SALUTE TO OUR
2016 GRADUATES
Kenyon Leader Commencement Date & Location:
JUNE 4th
JUNE 5TH
Ella Lee 4-7pm 38999 90th Ave Cannon Falls
Sunday, June 5th, 2016 1:00 P.M. Kenyon-Wanamingo Middle/High School Gymnasium
Class Motto:
Benjamin Bohn 1-4 At our home 544 3rd ST E Wanamingo
“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
Brandon Larkin 2-5 At his home 549 Red Wing Ave Kenyon
Class Colors:
Sarah Sahl 3-? An open house for Sarah Sahl will be held at her house: 43170 Hwy 56 Blvd., Nerstrand, MN Madison Buck 3-7pm 1112 2nd Street Kenyon Christian Hilger Come help us celebrate Christian’s graduation! 3-7pm At Christian’s house 301 Skogen Lane Kenyon
Sean Mallery 4-?? 5765 County 12 Blvd. Kenyon
Black and Gold
Class Flower:
JUNE 10TH
Ted Androli Please join us as we celebrate the graduation of Ted Androli. 5-9pm At our house 5639 500th St Kenyon
Madisyn Hale 3-8 22500 Larson Ave Kenyon
Black Spider Mum tipped in Gold
Class Song: “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” by John Denver
Ashlee Blasetervold 1-4pm 39133 100th Ave Cannon Falls
Senior Officers:
JUNE 11TH
JUNE 5TH
President of Class of 2016: Sarah Benrud Vice President: Erin Gudknecht
Bill Henslin 3-7pm Wanamingo Community Center, 401 Main Street Wanamingo
Treasurer: Cassandra Kern
Siri Quam 4pm. 103 Anglewood Drive Kenyon
Student Council Representatives: Courtney Houglum, John Nelson, Siri Quam, Kalley Seeger
Class Advisors: Ms. Anna Bauer Ms. Lisa Nelson
Jacob Alme 4-8 50048 110th Ave, West Concord
Seth Donkers 1-5pm 43265 Hwy 246 Blvd Nerstrand Kaitlin and Kayla Knott 4-? 8635 215th St E Faribault
Erin Gudknecht 3-8 pm At Erin’s Home 522 County 30 Blvd. Wanamingo. All Friends and Family Welcome
Blake Jacobson 4-8pm Blake’s House 9626 425th St Kenyon
Madison Born 4-9pm 506 Red Wing Ave, Kenyon
JUNE 18TH Roy Fearing Depot Park 2-5
Cassandra Kern 4-8pm Depot Park Kenyon
JUNE 25TH
Jonathan Hanson Open House/Pool Party 3-7 At Jon’s house 503 Forest St. Kenyon
You did it! We’re proud of you! Class of ‘16
3020 457th St. Way • 507-789-6113
Congratulations
Way to go!
BAR • HOTEL • FOOD
Congratulations Class of 2016!
Congratulations Monica Ellingson & The Class of 2016!
You did it!
You did it!
It’s time to celebrate!
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE 2016 GRADUATES! Way to go!
ST
DE
You did it!
N
TIO A IN
Send your grad off with a new or gently used car! Milo Peterson Ford, Kenyon
Congratulations Class of ‘16 We’re proud of you!
Lindsey Fulton – Proprietor • 507-824-2279
l i m
Celebrating Over 55 years of business!
Madison Buck World Famous $5 Bloody Mary With Beer Back Come enjoy our shaded and heated Patio!
Congratulations Class of 08’ We’re proud of you! Way to go!
Congrats Erin Gudknecht!
e t e op
Healthy Grease Free Cooking
632 Second Street ✤ Kenyon | 507-789-5800 www.schweichhotel.com
Britney Jarvis
Sydney Lane
We wish you the best on your future endeavors
Luxurious Hotel Suites
Daily Specials
Kenyon Senior Living www.KenyonSeniorLiving.com
502 HUSETH ST., KENYON, MN 55946
507-789-6321
Way to go!
Custom Processing
Hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday – 8 a.m. to Noon
o f Service Center n o rs
You did it!
Wanamingo Meats & Fulton’s Catering
m o dr .c Complete
Congratulations Class of ‘16 We’re proud of you! You did it! Way to go! Congratulations Class of ‘16 We’re proud of you! You did it! Way to go!
We’re proud of you!
The World Is Yours!
Way to go!
Courtney Houglum 4-8pm, 50130 20th Ave Kenyon
You did it! Way to go!
A Special Publication from
(507) 789-6134
SALUTE TO OUR
2016 Graduates
PAGE 2
THE KENYON LEADER
K-W seniors to graduate on June 5 GUNNAR OLSON golson@thekenyonleader.com As May’s end looms and the air warms one cannot help but sense that it is graduation time in Kenyon. It is time, once again, to say goodbye to another class of Kenyon-Wanamingo students. This time the honor belongs to the class of 2016. As of Wednesday, all seniors at K-W High School completed their classes and coursework. Now, they wait for Sunday, June 5 to walk across the stage and receive their diploma. Beginning at 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 5 at the Kenyon-Wanamingo Middle/High School Gymnasium, this year’s graduation ceremony will look like years past. Each student, draped in black gowns and red, black and silver tassels will receive a black, silver and red colored diploma with a bright K-W Knights insignia on it. Ella Lee, Mason Stevenson and Alexa Christenson will be the student speakers at commencement. With the Senior Recognition night and Baccalaureate in the rearview mirror, the class of 2016 will walk off into the sunset with their diplomas on Sunday. Students who achieved academic excellence during their time at K-W will graduate with honors.
Graduating as Board Scholars with a GPA of 4.3 or above are Lee and Stevenson. Graduating with High Distinction with a GPA above 4.0 are Ashlee Blastervold, Madison Born, Christenson, Jared Clawiter, Erin Gudknecht, Courtney Houglum, Cass Kern, Kaitlin Knott, Christopher Lang, Erica Meyers, Siri Quam, Kadey Seeger, Kalley Seeger and Madeline VanGuilder. Graduating with Honors and a GPA above 3.5 are Ted Androli, Sarah Benrud, Ethan Cota, Allison Degrood, Riley Donkers, Jonathan Hanson, Britney Jarvis, Kayla Knott, Ebelin Morales Delgado, John Nelson, Luke Rechtzigel, Sarah Sahl, Jacob Whipple and Amber Zak. “This is not the end. This is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.” This quote, by Sir Winston Churchill, was decided upon by the class of 2016 as their official motto. Other distinguishing features include their class flower as the Black and Gold Spider Mum and their class colors of Black and Gold. Their class song is “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” by John Denver. Represented by their class officers of Benrud-President, Gudknecht-Vice President and Kern-Secretary/Treasurer, the seniors will spend their last week and a half enjoying each other and their graduating class.
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
A group of Kenyon-Wanamingo graduates make a coordinated leap into the air following commencement in 2015. (Terri Lenz/The Kenyon Leader) Partaking in the ceremony are the Junior Honor Marshals as well. In order to qualify, these juniors must finish in the top 10% of their junior class. Emily Pliscott, Kasey Dumer, Shera Clawtier, Shelby Clawtier, Victoria Clouse, Natalie Hildebrandt, Samuel Breimhurst and Megan Groth are the 2016 Junior Honor Marshals. The class of 2016 will wear their school colors all together for the final time on Sunday afternoon. However, long after they walk across the stage and their hats fly these K-W students
Congratulations
will continue to wear their colors proud. For these KenyonWanamingo seniors their high school experience cannot be encapsulated by a single ceremony. That said, in order to express their gratitude for all of their hard work, the faculty and staff of K-W High School will surely make it a special program.
K-W seniors threw their hats in the air at the end of the graduation commencement in 2015. (Terri Lenz/The Kenyon Leader)
Erica Meyers
The world is yours!
Matt Maring/Kevin Maring Auctioneers P.O. Box. 37, Kenyon, MN 55946 Phone (Office): 800-801-4502 • Email: mmaring@citlink.net
We Sell The Earth & Everything On It. THEKENYONLEADER .COM maringauction.com
Madeline VanGuilder
Congratulations to our employees Erica Meyers & Madeline VanGuilder. We Are Proud Of All Your Achievements. Best Wishes With Your Future!
Security State Bank of Kenyon
Personal Service... It’s Our Style!
602 Second Street, P.O. Box G, Kenyon, MN 55946 • (507) 789-6123 • www.ssbkenyon.com
SALUTE TO OUR
2016 Graduates
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
THE KENYON LEADER
PAGE 3
Jacob Alme
Ted Androli
Brenna Archer
Michael Ballman
Matt Bauer
Ethan Benda
Sarah Benrud
Ashlee Blastervold
Ben Bohn
Madison Born
Madison Buck
Alexa Christenson
Jared Clawiter
Ethan Cota
Allie Degrood
Riley Donkers
Seth Donkers
Monica Ellingson
Roy Fearing
Rachel Fischer
Erin Gudknecht
Madisyn Hale
Jon Hanson
Billy Henslin
Congratulations and Good Luck as you start school in Red Wing. Work Hard. Thanks for being you! Love Mom
We couldn’t be more proud! Congratulations!
You will do great things Siri Lynn! Love You !
Love from, Mom, Dad, Fayth and Family
Mom, Dad, Mara, Josi & Mali
We are so happy to share in the excitement of your graduation and are so proud of you!
Congratulations Madison, You will do great things!!!! Love MoM, Dad, Alissa and Landon
Love always, Mom & Dad
Congratulations Kyle; We are proud of you! Love Dad, Mom, Karlie and Kasandra Look for this section on A special proj ect of the The Kenyon Leader, 63 8 Second Street, Kenyon, MN 559 4 6 Editor GUNNAR OLSON
Advertising Consultant NICOLE BRANDON
KENY O N-WANAMINGO GR ADU ATIO N, June 2016 is distributed to subscribers and readers of the St. Peter Herald at no additional charge. All advertising contained herein is the responsibility of the advertisers. All rights reserved. © 2016.
Congratulations Ted on graduating High School. Best of Luck at U of M Crookston. GO EAGLES
We are proud of you! Always stay humble and kind!
Love Mom and Dad
BrandonCongratulations! Enjoy your Life, Have fun & be happy!
Dream, Explore and Keep trying new things! We’re so proud of you! Congrats!
Love Mom and Brad
Love Mom and Dad
SALUTE TO OUR
2016 Graduates
PAGE 4
THE KENYON LEADER
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
Victoria Hernandez
Kayla Herrlich
Christian Hilger
Courtney Houglum
Austin Jackson
Blake Jacobson
Britney Jarvis
Kyle Keller
Cass Kern
Kaitlin Knott
Kayla Knott
Kyle Landry
Sydney Lane
Chris Lang
Brandon Larkin
Ella Lee
Sean Mallery
Erica Meyers
Congratulations Kaitlin and Kayla! We Love You! Mom, Dad, Christopher, Kyle, and Corey
Congratulations, We are proud of you!! Love Dad and Family Friends
Be Fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire. Best wishes!!! Love, Mom and Dad
Congratulations! Mom and dad are very proud of you, Dream Big, work hard and you will go far! Learn, Love and Live Everyday. We are so very proud of you! Congratulations, Mom, Dad & Kaite
We are so proud of what you have done and who you have become. Congratulations!
Couldn’t be more proud of you. Your hard work finally paid off!
We are so Proud of your hard work and accomplishments! Go Bison!
Congrats, Mom and Dad
Love Mom and Chris
Love Mom, Dad, Kaitlynn and Corissa
Congratulations Sarah! We are so proud of you !!
Congratulations! Best wishes for the Future!
We are so proud of you! Congratulations!
Love, Mom, Dad, Stacy and Josh. Sandy & Shari
Love Mom and Dad
Love Dad, Mom, Lauren & Garrick
Congratulations! We are so proud of you!
Congratulations and Good Luck in the Future!
The tassel was worth the hassle! This is the beginning of anything you want.
Love, Mom and Dad
We love you! Mom & Dad
Love Mom, Wade, Dad & Nikki
SALUTE TO OUR
2016 Graduates
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
THE KENYON LEADER
PAGE 5
Ebelin Morales
John Nelson
Ryan Pelkey
Emma Perry
Siri Quam
Andy Ranc
Luke Rechtzigel
Sarah Sahl
Kadey Seeger
Kalley Seeger
Emily Splichal
Mason Stevenson
Tanner Sturgis
Courtney Thompson
Madeline VanGuilder
Tyler Walker
Jacob Whipple
Not Pictured: Elijah Gist Caleb Willms
Amber Zak
Celebrate Your Success! Congrats Class of 2016! Chris Mallery, Realtor
507.273.0422
Congratulations Class of 2016!
CLASS OF 2016!
KENYON MUNI Congratulations to our 2016 scholarship recipients, Erin Gudknecht & Ethan Cota.
Visit kenyonkaba.com
ON SALE/OFF SALE
H a p p y H o u r : M o n -T h u r s 1 2 :3 0 -2 p m & 4 -6 :3 0 p m $1 O ff All Alcoholic Beverages
789-6176
Like us on
@KenyonMuni
SALUTE TO OUR
2016 Graduates
PAGE 6
THE KENYON LEADER
Each spring before the year’s group of graduating seniors walks across the stage and earns their diplomas at graduation, they gather with friends and families for the annual Senior Recognition Night. At this event, held in the High School Commons on Tuesday night, May 18, local businesses award scholarships to deserving K-W seniors who aspire to higher education. Many scholarships were awarded this year as well as recognition for
the AAA Awards, the Principals’ Leadership Award, the National School Choral Award, the John Philip Sousa Band Award and the Director’s Award for the KenyonWanamingo High School Band. The scholarships and their winners are listed below. AgStar Scholarship Presented by Larry Hafemeyer: Erin Gudknecht, Ella Lee, and Riley Donkers
Alverne Strandemo Agricultural Scholarship Presented by Rosella Strandemo: Erin Gudknecht
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
Dennison Lions Club Scholarship Presented by Rene Koester: Kadey Seeger and Siri Quam
Goodhue County Electric Presented by Gary Esterby: Erica Meyers
Harlan Rippentrop American Red Cross Faribault Elks Lodge Memorial #1166 Scholarship Scholarship Scholarships Present by Elks Lodge Member: Presented by Dr. Brent Born, Kenyon Vet Denise Emstad: Erin Gudknecht Clinic: Ashlee Blastervold, Erin Gudknecht Britney Jarvis, Foldcraft Cassandra Kern, Siri Scholarship Heidi Gusenius Quam Presented by Community Dawn Rohl: Appreciation Erin Gudknecht Cannon Falls Scholarship Masonic Lodge Scholarship Genesis Scholarship Presented by Karen Davidson: Presented by Harris Presented by Dan Rechtzigel: Sarah Benrud Haugen: Ella Lee Riley Donkers
Congratulations Class of 2016! It’s been a honor and privilege to cover all of your great life moments and achievements.
Isaacson Implement Scholarship Presented by David Isaacson: Riley Donkers and Matt Bauer Jack Holmes Memorial Scholarship Presented by Dan Rechtzigel: Erica Meyers Jacob Baalson Memorial Scholarship Presented by Matt Ryan: Riley Donkers
Congratulations Grads! 641 2ND ST., KENYON, MN 55946
507-789-5254
638 Second Street, Kenyon
Your good night sleep is our promise to keep.
MINNESOTA MATTRESS FACTORY
Affordable dog grooming with flexible hours. • Baths • Haircuts • Nail trimming • Nail Grinding • Ear Cleaning • Teeth Brushing
“Factory Direct to You”
Mon-Wed 8am-5pm • Thurs 10am-8pm Fri 10am-5pm • Sat by Appt. 201 Main St Wanamingo • (507) 251-5345
minnesotamattresfactory.com 10 Slee St, Kenyon • 507-412-7540
Best Wishes Graduates!
Congrats To Our Special Graduates!
B r e nna A rc h e r
R o y F e ar i ng
Call us for all your Graduation Party needs!
S e an Mal l e r y
Monday - Saturday: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
789-5101
We’re proud of how much you have grown,
CONGRATULATIONS GRADS! Danny Cell: 507
0-2228 • Matt T. Cell: 507 9 -7 74 • Office: (507) 789-6625
C ong ratulations C las s of 2 0 1 6 !
Congratulations Congratulations KNIGHTS KNIGHTS
T ak e us a long to colleg e w ith y our d ebit card or ch eck y our account w ith mobile bank ing .
Security State Bank Let the caps fly! of Wanamingo Success is what you make of
e v ’ u Yo t! I e Don rats g Con s of s a l C ! 6 1 20
Let the caps fly! Success is what you make of it!
it!neighbor, State Farm is there. Like a good
®
Lyle R. Wendroth, Agent 635 2nd Street
Lyle R. MN Wendroth, Kenyon, 55946 Agent 635 2nd Street Bus: 507-789-5206 Kenyon, MN 55946 lyle.wendroth.b5dx@statefarm.com Bus: 507-789-5206 lyle.wendroth.b5dx@statefarm.com 1501231
“Hometown banking with your neighbors and friends since 1918”
Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.
State Farm, Home Office, Bloomington, IL
®
232 Main Street • P.O. Box 188 • Phone 507-824-2265
www.ssbwanamingo.com
For all your Real Estate needs, call
Darvin & Anne Laue 507.210.3673 507.254.6145 darvinlaue.edinarealty.com
SALUTE TO OUR
2016 Graduates
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
James W. Tracy Scholarship Presented by Beth Pagel, MN FFA Foundation Board Member: Erin Gudknecht Jeffrey D. Evert Memorial Scholarship Presented by Katie (Evert) Benbrooks: Cassandra Kern
THE KENYON LEADER
Kenyon Lions Club Scholarship Presented by Rich Ellingsberg: Ethan Cota Kenyon-Wanamingo Education Association Presented by Darin Walling: Erin Gudknecht
Kenyon-Wanamingo FFA Alumni Assoc. Senior Achievement Arlyn and Mardell Award Johnson Scholarship Presented by (in memory of Lorin Pohlman: children Donald and Riley Donkers, Laurie) Erin Gudknecht, Presented by Ella Lee Mary Peters Smith: Ted Androli Lowell Estrem Memorial KABA (Kenyon Scholarship Area Business Presented by Association) Cindy Trapp: Presented by Mason Stevenson Peggy Ryland, Write On: Ethan Cota and Erin Gudknecht
Mack Noble Memorial Scholarship Presented by Karen Davidson: Jacob Whipple and Siri Quam Rice County Farm Bureau Scholarship Presented by Randy Hanson: Riley Donkers Security Insurance Agency Presented by Aaron Fossum: Allison Degrood
PAGE 7
Steele-Waseca Cooperative Electric Scholarship Presented by Randy Sobrack, SWCE Scholarship Coordinator: Kaitlin Knott Wanamingo Lions Club Scholarship Presented by Bev Jacobsen: Sarah Benrud
Wrestling Booster Club Scholarship Presented by Tonya Craig: Ted Androli, Jared Clawiter, Luke Rechtzigel Dolores Wrolstad Memorial Scholarship Presented by Isabelle Finholm: Courtney Houglum
Mark Wrolstad Memorial Scholarship Presented by Isabelle Finholm: Jacob Whipple Congratulations to all of the class of 2016 seniors who were honored as part of the evening’s festivities and good luck to each of them in their bright futures.
Security State Bank of Kenyon Presented by Kevin Kruger, Retail Manager: Ted Androli and Kaitlin Knott Security State Bank of Wanamingo Presented by Dean Baker: Sarah Benrud and Ashlee Blastervold
GOOD LUCK
Way To Go Class of 2016!
TO ALL THE GRADUATES!
Tatge Jewelry 625 2nd Street, Kenyon 507-789-6522 • 1-800-58-TATGE
Congratulations Class of 2016!
You have walked a long way toward this goal.
Best Wishes Class Of 2016!
BEST WISHES IN YOUR FUTURE CLASS OF 2016!
Kenyon
e
Hardware
Phone 507-824-2949 P.O. Box 278, Wanamingo
CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2016! Erin Mariah Gudknecht, 2016 Foldcraft Scholarship recipient
Keller Insurance Agency Craig Keller • 507-789-6635 • 507-334-6550
For all your insurance needs Farm • Home Auto • Commercial
Congratulations to the Class of 2016!
River Country Co-op Fine Products from your Local Co-op!
• Heating Oil
ain t.
• Diesel Fuel
• LP Gas
• Gasoline
• Lube Oil
enyon • 50 - 8 - 201 • Toll ree: 1-800-
5-502
615 Centennial Drive, Kenyon
100% Employee Owned
789-5111 www.foldcraft.com
, u o Y o T ! s ’ 6 e 1 r e H s of 20 TMENT R A s P a E Cl POLICE D214
N O Y N KE
5 9 8 7
SALUTE TO OUR
2016 Graduates
PAGE 8
THE KENYON LEADER
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
The High School Commons was packed on May 18 to celebrate K-W’s Senior class and to hand out awards and scholarships to deserving students. (Gunnar Olson/ The Kenyon Leader)
ACADEMIC HONORS
(Graduating as a Board Scholar – 4.3 grade point average or better)
Ella Lee
Mason Stevenson
(Graduating with High Distinction – 4.0 grade point average up to a 4.3)
Ashlee Blastervold Madison Born Alexa Christenson Jared Clawiter Erin Gudknecht Courtney Houglum Cassandra Kern Kaitlin Knott
Christopher Lang Erica Meyers Siri Quam Kadey Seeger Kalley Seeger Madeline VanGuilder
(Graduating with Honors - 3.5 grade point average up to a 4.0)
Erin Gudknecht (left) and Ethan Cota (right) each earned a $500 scholarship from the Kenyon Area Business Association (KABA). Both exemplary seniors earned other scholarship money at Senior Recognition Night as well. (Gunnar Olson/ The Kenyon Leader)
Theodore Androli Sarah Benrud Ethan Cota Allison Degrood Riley Donkers Jonathan Hanson Britney Jarvis
Kayla Knott Ebelin Morales Delgado John Nelson Luke Rechtzigel Sarah Sahl Jacob Whipple Amber Zak
Good& k c u ! s L n o i t a l u t a r ! g s t a Con r g n o C Reach for the stars
Held Bus Service
Well Done K-W Graduates
Stand down K-W Seniors, your tour of duty is offically over! JA GATES AMERICAN LEGION
(507) 789-6151 621 2nd St. Kenyon, MN 55946
CONRAD OSTHUM
VFW
POST 141 AND AUXILIARY
We are proud to serve the K-W Class of 2016 POST 78