU, Mankato for child psychology; Scholarship: Dollars for Scholars ($350); Yule insight: “Kaylee, whose quiet strength and presence never went unnoticed.”
Jersie Kelley: Plans: Iowa State U for architecture; Scholarships: Dollars for Scholars ($250), Journey Award ($36,000); Yule insight: “Jersie, the social butterfly, who has a knack for seeing beyond the surface of people.”
Asia Kern: Honor graduate; Plans: MNSU, Mankato for pre-optometry; Scholarship: Dollars for Scholars ($350), Yule insight: “Asia’s secret smiles in class. I’m always wondering what is going on in that head of hers.”
Sebastian Klevin: Yule insight: “Sebastian’s call of ‘Yule’ is clear as bell through the classroom.”
Ava LaFrance: Honor graduate, NHS; Plans: MSU, Mankato for nursing; Scholarships: American Legion Post 207 ($1000), Dollars for Scholars ($1500), Mavericks ($1500), Miss Elysian ($1,000); Yule insight: “Ava, who has been through so much yet keeps showing up.”
Abby Larson: Honor graduate; Plans: MNSU, Mankato for child behavioral psychology; Scholarship: Dollars for Scholars ($250); Yule insight: “Abby, whose ability to remember every little detail of a story blows me away.”
Stephanie Lopez-Gonzalez Plans: Gustavus Adolphus College for biology and track for pharmacy; Scholarships: Pell Grant ($6895), Gustavus Gold ($28,500), Gustavus Tuition ($8525), Legacy ($2500), MN State Grant ($7180), Paul Rucker ($2500), Redman Club ($250), SEOG Opportunity Grant ($500) ; Yule insight: “Stephanie, laughing at my jokes and who sometimes is the only one.”
Madix Lutterman: Plans: work at DMI construction in Mankato; Yule insight: “Madix, whose voice just oozes sarcasm, which he doesn’t always mean, but at the same time kinda might mean it.”
Xabier Martinez Tricado: Exchange student from Spain
Caitlyn McCarthy: Plans: MNSU, Mankato for elementary education; Scholarships: Dollars for Scholars ($150), Cleveland Education Association ($200); Yule insight: “Caitlynn’s overall goodness and loyalty to those she loves, especially her sister.”
Kyra McCarthy: Honor graduate; Plans: Undecided; Scholarships: Dollars for Scholars ($250); Cleveland Fire Department ($500); Yule insight: “Kyra, whose no-nonsense attitude makes her a pillar of support among her friends.”
Izaiah Peterson: Plans: college for welding; Yule insight: “Izaiah, who is such a knucklehead but is so smart at the same time. His participation in class is appreciated.”
Micah Peterson: Honor graduate; Plans: Culver-Stockton College in Canton, MO for business, theater minor; Scholarships: Dollars for Scholars ($500), Culver-Stockton Marching Band ($18,000/yr), Manzey Family Hospitality, Culinary Arts ($500); Yule insight: “Micah’s stoicism and her logic. She’s always the one to come up with the reasonable solution.”
Hailey Plonsky: Honor graduate; Plans: MNSU, Moorhead for speech language hearing sciences; Scholarships: Blaze ($7000), Dollars for Scholars ($250); Cleveland Fire Department ($500); Yule insight: “Hailey, who likes to choose her words carefully.”
Logan Porter: Plans: Undecided; Yule insight: “Logan, who loves a good horror story and that we can always chat about.”
Sarena Remiger (presented by her mother school nurse Kally Remiger): Honor graduate, NHS; Plans: NDSU for Nursing; Scholarships: Dollars for Scholars ($250), Cleveland Fire Department ($500), Edward H. Schultz ($1250), NDSU Provost Award ($1500/yr); Yule insight: “Sarena’s goofiness, especially when her eyes go wide and ‘oh my’ comes out of her mouth when her classmates are being ridiculous.”
Kevin Rodriguez: Plans: South Central for HVACR technician; Yule insight: “Kevin, who told me he loved Muhammad Ali, and there’s got to be a fighter in him too.”
Jacob Rohlfing: Honor graduate, NHS; Plans: U of MN Twin Cities for premed, business or aviation; Scholarships: Dollars for Scholars ($1250), Edward H. Schultz ($1250); Yule insight: “Jacob and his ability to talk at every opportune moment, he is never at a loss for words, and sometimes they are words that we need to hear.”
Jack Scholesser: Plans: U of LaCrosse, WI for computer science and creative writing minor; Scholarship: Cleveland Fire Department ($500); Yule insight: “Jack, who has found his voice through writing. I hope that he keeps is up because I know he has so much to say.”
Jordan Schmidt: Plans: Building houses; Yule insight: “Jordan, who definitely has driven me nuts some days, but it is so hard not to smile at his antics.”
Nathan Schmoll: Honor graduate; Plans: NDSU for engineering; Scholarships: Dollars for Scholars ($1250), Edward H. Schultz ($1250), Jack Zimmerman Leadership ($250), Nelson Family ($250), Presidential Education Excellence; Yule insight: “Nathan, who never says much, but his eyes say everything.”
Gavin Selly: Honor graduate; Plans: working for Ayers Masonry; Yule insight: “Gavin, who is smart and hardworking and often comes to class with dirty hands and a natural love of learning.”
Sophie Shouler (presented by school board member Kevin McCabe): Honor graduate, NHS; Plans: U of Mary in ND for exercise science on a path for physical therapy doctorate; Scholarships: American Legion Post 207 Auxiliary ($1000), Dollars for Scholars ($1000), Sister Thomas Welder ($8000); Yule insight: “Sophie, who is never afraid to speak up and ask questions, even of authority figures.”
Henry Strobel Plans: NDSU for engineering; Yule insight: “Henry and his gregarious ways: his ability to be nowhere yet everywhere at the same time.”
Emma Sweere: Honor graduate, NHS; Plans: U of Minnesota, Duluth for exercise and rehabilitation science; Scholarships: Booster Club ($250), Dollars for Scholars ($1500), Richard Pope Family ($250), UMD Bulldog ($6000); Yule insight: “Emma and her dedication to school and hard work. Her self-discipline is something to be admired.”
Amelia Tauer: Honor graduate, NHS; Plans: UW Eau Claire; Scholarships: Chancellors Scholarship ($2,000/yr), Dollars for Scholars ($500), FFA Alumni ($250), Cleveland Fire Department ($500), Mankato VFW ($800/yr); Yule insight: “Amelia and her bottomless source of strength and determination. She is who she is, and she is never going to apologize for it.”
Connor Urban: Honor graduate; Plans: MNSU, Mankato for business/finance; Scholarship: Dollars for Scholars ($500); Yule insight: “Connor, who always seems to be peeking around Jack’s shoulder and who has the kind of smile that reaches his eyes.”
Jack Voit: Plans: work; Scholarships: Edward H. Schultz ($500), Sons of American Legion/Clayton Block Memorial ($500); Yule insight: “Jack, who has such a kind heart and always wants to help me when he can.”
Alexis Waldron: Honor graduate; Plans: Gustavus Adolphus College for nursing; Scholarships: Dollars for Scholars ($1250), Dean’s ($32,500/yr), Every Hewitt Memorial ($500); Yule insight: “Lexy, who is one of the hardest working people that I know. I always brag about her work ethic and that she is proof that hard work pays off.”
Samantha Wondra: Plans: St. Olaf for business administration and interior design; Scholarships: Dollars for Scholars ($1250), Edward H. Schultz ($1250), St. Olaf Campus Housing ($3000/yr), St Olaf Faculty ($24,000/yr), St. Olaf Grant ($19,940); Yule insight: “Sam, whose passion for learning is unmatched. When I bring a new assignment up, she is always the one who tells me she is looking forward to it.”