Caps Off - 2023 Graduation Magazine

2023 GRADUATION

For many years, the Brainerd Dispatch and PineandLakes Echo Journal have published separate newsprint sections to honor top area graduates and provide details for graduation ceremonies.

This year, the Dispatch and Echo Journal have upgraded the college and high school graduation coverage into a keepsake edition printed as a glossy magazine called “Caps Off 2023 Graduation.”

The graduates have worked hard to achieve success, and what better way to commemorate it by raising the bar with a magazine that combines top graduate and commencement information for Central Lakes College, plus a dozen area schools from Pine River-Backus to Little Falls and Wadena-Deer Creek to Aitkin. This magazine features separate information for each area graduation ceremony. We also list top graduates from each school for the 2023 class.

Thanks to all the advertisers who support our first “Caps Off” graduation magazine. And congratulations to all of our area graduates!

Pete Mohs, publisher

Brainerd High School.

Students TOP STAPLES-MOTLEY HIGH SCHOOL

Amanda Carter

and Athletic Director Mr. Lee.

Topanga Braith

Favorite memory from high school: Finding my passion in the athletic training class.

Landon Mertens

our trips through FFA like CDE competitions and our state conventions trips. I have enjoyed building relationships with my classmates and these trips have made special stories that I will never forget.

Ashley Robben

memorable moment for me is when our girls cross-country team got 1st place and won state in 2021.

Allison Olander

Class rank: 1.

Parents: Dan and Stacey Carter. Extracurricular activities: Swimming, basketball, softball, choir, national honor society, student council.

Hobbies: Swimming, weightlifting, reading.

Plans after graduation: Attend the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities for a degree in physical therapy.

Part-time work: Barista at Stomping Grounds coffee shop in Staples; lifeguard and swim lessons instructor at the Staples Community Center.

Favorite memory from high school: Going to Costco with my bestie

Class rank: 2.

Parents: Scott and Cindy Braith. Extracurricular activities: Basketball and football manager, high school and college band, student council, Minnesota Honor Society.

Hobbies: Playing my trumpet, working, watching movies, hanging out with people.

Plans after graduation: Attend Concordia College in Moorhead and minor in exercise science and minor in math on a pre-med track.

Part-time work: Tower Pizza, and a few other places.

Class rank: 3.

Parents: Nick and Darcy Mertens. Extracurricular activities: FFA.

Hobbies: Working on the farm, working outdoors and on things like house renovations or welding and fabrication projects.

Plans after graduation: Finish business management degree at Central Lakes College and possibly find an ag program that I can take as well.

Part-time work: Reese Plumbing and Heating, winter snow shoveling at Sacred Heart Church and Catholic School.

Favorite memory from high school: Some of

Class rank: 4.

Parents: Jon and Kathy Robben. Extracurricular activities: Crosscountry, basketball and track.

Hobbies: Watching TV, hanging out with friends, going outside.

Plans after graduation: Go to college to get a degree in the medical field, and I also plan to run cross-country and track.

Part-time work: Motley Dairy Queen. Favorite memory from high school: A

Class rank: 5.

Parents: Keith and Denise Olander. Extracurricular activities: Minnesota Honor Society, student council, softball, basketball. Hobbies: Hunting, shopping, hanging out with friends and family.

Plans after graduation: Attend Lake Superior College for their nursing program.

Part-time work: Certified Nursing Assistant at Lakewood Health System.

Favorite memory from high school: The dance we created on the homecoming court.in 2021.

-Grace Helbig

“THE ONLY THING YOU CAN DO IN THIS LIFE IS PURSUE YOUR PASSIONS, CELEBRATE YOUR BLOOPERS AND NEVER STOP FOLLOWING YOUR FEAR.”

CEREMONY: 7:30 p.m. May 26 at Staples-Motley High School

NUMBER OF GRADUATES: 84

CLASS COLORS: Black and gold

CLASS FLOWER: Lotus.

CLASS SONG: “Memories” by Maroon 5

QUOTE FROM PRINCIPAL DEBBIE FERDON:

“ This year’s Seniors ended ninth grade in Distance Learning, and their high school experience has been shaped by the pandemic ever since. They have shown resilience as they have navigated the ups and downs of this uncharted territory. We will be graduating a crew of Cross Country, Track, Speech, and FFA State Competitors alongside classmates who will leave high school as friends who have weathered an unprecedented High School experience.”

-Dr Seuss

LITTLE FALLS COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL FALLS Students

Elizabeth Ahlin

activities: Tennis, basketball, softball, jazz band, wind symphony, LINK.

Hobbies: Spending time with friends and family and doing any activities outside — fishing, hunting, swimming, walking, sports, etc.

Plans after graduation: Attend University of Minnesota-Duluth to study biology on a premed track.

Memorable high school moment: Going to Florida on the band trip.

Parents: Pollyanna and Richard Taylor and Cheyenne Nolan.

Extracurricular activities: Volleyball, one-act, knowledge bowl, madrigal cast and recorder ensemble, band, Jazz I, Jazz II, speech, robotics, spring musical pit orchestra, track, drama club, natural resources club.

Go to University of Minnesota-Duluth for pharmacy.

Memorable high school moment: Jazz band trip for MMEA.

GPA: 4.0.

Parents: Craig and Debra Ahlin.

Extracurricular activities: Tennis, cross-country, Nordic skiing, track and field, knowledge bowl, band, choir, jazz band, jubileers, fall play, spring musical, drama club.

Hobbies: Knitting.

Plans after graduation: Deciding between Dickinson College or Clark University. Memorable high school moment: The band/choir trip.

Plans after graduation: Attend the College of St. Scholastica to major in biology and pre-PA to pursue a career as a physician assistant.

Memorable high school moment: Hanging out with friends in classes and senior homecoming week.

Ashley Hagen

GPA: 4.0.

Parents: Paul and Carmen Johnson. Extracurricular activities: Hockey, soccer, band.

Hobbies: Hanging out with friends.

Plans after graduation: Attend college and major in medicine.

Memorable high school moment: Day of Caring.

Hobbies: Being outside in nature and listening to music.

Plans after graduation: Attend the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities to major in environmental engineering.

Memorable high school moment: Going to Disney World with my band and choir friends.

GPA: 4.0.

Parents: Eugene and Lynn Stich.

Extracurricular activities: DECA, basketball, track and field, knowledge bowl.

Hobbies: Fishing.

Plans after graduation: Go to University of Minnesota-Duluth to get a degree in marketing.

Memorable high school moment: Senior homecoming night.

GPA: 4.0.

Parents: Chris and Gabrielle Gwost.

Extracurricular

GPA: 4.0.

Parents: Chris and Jennifer Hagen.

Extracurricular activities: Tennis, gymnastics, track, student council, DECA, band, Jazz I, jubileers, musical.

Hobbies: Reading.

GPA: 4.0.

GPA: 4.0.

Parents: Chad and Laurie Schoeck.

Extracurricular activities: Knowledge bowl, jazz band.

Hobbies: Cooking.

Plans after graduation:

Korrin Gwost

Malae Nolan

Owen Schoek

SUMMA CUM LAUDE

-Michelle Obama

“IT IS ABSOLUTELY STILL POSSIBLE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.”

LITTLE FALLS COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL FALLS

Alexander Oberton

in exercise and rehabilitation sciences and eventually physical therapy.

CEREMONY: 2 p.m. May 28, Little Falls Community High School gymnasium

NUMBER OF GRADUATES: 159

CLASS COLORS: Purple and white

CLASS FLOWER: Lilac

CLASS SONG:

“Good Old Days” by Macklemore

GPA: 3.986.

Parents: Jim and Elizabeth Oberton.

Extracurricular activities: Nordic skiing, baseball, cross-country, band, jazz band, choir, jubileers, LINK.

Hobbies: Exercising, playing music, playing games and hanging out with friends and family.

Plans after graduation: Attend the University of Minnesota-Duluth in pursuit of a degree

QUOTE FROM PRINCIPAL TIM BJORGE:

“This senior class will forever be remembered for their scholastic excellence and perseverance. We will recognize 20 students graduating Summa Cum Laude (3.9 GPA), at LFCHS. This senior class is blessed with gifted students who have excelled in academics, athletics and fine arts. These experiences, along with the college and career opportunities provided to the class of 2023, will serve them well as they enter life after high school. The class of 2023 is also filled with leaders who have modeled the expectations of Flyer Pride for others to follow! Good luck and best wishes to the LFCHS class of 2023!”

Soccer, knowledge bowl, band, photography.

Memorable high school moment: Either visiting Disney World last year on the band/choir trip or winning the section championship two years in a row for Nordic skiing.

Colton Gregoire

Hobbies: Photography. Plans after graduation: Study mechanical engineering at Minnesota State UniversityMankato.

Memorable high school moment: The boys soccer team winning the homecoming dance.

Henry Moore

GPA: 3.982.

Parents: Sheila Gregoire and David Gregoire.

Extracurricular activities:

GPA: 3.979.

Parents: George and Jill Moore.

Extracurricular activities: Soccer, hockey, track, choir, band, spring musical, one-act, fall play, DECA, student council, drama club, knowledge bowl, homecoming committee, prom committee, LINK, jubileers, Youth Chorale of Central Minnesota.

Hobbies: Acting.

Plans after graduation: Go to Northern Michigan University to get a BFA in acting and a minor in business.

Memorable high school moment: The choir and band trip to Florida.

Ella Rausch

LITTLE FALLS COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL

for a bachelor’s in health and physical education, masters in science and sports management.

Memorable high school moment: Going to state in the 400 free relay for swimming my 9th grade year. Our relay broke the school record three times and was made up of myself, Lindy W., Layla W. and Rachel J. This memory will forever be one of my favorites.

Kaylan Peterson

Kendra Couture

activities: Swimming and visual arts.

Hobbies: Spending time with family and friends, sewing, being outdoors, fishing.

Elizabeth Blair

GPA: 3.966.

Parents: Matt and Amber Rausch.

Extracurricular activities: Swimming, track and field.

Hobbies: Weightlifting, running, arts and crafts.

Plans after graduation: Swim D2 for St. Cloud State University

Huskies while going

GPA: 3.964.

Parents: Tracy and Tanya Peterson. Extracurricular activities: Tennis, fall play, student council, speech, musical, natural resource club, one-act, madrigal.

Hobbies: Going outside.

Plans after graduation: Go to North Dakota State University to study environmental engineering.

Memorable high school moment: Going on the band trip to Disney World.

GPA: 3.949.

Parents: Tony and Kelly Couture. Extracurricular activities: Swimming, hockey, softball.

Hobbies: Hanging out with friends and family, being outside.

Plans after graduation: Attend University of North Dakota for nursing.

Memorable high school moment: Definitely homecoming — dress up days, powder puff, the football game and of course the dance.

Plans after graduation: Attend the College of St. Benedict to pursue a degree in elementary education and swim for the Bennies.

Memorable high school moment: Homecoming.

Koda Brastad

GPA: 3.937.

Parents: Mike and Erin Blair.

Extracurricular activities: Olympic weightlifting, track and field, prom committee, band, LINK, Jazz I and II, boys soccer manager, boys hockey statistician, baccalaureate planning group.

GPA: 3.941.

Parents: Kale and Heather Brastad. Extracurricular activities: Soccer, knowledge bowl, futsal.

Hobbies: Playing chips and towers with my friends.

Plans after graduation: Go to University of Wisconsin-Stout for animation and digital media.

Hobbies: Doing anything with my friends.

Plans after graduation: Attend GustavusAdolphus College for undergrad in exercise physiology and University of Wisconsin-Madison for doctorate of physical therapy. Memorable high school moment: Getting voted into homecoming court.

GPA: 3.942.

Parents: Shawn and Julie Alholm.

Extracurricular

Memorable high school moment: Hanging out in study hall and finding ways to pass the time with my friends.

CAPS off TO YOU, Graduate!

LITTLE FALLS COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL FALLS

Aliza Kresha

AmeriCorps. Memorable high school moment: The band/choir trip to Disney.

Braden Gilder

GPA: 3.926.

Parents: Ron and Wendy Kresha. Extracurricular activities: Choir, crosscountry, Nordic skiing, musical, track, DECA, LINK, Youth Chorale of Central Minnesota, piano lessons.

Hobbies: Hanging out with friends and playing board games. Plans after graduation: I am doing a service year through

GPA: 3.911.

Parents: Amanda Gilder and Jeff Gilder. Extracurricular activities: Jazz band, brass quintet, summer soccer.

Hobbies: Drawing and practicing the trumpet and guitar.

Class Motto:

Plans after graduation: Go to University of Minnesota-Duluth and graduate with a bachelor’s in computer science.

Memorable high school moment: Hanging out with my friends during the Day of Caring.

international club, student council.

Hobbies: Reading. Plans after graduation: University of Minnesota-Duluth for Spanish and human biology majors.

Memorable high school moment: Kerplunk.

Extracurricular activities: Volleyball, track, boys basketball manager, DECA, knowledge bowl, band. Hobbies: Playing or watching sports.

Plans after graduation: Go to University of North Dakota and major in business. Memorable high school moment: Any day where the entire class jokes around or has fun and the teacher joins in too.

GPA: 3.91.

Parents: Joan NelsonVetch and Mike Vetch. Extracurricular activities: Tennis,

GPA: 3.908.

Parents: Jason and Stacy Spillum.

“Like ships in a safe harbor, we rest. With confidence in ourselves and in our abilities, let us leave this haven to sail forth in search of new ideas, new thoughts, and new horizons.”

Students TOP

Christopher Eugene Gratke

What did you want to be when you were in kindergarten? A painter.

Which teacher inspired you most?

Mr. Karelis is the teacher that got me into liking math, and he just has such a passion for math that is really inspiring.

PILLAGER HIGH SCHOOL

Sienna Lee Houle

Parents: Troy and Lorie Gratke.

Plans after graduation: Attend Concordia College in Moorhead to obtain a business degree.

Memorable high school moment: Being part of the homecoming court. Best advice you’ve received: Live life to the fullest and work hard for everything you want.

Grimsley

Lillian Noreen March

Parents: Steve Houle and Amber Houle.

Plans after graduation: Attend Bemidji State University and study environmental studies - geohydrology. Best advice you’ve received: Don’t say, “I’ll do it tomorrow.”

Which teacher inspired you most? Mr. Kaufmann was inspiring because he was passionate about science.

Class Motto:

Parents: Brian and Penny Grimsley.

Plans after graduation: Joining the Navy.

Parents: Jeff and Ann March.

Plans after graduation: I’m undecided on where I’ll attend school, but I will pursue something in music.

Memorable high school moment: When I shot at the wrong basketball hoop during the senior vs. staff basketball games.

What are you most proud of? I’m most proud of when I got into the 2022-2023 SSAA All-State Choir.

Kylee Abigail Wilson

pursue my dream of becoming an optometrist.

Parents: Justin and Christina Wilson.

Plans after graduation: Attend North Dakota State University to major in biological sciences to later

What are you going to miss most about high school? I will miss the relationshipguaranteed atmosphere Pillager brings to life.

Which teacher inspired you most? Although Mrs. Savage

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was not a direct teacher of mine, she was a mentor throughout the timespan of my high school career as well as within cross-country. She is always willing to talk about anything and everything as well as being beyond encouraging when it’s needed.

“The past cannot be changed, but the future is whatever you want it to be.”

CEREMONY:

7 p.m. May 26

CLASS FLOWER: Red rose

CLASS SONG:

“Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley

PILLAGER HIGH SCHOOL SCHOOL congrats CLASS

“TWENTY YEARS FROM NOW YOU WILL BE MORE DISAPPOINTED BY THE THINGS YOU DIDN’T DO THAN BY THE ONES YOU DID DO. SO THROW OFF THE BOWLINES.

SAIL AWAY FROM THE SAFE HARBOR. CATCH THE TRADE WINDS IN YOUR SAILS.

-Mark Twain

OF 2023

Kiyara,

We are so proud of you and the young woman you’ve become. You have a beautiful heart and are going to do big things! Never stop being you.

Love, Mom and Malc Pillager Class of 2023

“Intelligence plus character— that is the goal of true education.”

—Martin Luther King Jr.

Living Savior Lutheran Church

PINE RIVER-BACKUS HIGH SCHOOL

Students TOP

Hannah Ann Barchus

Part-time work: I have worked at Minne Teepee Resort in the past.

Favorite memory from high school: Going to state for volleyball my senior year.

Pharmacy in Pine River.

Favorite memory from high school: Hanging out and being with friends all the time.

Class Motto:

Parents: Kristofer and Amy Barchus.

Extracurricular activities: Volleyball, basketball, golf, student council, National Honor Society, Rotary Club, STRIVE, Lakeside Baptist youth group, concert band, prom committee, pep band, student government (class vice president), Miss Pine River’s First Princess.

Hobbies: Being outside, spending time at the lake, staying active and being with family and friends.

Plans after graduation: Attend North Dakota State University in the fall to major in business.

Parents: Cy and Lisa Struss.

Extracurricular activities: Football, basketball, baseball, band, National Honor Society.

Hobbies: Fishing, hunting, gardening.

Plans after graduation: Attend either North Dakota State University of University of Minnesota-Duluth majoring in an area of engineering.

Part-time work: Clerk at GuidePoint

Parents: Brian and Kathy Holtti. Extracurricular activities: National Honor Society, book club, chamber choir, 4-H Northern Stars.

Hobbies: Reading, embroidering, spending time outdoors with pets.

Plans after graduation: Attend Bemidji State University to earn a bachelor’s degree in English.

Part-time work: Babysitting, cleaning. Favorite memory from high school: 2023 spring break band/ choir trip.

218-587-4700 Hwy. 371 • Pine River

One block south of the stoplights

Rian Struss

“This is not the end. This is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.”

-Sir Winston Churchill

-Senator Orrin Hatch

“GRADUATION IS NOT THE END; IT’S THE BEGINNING.”

Students TOP

Karlton Anderson

Those subjects are what I’m thinking for now, at least. I’m pretty open still. I also plan to play a lot of trombone and do a handful of intramural sports.

BRAINERD HIGH SCHOOL

Isabella Chaussee

Part-time work: Walmart e-commerce personal shopper.

jazz band, National Honor Society, AAA award winner.

Parents: Hans and Erin Anderson.

Extracurricular activities: Band, jazz band, soccer, Nordic skiing, tennis, key club.

Hobbies: Spikeball, ping pong, piano, basketball, ukulele, trivia, board games, travel.

Plans after graduation: Attend Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, to study some combination of music, Spanish and history.

Part-time work: I’ve been a youth sports coach and tutor at various points in high school, and I worked this past summer and will work this upcoming summer as a camp counselor. Memorable high school moment: Too many good memories to choose one. Some points that really stick out have been the band concerts and sports events.

Parents: Barb Van Zomeren and John Chaussee.

Extracurricular activities: Tennis, softball, 4-H, Dolphins swimming, National Honors Society.

Hobbies: Showing sheep at the fair, cooking, camping.

Plans after graduation: Attend University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Business for a degree in finance as well as a degree in biology in preparation for medical school, with a career goal to be a pediatrician.

Memorable high school moment: Taking a parentless trip with my best friend, who is VERY responsible, to Arizona over Christmas break and fulfilling my lifetime quota of hiking.

Gavin Hoelzel

Hobbies: Spending time with friends and family, hanging out at the lake, playing piano, traveling and staying active.

Congrats Grads!

Parents: Kurt and Lori Hoelzel.

Extracurricular activities: Alpine skiing, track and field, student council president, wind symphony section leader and officer,

Plans after graduation: Attend St. Olaf college with the intent to major in chemistry and participate on their track and field team. Part-time work: Marina attendance at Madden’s Resort. Memorable high school moment: In my sophomore year, when both our men’s and women’s Alpine ski teams won the section and qualified for state for the first time in program history. I was thrilled to share the experience with my friends and sister!

Class Motto:

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”

-Mahatma Gandhi

BRAINERD HIGH SCHOOL HIGH

Alexandra Mann

bring food in for Friday treat day.

Club, church youth group leader.

Hobbies: Listening to podcasts, traveling and being outdoors.

Plans after graduation: Attend University of Minnesota-Duluth to study human biology on a pre-chiropractic track.

CEREMONY:

7 p.m. Friday, June 2, at Adamson Field Livestream available on Brainerd High School Facebook page

NUMBER OF GRADUATES: 391

CLASS COLORS: Brilliant Blue and Stunning Silver

CLASS FLOWER: White rose

Parents: Rachel and Andrew Mann.

Extracurricular activities: Key Club. Hobbies: Skiing, reading, spending time with family and friends, cooking.

Plans after graduation: Attend the University of Notre Dame to study chemical engineering.

Part-time work: Front desk personnel at Takedown Gym.

Parents: Adam and Mary Rademacher.

Extracurricular activities: Cross-country, track and field, Key

Part-time work: Walmart personal shopper.

Memorable high school moment: Competing in the state crosscountry meet with my teammates. Also AP Chem in the Gichi-ziibi.

QUOTE FROM PRINCIPAL ANDREA RUSK:

“The Brainerd High School class of 2023 is unique for many reasons! This class endured almost four years of construction on our school and also experienced the many challenges from COVID. The seniors have learned to persevere, pivot, and positively respond like no other senior class at Brainerd High!”

Memorable high school moment: Walking to the gas station with a friend during the school day to pick up zebra cakes and chocolate milk because somebody forgot to

Gretchen

Congratulations Gretchen!! We are so extremely proud of the beautiful, strong, and independent person you’ve grown into! We know you’ll do great things in this world and we can’t wait to see where your adventures take you!

Love, Mom and Dad BrainerdClassof2023

-Jennifer Aniston

Student-run group in Pequot Lakes focuses on student mental health

REEL North Alliance forms

BY DAN DETERMAN Echo Journal

PEQUOT LAKES — Sometimes, all a person needs is someone to talk to.

That was the thought behind a student group that recently formed in Pequot Lakes called REEL North Alliance.

The group initially began in the school district using the name of an established student-led mental health organization, The Lighthouse Project, but has since transitioned to its current moniker.

“It stands for ‘Revealing Emotions and Elevating Lives,’” Pequot Lakes senior Brea Eckes said. “The ‘REEL’ is kind of a tribute to Jack Hennies — like a fishing reel. We’re still going to be doing the same types of things … We are more of a school club so we decided to transition to this name, but we’re still going to be doing joint events and we look forward to working with them and everything.”

Hennies, a Pequot Lakes High School graduate who loved to fish, took his own life in early 2022 at age 19.

REEL North Alliance is completely student-run and strives to improve the mental health of the student body of Pequot Lakes High School.

“Our main goal is promoting positivity with mental health and destigmatizing mental health, because a lot of people might have a negative attitude towards it, maybe because they don’t understand,” Pequot Lakes senior Quinn Trottier said. “Our goal is advocating for mental health, spreading awareness and spreading education.”

Trottier and Eckes, who currently serves as the club’s de facto co-presidents, said the need for a club focusing on mental health became apparent after Hennies’ death.

“A lot of students weren’t aware of the resources we had,” Eckes said. “We knew that Brainerd had started the Lighthouse Project, so we reached out

Quinn Trottier Brea Eckes

to them and they were super helpful with getting us started. We had a lot of different events with them.”

There are 11 students on the club’s board, but 20 to 30 usually attend the monthly meetings. Some are there to help, while others may be there seeking help.

“We broadcast the message to anyone,” Trottier said. “It can be from anything to just wanting to learn what mental health is, or it can be, ‘I’m looking for help and this is a resource that’s available to me.’ At every meeting, we have them fill out exit tickets, so they can check a box that says, ‘yes, I would love for a REEL North Alliance board member to reach out,’ and then we have a confidential way of reaching out to them and checking in if they need help.”

Though the club is completely operated by students, school staff and administrators seem to have given it their full support. REEL North Alliance has even taken steps to help teachers assess a student’s mental health needs.

“We have seen great support from our teachers, staff, the student body — everything has been very positive,” Eckes said. “We are releasing another training for teachers to take, so they can be certified mental health specialists as well.”

In its brief time within the district, students have grown more and more aware of the group’s presence. Trottier presented to the Pequot Lakes School Board in December. Of course, the group has a social media presence and they are coming out with REEL North Alliance merchandise, but most of their influence has so far been simply by word of mouth.

“It has really grown,” Trottier said. “We really just kind of preach being a resource to students and also help students help their friends. We know a lot of teens are more likely to go to a peer than an adult, so we just want to make sure that everyone is equipped with the right resources.”

They have operated or helped with

a number of events, including Jack’s Big Bass Bash Fishing Tournament last August or its now yearly high school volleyball tournament, which made its return March 31.

The inaugural 50-boat fishing tournament, auction and donations at the event in Crosslake raised over $18,000 for suicide awareness in schools and the community in honor of Hennies.

“We did (the volleyball tournament) last year, and kids asked if we could do it every Friday night,” Trottier said. “We raised a lot of money to donate to Northern Pines (Mental Health Center in Brainerd) for free counseling sessions.”

In fact, everything the group does goes toward promoting mental health in some way. The group’s presence is felt

just at the high school level for now, but presentations have been done for the middle school students and staff as well.

REEL North Alliance seems prepared to help students for years to come. Trottier and Eckes said the group’s underclassmen are more than ready to help in 2024 and beyond.

“We have a strong group of kids that are on our executive board, and everyone is thoroughly prepared to take on our role,” Eckes said. “I think that we see it being very successful in the future, hopefully expanding to even more of the student body.”

Dan Determan, Pineandlakes Echo Journal sports writer/staff writer, may be reached at 218-855-5879 or dan. determan@pineandlakes.com. Follow him on Facebook and on Twitter at www. twitter.com/@PEJ_Dan.

“Our main goal is promoting positivity with mental health and destigmatizing mental health, because a lot of people might have a negative attitude towards it, maybe because they don’t understand.”

Quinn Trottier

Program ONLINE

CEREMONY: June 2 at Crosslake Community School

NUMBER OF GRADUATES: 74

CLASS COLORS: Green and blue

QUOTE FROM DIRECTOR OF ONLINE

LEARNING HOLLY AMAYA:

“Crosslake’s online program has grown a lot over the past few years. The class of 2023 were freshmen during the pandemic, so their entire high school experience has been impacted in a way none of us could have imagined. These students have shown flexibility and adaptability that will serve them well as they head into their lives beyond high school.”

Class Motto:

Caps off to you, Graduate!

“Your life is your adventure. And the adventure ahead of you is a journey to fulfill your own purpose and potential.”

-Kerry Washington

LAKE REGION CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

valedictorians CO-

Trey Ogren

Memorable high school moment: Scoring 1,000 career points in the same night that we beat the No. 1 seed.

Myles Peterson

Parents: Steve and Tatum Ogren.

Extracurricular activities: Basketball, soccer, drama, student council president.

Hobbies: Golfing, hunting, fishing, lake activities, mountain biking, hanging out with friends.

Plans after graduation: Attend Faith Baptist Bible College and major in pastoral ministries with an emphasis in organizational leadership. I will also be playing basketball there.

Part-time work: Upper Cullen Resort.

Parents: Lee and Janelle Peterson.

Extracurricular activities: Basketball, soccer, drama, chaplain.

Hobbies: Playing sports, hanging out with friends, working outside, reading activities.

Plans after graduation: Attend Faith Baptist Bible College to major in pastoral ministries with emphasis in counseling.

Memorable high school moment: Our senior trip.

Class Verse:

CEREMONY: 7 p.m. May 25

NUMBER OF GRADUATES: 7

CLASS COLORS: Blue, gold and black

QUOTE FROM PRINCIPAL STEVE OGREN: “The Lake Region Christian School class of 2023 has made a lasting impact on our school. The theme of the 2022-2023 school year was “ A Culture of Service.” We have enjoyed seeing the senior class lead while serving others. The class has had many opportunities to put into practice many of the lessons that they have learned during their time here at LRCS. We have been blessed to have this class as part of our school, and we are looking forward to seeing how God uses these young men and young women in the future.”

“Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.”

-1 Corinthians 4:1-2

Valedictorian

Parents: Steve and Dawn Slette.

Extracurricular activities: Business Professionals of America, dance, 4-H. Hobbies: Anything on the lake, lifting and riding horse.

Plans after graduation: Attend the College of St. Scholastica next year to major in nursing.

Part-time work: Server at Lonesome Pine Restaurant.

Favorite memory from high school: Going to state for dance.

Tallulah Houser

Parents: Amber Houser.

Extracurricular activities: Student council, theater, one-act, knowledge bowl, peer leaders, madrigals, handbells.

Hobbies: Painting, baking, running.

Plans after graduation: Attend the University of Minnesota-Duluth to pursue a career in elementary education.

Part-time work: Aitkin Dairy Queen.

Favorite memory from high school: On the last day we were in school before COVID shut everything down, a group of students stood on chairs in the choir room and belted karaoke songs until the end of the hour.

jazz band, handbells, madrigals.

Hobbies: Chess, video games.

Plans after graduation: Attend University of Minnesota-Duluth for computer science and figure it out from there.

Part-time work: Rosalini’s.

Favorite memory from high school: Being Shrek in “Shrek the Musical” my senior year.

Zachary Ehnstrom

Part-time work: Ruttger’s.

Favorite memory from high school: Going to state for baseball.

Breanna Hines

Sydnee Morris

AITKIN HIGH SCHOOL Students TOP

Salutatorian

Parents: John and Lisa Buisman.

Extracurricular activities: One-act play, knowledge bowl, track and field, international club,

Parents: Jen and Jeff Ehnstrom.

Extracurricular activities: Football, baseball, hockey, peer leaders, National Honor Society.

Hobbies: Wake surfing, yard games, video games, sports, hanging out with friends.

Plans after graduation: Attend Concordia College to play baseball and major in biology. I plan to go to medical school after Concordia.

Parents: Lynfield and Dawn Hines.

Extracurricular activities: Tennis, tennis manager, peer leaders, National Honor Society, prom committee, international club.

Hobbies: Tennis, reading, swimming, hanging out with friends.

Plans after graduation: Attend the University of Iowa this coming fall and major in mechanical engineering. I hope to someday build roller coasters.

Part-time work: Intern at Haberkorn Law Office.

Favorite memory from high school: Being a part of the tennis team, especially this last year.

Parents: Donald and Sarah Morris.

Extracurricular activities: Student council, National Honor Society, peer leaders, 4-H.

Hobbies: Hanging out with family and friends, reading, doing all things creative.

Plans after graduation: Attend South Dakota State University to major in graphic design.

Favorite memory from high school: In ninth grade geometry, a couple of kids were sniffling. More kids started sniffling until almost everyone was doing it. After a while, our teacher Mr. Schwarz made a comment that we better get healthy over the weekend.

AITKIN HIGH SCHOOL

Favorite memory from high school: Everytime I get to see my classmates dress up as silly things for dance royalty candidacy, and terrorizing my teachers.

Emma Ostrowski

time with friends and family, reading and being outside.

CEREMONY:

7 p.m. June 2 at the Aitkin High School football field

NUMBER OF GRADUATES: 87

CLASS COLORS: Red, black and silver

CLASS FLOWER: Lily

CLASS SONG:

“Where’d All The Time Go” by Dr. Dog

Parents: Tom and PJ Much.

Extracurricular activities: Volleyball, National Honor Society.

Hobbies: Drawing, being in nature, doing anything sports related, traveling. Plans after graduation: Attend and play volleyball at Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey and pursue a degree in clinical psychology.

Part-time work: Server in Palisade.

QUOTE FROM PRINCIPAL LISA DEMARS:

“Since this was my first year as principal in Aitkin, this class of seniors gave insight, were responsible and had fun.”

Parents: Gina and Eric Ostrowski. Extracurricular activities: Volleyball, track, band, choir, musical, madrigals, National Honor Society, yearbook, peer leaders, international club.

Hobbies: Spending

Plans after graduation: Attend Bemidji State University and major in elementary education. Part-time work: In the summers I work as a server in the dining room at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge, and in the winter I referee adult volleyball. Favorite memory from high school: I have had so many amazing memorable high school moments, but some top ones are getting to hang out with my friends while doing things that I love such as sports, choir, peer leaders and many other things!

Class Motto: “Learn as if you were to live forever, live as if you were to die tomorrow.”

Katelyn Welle

choir, National Honor Society.

Hobbies: I enjoy spending time on the lake, as I’ve lived on a lake my whole life. I also really love going skiing, skating and snowmobiling during the wintertime. I love to bake, and I love watching movies, specifically scary movies.

AITKIN HIGH SCHOOL

Bismarck, North Dakota. Part-time work: I will be working at Auntie M’s at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Resort this summer. This will be my third year working there.

Brooke Zubke

Parents: John and Diane Welle.

Extracurricular activities: Tennis, track and field, concert band, concert

Plans after graduation: I will be studying biology for pre-optometry at the University of Mary in

Favorite memory from high school: My most memorable high school moment is all of the tennis bus rides where we would play truth or dare, along with other games.

Parents: Wade and Mindy Zubke.

Extracurricular activities: Volleyball, National Honor Society, musical.

Hobbies: Drawing, crafting, athletics.

Plans after graduation: Receive an AA for engineering and continue my education to a fouryear degree, while also playing volleyball.

Part-time work: Aitkin Dairy Queen.

Favorite memory from high school: My favorite high school memory was probably when I used to make little snowmen out of the school’s mashed potatoes. Perhaps being a part of the musical can compete with that, however it’s the most memorable.

Best Wishes GRADUATES!

1223

218-829-7790

kthesing@lakesprinting.com

www.lakesprinting.com

-Bob Marley

Parents: Mike and Carolyn Andres. Extracurricular activities: Crosscountry, track, student council, peer helping, Where Everyone Belongs, Minnesota Honor Society.

Hobbies: Running, reading, hanging out with friends.

Plans after graduation: Attend Southwest Minnesota State University and run cross-country and track.

Advice to younger students: Dress up for fun sock Friday.

What you’ll miss most about high school: I will miss seeing my friends every day.

Parents: Ken and Marilyn Dorn. Extracurricular activities: Where Everyone Belongs, peer helping, Minnesota Honor Society, Spanish club, youth group, volleyball.

Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, spending time with friends and family, backing reading, camping.

Plans after graduation: Attend College of St. Scholastica to major in nursing.

Advice to younger students: Stop caring about what other people think — you’ll be so much happier!

What you’ll miss most about high school: I will miss seeing my best friends every day.

Kirby Fischer

Hobbies: Computer building, eating, building stuff.

Plans after graduation: Attend St. Cloud State University for a bachelor’s degree in computer science. Advice to younger students: Achieve the best you can.

mudding.

PIERZ HEALY HIGH SCHOOL HEALY Students TOP

Plans after graduation: Go to North Dakota State University to major in animal science and do the pre-vet program and be part of the track team.

Parents: Shawn and Beth Fischer.

Extracurricular activities: Football, basketball, baseball, peer helping, Where Everyone Belongs.

Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, going to the cabin, spending time with family.

Plans after graduation: Get a degree in electrical construction technology.

Advice to younger students: Make the most of your time here. It goes by fast.

What you’ll miss most about high school: I will miss playing sports with my friends.

Thomas Herold

What you’ll miss most about high school: I will miss seeing my friends and Mr. Kummet, Mr. Artner and Mr. Teske.

Advice to younger students: Be kind to people, cherish the time with your friends, and do what makes you happy.

What you’ll miss most about high school: I will miss playing sports and making memories with my friends.

Ella Riedeman

Parents: Steve and Billie Kimman. Extracurricular activities: Volleyball, football stats, basketball, track, trap shooting, band, Minnesota Honor Society, peer helping, Encouraging Positive Influences and Choices, Where Everyone Belongs, Special Olympics, Big Brothers Big Sisters, FFA, Spanish club, yearbook club, prom committee, youth group.

Parents: Allen Riedeman and Gretchen Miller.

Hobbies: Shopping, doing nails and makeup, listening to music, playing volleyball, swimming, cooking.

Plans after graduation: Attend College of Hair Design in St. Cloud for a cosmetology license.

Parents: Stacy Herold.

Hobbies: Playing sports, hunting, snowboarding, fishing, painting,

Advice to younger students: Keep good friends and don’t fall behind.

Carissa Andres

Ashley Kimman

-C.S. Lewis

“THERE ARE FAR, FAR BETTER THINGS AHEAD THAN ANY WE LEAVE BEHIND.”

PIERZ HEALY HIGH SCHOOL HEALY

What you’ll miss most about high school: I will miss seeing my friends every day.

Kenneth Schlegel

you will.

What you’ll miss most about high school: I will miss the fun times we had in Pre-Calc with Mr. Artner.

Stephanie Schlegel

for accounting.

Advice to younger students: Calm down and think it through, you’ll be okay.

What you’ll miss most about high school: I will miss having the guidance of my teachers and free education.

Go to college and pursue a nursing degree.

Advice to younger students: Make time for friends and don’t stress the little things.

What you’ll miss most about high school: I will miss talking with my friends every day.

Summer Woitalla

youth group.

Hobbies: HIking, being at the lake, going to sporting events.

Plans after graduation: Attend University of St. Thomas for business.

Advice to younger students: Have fun! You’ll miss it one day! What you’ll miss most about high school: I will miss all of the amazing teachers.

Parents: Nick and Sara Schlegel.

Extracurricular activities: Pep band, technology club, knowledge bowl, pit band.

Hobbies: Video games, 3D printing, making videos, biking, hanging out with friends.

Plans after graduation: Attend North Dakota State University for mechanical engineering.

Advice to younger students: Complaining won’t solve problems,

Parents: Louie Schlegel and Cassie Mertens.

Extracurricular activities: School musical, FFA, dance, choir.

Hobbies: Reading, dancing, singing, rollerblading, ice skating, four-wheeling and mostly spending time with family.

Plans after graduation: Attend Bemidji State University

CEREMONY:

7 p.m. May 26 at Pierz Healy High School

CLASS COLORS:

Scarlet Red, Pearl, Midnight Black

CLASS FLOWER:

Red dahlia with white tips

CLASS SONG:

“Good Life” by OneRepublic

Parents: Mike Smude and Vickie Kowalczyk.

Hobbies: Cooking, gardening and playing cards.

Plans after graduation:

Parents: Dave and

Extracurricular activities: Peer helping, Encouraging Positive Influences and Choices,

Class Motto:

Cari Woitalla.

“We didn’t realize we were making memories; we just knew we were having fun.”

-Winnie the Pooh

Brainerd twin siblings FOLLOWED SIMILAR PATHS IN SCHOOL

BY PETE MOHS Brainerd Dispatch

Navigating through years of elementary, middle and high school grades can be a challenge. But it helps to have a partner - like a twin sibling.

Sophie and Sam Mattson are a good example. The twins are part of the Brainerd High School graduation class of 2023. They had the same teacher in elementary school and were in the same pod in middle school. Their high school education did take slightly different paths as Sophie did Postsecondary Enrollment and Sam remained at the high school. And

although both recently earned Scholar Athlete recognition, there wasn’t much overlap in their high school activities.

“We don’t really have the same friends because we are totally opposites,” Sophie explained. “(Sam) is all brains, music and theater while I’m sports and shopping. Some of our teachers are shocked that we are twins.”

But Sophie admits there are advantages to being a twin.

“Having a twin in the same grade

Congrats 2023 Grads!

is nice,” she said. “If you forget something, the other one can grab it. One of you always knows what is going on.” Sam agrees.

“Having a twin in the same grade has some benefits,” he said. “Whenever we were seated alphabetically, I always had someone I knew sitting right next to me. Also our parents (Jeff Mattson and Mary Zeise) were more willing to drive us to school events because we both wanted to be there.”

The Mattson twins stayed busy over the years. Sophie was a swimmer and softball player for the Warriors while Sam was involved in band and choir as a Fine Arts Scholar.

“I love sports,” Sophie said. “I swam on the Dolphin swim team for 13 years, and I swam on the Brainerd team for four years. We had an amazing team my senior year and won the section title.

“I have also played softball since I was five years old, and I have been the starting catcher for three years (for the Warriors). Last year, we went to state in softball. Our team was truly a family.”

The Mattsons plan to gather their family for one combined graduation party.

“We will have a graduation party together, but it isn’t anything out of the ordinary,” Sophie said. “Since we were young, we have always had birthday parties together.”

The twins will soon be going in different directions. This fall, Sophie plans to attend Central Lakes College to take general classes and play softball before moving on to school as a dental hygienist. Sam plans to attend St. Olaf College in Northfield.

“HAVING A TWIN IN THE SAME GRADE HAS SOME BENEFITS. WHENEVER WE WERE SEATED ALPHABETICALLY, I ALWAYS HAD SOMEONE I KNEW SITTING RIGHT NEXT TO ME.”

“HAVING A TWIN IN THE SAME GRADE IS NICE. IF YOU FORGET SOMETHING, THE OTHER ONE CAN GRAB IT. ONE OF YOU ALWAYS KNOWS WHAT IS GOING ON.”

-Sam Mattson

-Sophie Mattson

CROSBY-IRONTON HIGH SCHOOL

Students TOP

Annabell Dahlberg

Extracurricular activities: Tennis, softball, mountain biking, swimming, knowledge bowl, student council, band, Student Action Leadership Team.

Plans after graduation: Attend Montana State University for a degree in marketing.

Plans after graduation: Attend the College of St. Scholastica for a degree in nursing. Work as a labor and delivery nurse while pursuing a doctorate of nursing - midwife specialty at the University of Minnesota. Become a certified nurse midwife.

Memorable high school moment: The entire 2022 tennis season!

moment: Making it to section finals in football senior year.

Hannah Compton

unified partner.

Plans after graduation: Attend Central Lakes College and finish up my generals.

Taylor Beddow

Class rank: 5

Class rank: 1, valedictorian.

Parents: Zachary Dahlberg and Heather Chamberlin.

Extracurricular activities: Volleyball, knowledge bowl, student council.

Plans after graduation: Attend Bemidji State University to study elementary education.

Memorable high school moment: Earning my varsity letter in volleyball.

Memorable high school moment: Anything with Gindy!

Lillianna Young

Will Meyer

Parents: John and Teresa Compton.

Extracurricular activities: Basketball.

Plans after graduation: Attend St. Scholastica in Duluth and get my nursing degree. Then continue on to medical school.

Class rank: 7.

Parents: Tom Beddow. Extracurricular activities: Volleyball and Special Olympics unified partner.

Class rank: 1, valedictorian.

Parents: Kathy and Mark Johnson.

Class rank: 1, valedictorian.

Parents: Brandon Young and Emily Brodhead.

Extracurricular activities: Crosscountry, softball, tennis, art club, knowledge bowl, Student Action Leadership Team, Special Olympics unified partner, student council.

Class rank: 4, salutatorian.

Parents: Mark and Chelsie Meyer.

Extracurricular activities: Basketball, football, golf, knowledge bowl, Special Olympics unified partner.

Plans after graduation: Attend Central Lakes College for one semester then transfer to a university to pursue a degree in business finance.

Memorable high school

Class rank: 6.

Parents: Luke and Brianna Millsop.

Extracurricular activities: Football, basketball, baseball, Special Olympics

Plans after graduation: Finish my generals at Central Lakes College, then move on to get my bachelor’s degree in elementary education. I would like to find a job as a kindergarten teacher. Eventually, I would also like to open a dog boarding/daycare facility in the area.

Brynn Hollenhorst

Class rank: 8.

Class Motto: “Young, wild and 2023.”

CROSBY-IRONTON HIGH SCHOOL

CEREMONY: 7 p.m. May 26, Galovich Gym

NUMBER OF GRADUATES: 72

CLASS COLORS: Pink sparkles

CLASS FLOWER: White hydrangea

CLASS SONG: “Life is a Highway” by Rascal Flatts

Parents: Brad and Anita Hollenhorst.

Extracurricular activities: Volleyball, basketball, student council, knowledge bowl.

Plans after graduation: Attend Bemidji State University and pursue a degree in nursing.

Brady Millsop

Brad Hachey

Kotzenmacher and Mike Kotzenmacher.

Extracurricular activities: Work.

QUOTE FROM PRINCIPAL JENNIFER STROM:

are very excited about the graduation of the Class of 2023. They are lively and ready to make their mark on the world. We wish them all the best as they work toward their goals.”

College to become a vet tech.

Olivia Rudolph

Class rank: 10.

Parents: Jon and Beth Hachey.

Extracurricular activities: Mountain biking and basketball.

Plans after graduation: Go to Central Lakes College for a year or two, then to St. Cloud State University for early childhood education so I can teach.

Audrey Wiseley-Peterson

Class rank: 9.

Parents: Amy Howard and Jeremy Millsop.

Extracurricular activities: Knowledge bowl and Boy Scouts.

Plans after graduation: Attend South Dakota School of Mines to get a degree in paleontology. Maybe have a few chickens, too.

Plans after graduation: Go to Lake Superior College for carpentry, graduate and find a carpentry job in the Brainerd lakes area. Eventually take over the family business.

Allison Kotzenmacher

Class rank: 12.

Parents: Alicia WiseleyPeterson.

Extracurricular activities: Karate with Team Ascension, softball.

Class rank: 13.

Parents: Chad and Kristi Rudolph. Extracurricular activities: Volleyball, chamber singers, triple trio.

Plans after graduation: Attend cosmetology school with my sister to become a cosmetologist.

Schaefer.

Extracurricular activities: Volleyball, basketball, softball, student council, prom committee.

Plans after graduation: Complete my generals at Central Lakes College and then move on to become a dental assistant.

Korinna Nixon

Class rank: 11.

Parents: Marci

Plans after graduation: My main goal is to work with animals. Next year I am so excited to be working toward that goal by attending Dakota County Technical

CLASS OF Happy Graduation!

Class rank: 14.

Parents: Amanda Keskitalo and Nick

Class rank: 15.

Parents: Tom and Heather Nixon.

Extracurricular activities: Volleyball, basketball, chamber singers, triple trio.

Plans after graduation: Go to Central Lakes College for a year and finish my A.A., then transfer to University of Minnesota-Duluth to get my degree in criminology.

“We

LAKES HIGH SCHOOL

Brea Eckes

pursue a degree in law.

Part-time work: Front desk associate at Breezy Point Timeshare.

Memorable high school moment: Placing second in state in volleyball this year.

leadership council, interact club, student assistant in special education classroom.

Hobbies: Hiking, camping, reading, spending time with friends and family.

Excellence STUDENTS OF Class Motto:

Parents: Stephanie and Jeff Eckes.

Extracurricular activities: Volleyball, softball, REEL North Alliance, student council, National Honor Society, interact club, Miss Pequot Lakes pageant.

Hobbies: Watch and play sports, spend time on the lake, hang out with friends.

Plans after graduation: Attend the University of Alabama, major in finance and later

Parents: Patrick and Deanne Trottier.

Extracurricular activities: Tennis, softball, symphonic band, student council, National Honor Society, REEL North Alliance, student

Plans after graduation: Attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the fall and major in kinesiology, and later pursue a doctorate in occupational therapy.

Part-time work: Tennis instructor and at Lake Country Crafts and Cones.

Favorite memory from high school: When Brea and I had the opportunity to join sixth grade as student volunteers on their three day field trip to the Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center.

Jeffrey E. Olson | Cassandra J. Spitzley | Sam C. Hennies | David M. Ude | Ashley E. Valesano

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dream”

“Dream what you dare to dream, go where you want to go, be what you want to believe.”

-H Jackson Brown Jr.

“EVERY PERSON YOU MEET KNOWS SOMETHING YOU DON’T; LEARN FROM THEM.”

Congratulations Regan. We are so proud of you and we wish you all the best. Your future is bright and we know you’ll succeed. Love, Mom & Dad

PEQUOT LAKES CLASS OF 2023

CEREMONY:

NUMBER OF GRADUATES: 144

CLASS COLORS: Blue and white

CLASS SONG: “Good Riddance” by Green Day

CLASS FLOWER: Roses and baby’s breath

QUOTE FROM PRINCIPAL AARON NELSON:

“This class of graduates has persevered through some incredible difficulties starting their freshman year, and it is my joy to see what they have achieved. This year has been a refreshing feeling of normalcy as we have returned to our normal student assemblies, daily routines and an incredible outpouring of Patriot Pride. I am very proud of this class, what they represent as young adults and the many great things they have already achieved. I celebrate with the parents of the Class of 2023 in applauding these young adults and look forward to witnessing their hearty ambitions.

WADENA-DEER CREEK HIGH SCHOOL

Students TOP

Extracurricular activities: Volleyball, basketball, National Honor Society, student council, band, jazz band, choir.

council, drama, band, choir.

Hobbies: Making art, working out, wrestling, drinking coffee, wandering Target, being at the lake.

Ella Stroeing

activities: Trap, National Honor Society, knowledge bowl, yearbook, NASA HUNCH, jazz band.

GPA: 4.0.

Parents: Brandon and Jodi Benning.

Extracurricular activities: Band, knowledge bowl, National Honor Society, FCA, FFA.

Hobbies: Horseback riding, reading, baking, quilting, running, square dancing.

Plans after graduation: Attend the University of MinnesotaCrookston to major in pre-veterinary medicine.

Madison Carsten

Hobbies: Golfing, weightlifting, hanging out with friends, watching movies, sun tanning, puzzles and listening to music.

Plans after graduation: Next fall I plan on furthering my education by attending the University of Minnesota-Crookston. I intend to pursue an exercise science degree with plans to continue on to a graduate school to become a physical therapist. At UMC I will also be a part of the volleyball team.

Madelyn Gallant

Plans after graduation: Furthering my education at University of Minnesota-Duluth.

Alexandra Pavek

GPA: 4.0.

Parents: Tim and Lisa Stroeing.

Extracurricular activities: Crosscountry, softball, student council, National Honor Society, FCA, wrestling manager, band, jazz band, class officer.

Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, reading, playing board games.

Plans after graduation: Major in political science at University of North Dakota with the plan of attending law school and becoming a lawyer.

Kayla Meeks

GPA: 4.0.

Parents: Tim Pavek and Dana Cantleberry. Extracurricular activities: Crosscountry, basketball, track and field, yearbook, National Honor Society, band, jazz band, student council.

Hobbies: Running, biking, hiking, reading, piano, golfing.

Hobbies: Running, reading, writing, going outside, traveling, drinking coffee and playing Mario Bros.

Plans after graduation: Attend Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas.

Brandon Adams

GPA: 3.96.

Parents: Lori and Dennis Meeks.

Extracurricular activities: Tennis, golf, concert band, jazz band, FCA, knowledge bowl, NNS, CHAMP.

GPA: 4.0.

Parents: Gary and Tracy Carsten.

GPA: 4.0.

Parents: Norm and Mandy Gallant.

Extracurricular activities: Crosscountry, wrestling, softball, BPA, National Honor Society, student

Plans after graduation: Attend the University of North Dakota for kinesiology and later pursue physical therapy.

GPA: 3.96.

Parents: Doug and Bobbi Adams.

Extracurricular

Hobbies: Golfing, biking, reading, playing piano/organ, baking, square dancing, quilting.

Plans after graduation: Attend the University of Mary to major in business administration and minor in music.

WADENA-DEER CREEK HIGH SCHOOL

CEREMONY

CEREMONY: 7 p.m. May 26 in the high school gymnasium

NUMBER OF GRADUATES: 70

CLASS COLORS: Blue and gold

CLASS FLOWER: Alstroemeria in the class colors

QUOTE FROM PRINCIPAL TYLER CHURCH:

“The Wadena-Deer Creek Class of 2023 has been one of the most consistent and hard working groups we have ever had. Their overall academics, extra-curricular participation and community service have been second to none. This group has done everything with a positive and caring attitude because that is who they are. They have been true role models and have made WDC a better place to be.”

GPA: 3.9.

Parents: Tammy and Todd Hale.

Extracurricular activities: Track and field, trap, Business Professionals of America.

Hobbies: Quilting, playing board games, going to the race track.

Plans after graduation: Attend North Dakota State University for engineering.

GPA: 3.83.

Parents: Melissa Anderson and Bryce Anderson.

Extracurricular activities: Band, choir, jazz band, trap, NASA HUNCH.

Hobbies: Reading, games, riding bike, bird watching, puzzles.

Plans after graduation: Go to college for engineering, starting at Minnesota State.

GPA: 3.8.

Parents: Amos and Melodee Self.

Extracurricular activities: BPA, track and field, volleyball.

Hobbies: Hiking, kayaking, reading, sewing.

Plans after graduation: Elementary education.

Ellie Hale

Lance Anderson

Class Motto:

“Nothing we do changes the past — everything we do changes the future.”

CENTRAL LAKES COLLEGE LAKES Speakers -------

Angelina Schultz Brainerd campus student senate president

and entrepreneurship certificate, and will be graduating from Pequot Lakes High School in June.

Next Year, Angelina plans to continue her education and exercise her passion for leadership.

in the fall of 2021 and is graduating with her associates of arts degree as a PostSecondary Enrollment student. She has also completed the honors program certificate. In June, she will be graduating from Pequot Lakes High School as well.

This fall, Tabitha will begin new adventures at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts.

senate president Ryan Youngbauer began taking classes at Central Lakes College in the Fall of 2021 and is graduating with his robotics/automated systems technology diploma and robotic vision advanced certificate. Ryan is a proud graduate of Staples-Motley High School.

Angelina Schultz began her journey at Central Lakes College as a PostSecondary Enrollment Option student in the fall of 2021 and is graduating with her associate of arts degree. Additionally, she has completed the CLC honors program certificate, earned her business

Ryan Youngbauer Staples campus student

Ryan is currently working in Council Bluffs, Iowa, as a robotics field service engineer for Acieta, a world-renowned industrial robotic automation company.

Tracey Klocekl-Jiménez 2023 Outstanding Educator at CLC

Tracey KloecklJiménez graduated

Best Wishes 2023 Grads!

from Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, where she studied languages and world cultures. She earned her master’s degree in teaching German and Spanish from Minnesota State University-Mankato in 1994. She taught Spanish at StaplesMotley High School for 18 years before coming to Central Lakes College, where she has taught full-time for the past 10 years.

STAPLES CAMPUS

Practical nursing pinning/ commencement: 2 p.m. May 10.

Career and technical programs: 5 p.m. May 10.

BRAINERD CAMPUS

Career and technical programs: 5 p.m. May 11.

Nursing pinning/ commencement: Noon May 12.

Liberal arts and sciences: 5 p.m. May 12.

Tabitha Kibwaa Honors program

Tabitha Kibwaa began her voyage through Central Lakes College