WAY TO GO, GR ADUATES! Your hard work and dedication (plus a few all-nighters) paid off now it ’s time to celebrate! We applaud you and are proud to help suppor t and protec t your dreams, wherever they may take you. Melissa Kreuser, Agent (952) 758-5460 melissak reuseragenc y.com Cer tified Agenc y in Customer Excellence American Family Mutual Insurance Company S.I. & Its Operating Companies, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 ©2018 014469 – Rev 12/23 – 21790868 229 3rd Ave NW Lonsdale, MN 55046 952-843-3984 Sugarmamamn@hotmail.com
Future
and continuing
Parents: Jody & Ryan Baker Future plans: Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato to major in Nursing
Balcazar Parents: Juventino & Maribel Balcazar Future plans: Planning on continuing in school Benjamin Ballman Parents: Jeff & Heather Ballman Future plans: Attending Lake Area Technical College to major in diesel tech via John Deere program
Lucas Allison Parents: Anthony & Ashley Allison
plans: Working
with school Hannah Baker
Jesus
plans:
Lakes College to
Camryn Benson
Parents:
Cassi & Nathon Benson
Future
Attending Central
major in Nursing
TRI-CITY UNITED HIGH SCHOOL
Gavin Blaschko Parents: Aaron & Jenny Blaschko Future plans: Attending South Central College-North Mankato to major in Agribusiness
Lon sdale M in i- St or age i s p rou d t o offe r p re mi e r se lf- st orag e t hat i s bot h affor dable an d h ig h qu ali t y. Lonsdale Mini Storage LonsdaleMS@Outlook.com 507-473-4366 • 621 Industrial Drive SE Lonsdale MN 55046 24 - Hour Self-Storage in Lonsdale, MN To make renting a unit a convenient and hasslefree experience, we offer drive-up access, ground floor units, interior storage, 24-hour access, and more for our tenants. Whether you need storage for your home, office, or business, we’ve got you covered. http://www.LonsdaleMiniStorage.com Congratulations Graduates! Chicka Chicka Broom will keep your home clean and fresh so you are free to celebrate your Grad! chicka chicka broom .com Alex Block Parents: Corey & Alyssa Block Future plans: Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato to major in Aviation
Parents: Alicia Chapel, Randy Terwey and Jon Chapel, Carrie Berendt Future plans: Attending University of Massachusetts Amherst to major in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Thomas Blohm Parents: Brian & Stacy Olver/Blohm Future plans: Planning on working after high school
Contreras Parents: Macario Contreras & Maria Corona Future plans: Planning to go to school for Cosmetology Ryan Borchardt Parents: Becki & William Borchardt Future plans: Planning on working after high school
Dahlke Parents: James & Amy Dahlke Future plans: Attending University of Wisconsin-La Crosse to major in Nuclear Medicine Technology
Savanah Chapel
Jaqueline
Gabriella
Parents: Nicole & Andy Burns Future plans: Attending North Dakota State University to major in Nursing
Olivia Burns
Edward Devine Parents: Robert & Sharon Devine Future plans: Enlisting in the Army National Guard
Parents:
& Julie
Future plans: Planning to work after high school
Joseph Callahan
Patrick
Callahan
Parents:
& Audrey
Future plans: Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato to major in Sports Management
Mason Dietz
Matt
Dietz
Hiovani Castro Parents: Hiovani Sr. & Sheina Castro Future plans: Planning on continuing in school
TRI-CITY UNITED HIGH SCHOOL
Travis Doerfler Parent: Shannon Johnston Future plans: Enlisting in the Army National Guard
Congratulations Congratulations Graduates! Graduates! Lonsdale American Legion Post 586 115 2nd Ave NW Lonsdale, MN 55046 507-744-2384 We are so proud of you! TRI-CITY UNITED CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES CLASS OF 2024 Ava
Parents: Stacy & Kevin Dresow Future plans: Attending University of Wisconsin-River Falls to major in Small Animal Sciences
Dresow
Sandra
Antonio Martinez Future plans: Attending the College of St. Benedict’s to major in Nursing Kolton Duff Parents: Rustin & Shannon Blaschko Future plans: Attending Alexandria Technical & Community College to major in Law Enforcement
Carolina Figueroa
Parents:
Arevalo &
Parents: Alan & Cheryl
Future plans: Attending University of Minnesota-Duluth for Human Resources Management Braydon Eisert Parents: Tom & Missy Eisert Future plans: Planning on continuing in school for Auto Body
Brynn Fitterer
Fitterer
Parents: John & Mary
Future plans: Planning on working after high school
Jackson Flicek
Flicek
Parents:
&
Future plans: Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato to major in Business
Harrison Factor
Cory
Laura Factor
Future
State
in
Connor Flintrop
Parents:
Chris & Tracy Flintrop
plans: Attending Minnesota
University, Mankato to major
Aviation
Future
Lexi Factor
Parents:
Mike & Nikki Factor
plans: Attending University
of
Wisconsin-La Crosse
Future
Attending
Central
to major in ELL Education
Elizabeth Flores Parents: Alejandra Figueroa & Rolando Flores
plans:
South
College-North Mankato
Emerson Fashant Parent: Natalie Fashant Future plans: Attending St. Cloud State University for Accounting
TRI-CITY UNITED HIGH SCHOOL
Morgan Fredrickson Parents: Josh & Angie Fredrickson
Future
plans: Attending University of Wisconsin-Madison to major in Biology
Halee Gargett
Parent: Cassi Gargett
Future plans: Attending Alexandria
Technical & Community College to major in Interior Design
Austin Holicky
Parents: Jason & Tonya Holicky
Future plans: Planning on working after high school
Tristan Hunt
Parents: Darian & Hayley Hunt
Future plans: Attending Central Lakes College to major in Heavy Equipment Operations
Bounmy Lanoi
Parents: Khounmy Lanoi and Peace
Lanoi
Future plans: Attending
Normandale Community College to major in Aviation
Mariana Garza
Parents: Jessica & Jesus Garza
Future plans: Planning on working after high school
Katelyn Holicky
Parents: Beth & Dean Holicky
Future plans: Attending Iowa State University to major in Mechanical Engineering
Owen Jelinek Parent: Matthew Jelinek
Paige Larson Parents: Teri & Jim Drewitz
Future plans: Attending University of Wisconsin-Stout to major in Game Design Art/Development
Evan Gaul
Parents: Stephanie & Ted Gaul
Future plans: Attending University of Wisconsin-Madison to major in Computer Science
Lucas Holicky
Parents: Kevin & Shannon Holicky
Future plans: Attending the University of Minnesota to major in Finance
Treyton Kraft
Parents: Jodee & Shane Kraft Future plans: Undecided
Tait Lawson
Parents: Chad & Jill Lawson
Future plans: Planning on working after high school
Morgan Gjerstad
Parents: Doug & Karen Gjerstad
Future plans: Attending St. Catherine’s University to major in Sonography
Noah Holicky
Parents: Matt & Megan Holicky Future plans: Attending Winona State University to major in Composite Material Engineering
Kalyn Krautkremer
Parents: Matthew & Denise Krautkremer
Future plans: Attending University of Minnesota-Duluth to major in Business Management
Leny Lopez-Boteo
Parent: Lesvia Soma
Future plans: Planning on working after high school
Parker Hanson
Parent: Lisa Hanson
Future plans: Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato to major in Biology
Ethan Huber
Parents: Missy & Jon Sirek and Troy Huber & Ann
Future plans: Planning on working after high school
Maxwell Krautkremer
Parents: John & Erin Krautkremer
Future plans: Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato to major in Civil Engineering
Austin Lorinser
Parents: Jessica Sayacheck, Andrew Lorinser
Future plans: Attending University of Minnesota-Duluth to major in Marketing and Sales
Parents:
Future plans: Attending Alexandria Technical & Community College to major in Fish & Game Warden
Parents:
Future plans: Attending Dakota County Technical College to major as Dental Assistant
Parents:
Future
Tyler Heuer
Travis & Nancy Heuer
Blake Kuball Parents: Vance Kuball, Gina Fladhammer Future plans: Attending Minnesota West Community & Technical College to major in Powerline
MarLinda Huffins
Marthanna Rice, Claymore Williams
Kaden Malecha
Meghann & Kevin Malecha
TRI-CITY UNITED HIGH SCHOOL
plans: Attending St. John’s University to major in Accounting
Lily Martin
Parents: Jennifer Jakes & Richard Martin
Future plans: Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato
Parents: Luis Montes De Oca & Laura Correa
Future plans: Planning on continuing in school with a major in Criminology and minor in Psychology
Arson Nhean
Parents: Sokha Kul-Nhean & Samenth Nhean
Future plans: Attending Minnesota North College-Itasca to major in Automotive Mechanics
Mallorie Plut
Parents: Pete & Steph Plut
Future plans: Attending Winona State University to major in Health Administration
Bella Matchinski
Parents: Penny & James Matchinski
Future plans: Planning to take a gap year to work but then continuing school
Joel Moreno
Parents: Yvette Ortiz, Ken Napper Future plans: Undecided
Jaydan Novotny
Parents: Jared & Jeana Novotny
Future plans: Attending South Central College-North Mankato to major in Automotive Service
Amanda Prigge
Parents: Chad & Laura Prigge
Future plans: Attending University of Minnesota-Rochester to major in Echocardiography
Xiani Medina
Parent: Josie Medina
Future plans: Attending the College of St. Benedict’s to major in Psychology
Joseph Mueller
Parent: Josh Mueller
Future plans: Attending South Central College to major in Welding
Mason Novotny
Parents: Mark Novotny & Krystal Hamele
Future plans: Planning on working after high school
Devin Puls
Parents: Jen & Eric Puls Future plans: Undecided
Molly Michels
Parents: Lisa & Larry Michels
Future plans: Attending Bethany Lutheran College to major in Psychology
Parent: Brenda Padron
Future plans: Planning on working after high school
Kellen O’Keefe
Parents: Brad & Brooks O’Keefe
Future plans: Attending St. John’s University to major in Finance
Erika Quiroz
Parents: Maria & Juan Quiroz
Future plans: Attending the University of Minnesota to major in Dental Hygiene
Aidan Miland
Parents: Jarred & Mary Miland
Future plans: Attending Concordia College to major in Music Performance
Parent: Brenda Padron
Future plans: Planning on working after high school
Natalie Phelps
Parents: Ryan and Diane Phelps, Amy Phelps
Future plans: Planning on working after high school
Risto
Parents: Eric & Sara Risto
Future plans: Attending South Central College-North Mankato to major in HVAC
Alejandra Montes De Oca Correa
Adriana Murillo
Andrea Murillo
Trae
Gavyn Miller Parent: Cathleen Miller
Connor Piispanen
Parents: Janelle Phillips, Gerry Piispanen
Future plans: Planning on working after high school
Liliana Murphy Parents: Andy & Jen Murphy
Future plans: Attending the College of St. Scholastica to major in Nursing
Goi Ruei
TRI-CITY UNITED HIGH SCHOOL
Parents: Pal Ruei & Nyayoka Deng Future plans: Attending St. Mary’s University to major in Biology
Chase Ruthford
Parents: Carianna Chaney
Isaac Schroeder
Parents: Eric & Lisa Schroeder
Future plans: Attending the University of Minnesota to major in Liberal Arts
Becca Sladek
Parents: Kim & Brad Sladek
Future plans: Attending Winona State University to major in Criminal Justice
Anastasia Stasney
Parents: Dean & Cathy Stasney
Future plans: Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato to major in Accounting
Noah Rynda
Parents: Francis & Theresa Rynda
Future plans: Attending South Central College - North Mankato to major in Agriculture
Ryan Schroeder
Parents: Maxine & Jesse Schroeder
Future plans: Attending Iowa State University to major in Mechanical Engineering
Emily Smisek
Parents: Jennifer & Scott Smisek
Future plans: Attending Winona State University to major in Nursing or Radiology
Connor Steele
Parents: Adam & Kelly Steele
Future plans: Attending Rochester School of Medicine to major as X-ray tech
Elizabeth Sagataw
Parent: Cindy Sagataw
Future plans: Attending Normandale Community College to major in Nursing
Adison Schroer
Parents: Jaime & Andrew Harmon
Future plans: Attending North Central University to major in Psychology or Sports Medicine
Sophia Smith
Parents: Adam & Krista Smith
Future plans: Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato to major in Nursing
Calley Stephens
Parents: Jesse & Jenney Stephens
Future plans: Attending South Central College-North Mankato to major in Nursing
Olivia Sawatzky
Parents: Grace & Paul Sawatzky
Future plans: Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato to major in Ecology
Robert Shippman
Parents: Marty Shippman, Francis Hauer
Future plans: Planning on working after high school
Brody Snitker
Parents: Tom & Amanda Snitker
Future plans: Planning on working after high school
Abigail Svien
Parents: Johnny & Jennifer Svien
Caitlin Schmitz
Parents: Cory & Sara Schmitz
Future plans: Attending the University of WIsconsin-Milwaukee
Connor Skluzacek
Parents: Bruce & Christine Skluzacek
Future plans: Attending the University of Minnesota to major in Entrepreneurship
Alex Soukup
Parents: Denise & Carl Treu, David Soukup
Future plans: Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato to major in Engineering
Abdoulaye Tandia
Parents: Lakhamy & Fatima Tandia
Future plans: Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato to major in Marketing
Parents: Eric & Lisa Schroeder
Parents: Bruce & Christine Skluzacek Future plans: Attending the University of Minnesota to major in Entrepreneurship Management
Parents: Jason & Teri Squires Future plans: Attending South Central College-North Mankato to major in Agriculture & Diesel Services
Parents: John & Beth Titus
Future plans: Attending Iowa State University to major in Physics
Alice Schroeder
Future plans: Attending Winona State University to major in Elementary Education w/ Early Childhood emphasis
Matthew Squires
Luke Skluzacek
Nora Titus
TRI-CITY UNITED HIGH SCHOOL
William Triplett
Parents: Ayala Turpin & Steven
Hofstedt
Future plans: Undecided
Parents:
Future
the
Molly Tuma
Parents: Bob & Lisa Tuma
Future plans: Attending University of Minnesota-Twin Cities to major in Psychology
Parents: Angel Paivarinta, Thomas Weiss
Future plans: Attending the College of St. Benedict’s to major in Psychology
Parents: Faith & Randy Turek
Future plans: Attending Iowa State University to major in Computer Engineering
Parents: Greg & Jessica Westerman
Future plans: Attending St. John’s University to major in Accounting
Parents:
Future plans: Attending Minnesota State University-Mankato to major in Elementary Education
Traditions and Modern Practices
High school graduation ceremonies are steeped in tradition and symbolism, serving as a rite of passage for students transitioning from one phase of their lives to the next.
Over the years, these ceremonies have evolved significantly, reflecting changes in society, education and cultural norms.
History
The origins of high school graduation ceremonies can be traced to medieval universities, where students were awarded degrees in formal ceremonies known as commencements. These early ceremonies often included processions, academic regalia, and the conferral of degrees by university officials.
Over time, these traditions were adopted by secondary schools. In the U.S., graduation ceremonies in the 1900s included events for the graduating seniors, according to Jostens. These included senior plays, banquets, picnics or
sometimes even outdoor hikes and backpacking trips.
“Pomp and Circumstance,” the most commonly played processional, was written for the coronation of King Edward VII of Great Britain, according to History.com. In 1905, Yale bestowed an honorary degree on the song’s composer and played it for the graduation, a practice that was picked up by other schools.
Etiquette
Graduation ceremonies are formal events. Students are expected to dress appropriately, typically wearing caps and gowns in school colors. Guests should dress tastefully and refrain from disruptive behavior during the ceremony.
It is customary for attendees to arrive early, silence cell phones and remain seated. Applause and cheering are encouraged at appropriate times, such as when graduates receive their diplomas, but excessive noise should be avoided out of respect for others and the proceedings.
Some schools limit the number of guests each graduate can have at the ceremony. Jos-
tens recommends inviting one person from each wing of the family or coming up with a creative solution such as drawing names.
Components
While specific elements of graduation ceremonies vary from school to school, several common components include:
1. Processional. The ceremony begins with a formal procession of graduates, faculty and school officials entering the venue to the accompaniment of music.
2. Welcome address. A school administrator or faculty member delivers a welcome address, greeting attendees and setting the tone for the ceremony.
3. Student speakers. Graduation ceremonies often feature speeches by student repre-
sentatives, such as class valedictorians or student council members, reflecting on their experiences and offering words of inspiration to their peers.
4. Presentation of diplomas. Graduates are individually called to the stage to receive their diplomas or certificates, often accompanied by handshakes or congratulatory remarks from school officials.
5. Commencement address. A keynote speaker, typically a distinguished guest or prominent community member, delivers a commencement address, offering words of wisdom and encouragement to the graduating class.
6. Turning of the tassel. At the conclusion of the ceremony, graduates participate in the symbolic turning of the tassel on their mortarboard hats, signifying their transition from students to alumni.
7. Recessional. The ceremony concludes with a formal recessional, as attendees exit the venue to the accompaniment of music.
Damien Winterfeldt
Parent: Josette Winterfeldt Future plans: Planning on working after high school
Nalia Wagner
Irene & Chris Wagner
plans: Attending
College of St. Scholastica to major in Biochemistry
Katelyn Weiss
Josiah Turek
Dylan Westerman
Edna Valdez
Fabiola Valdez, Marco Antonio Rios
Landen Wetzel
Parents: Lance & Jeni Wetzel Future plans: Planning on working after high school
Eli Viskocil
Parents: Dale & Laura Viskocil
Future plans: Attending Dakota County Technical College to major in Electrical line work
Alison Weydert Parents: Toni & Dan Weydert Future plans: Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato to major in Dental Hygiene
Reggie Vosejpka Parents: Bradley & Megan Vosejpka Future plans: Planning on working after high school
TRI-CITY UNITED HIGH SCHOOL
McAlister Wilmes Parents: Heather & Gary Wilmes Future plans: Planning on working after high school