PRAHS
PARK RAPIDS HIGH SCHOOL
CLASS OF 2022 – COMMENCEMENT –
SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2022 A KEEPSAKE EDITION – PRINTED BY THE PARK RAPIDS ENTERPRISE
What do you see in your future? BY LANCE BAGSTAD | SUPERINTENDENT
Lance Bagstad
Park Rapids Superindendent The adage that, “it’s never too late,” applies to all of us. Especially so when it refers to what or how we see ourselves in the future. In formulating those visions, one needs to come up with answers to the following questions.
What is it I want to do? Why is it important to me? In the globally connected and competitive world in which we live today, many high school students ponder those two questions passionately. During this time in their lives, students seek experiences and advice from parents and trusted adults about narrowing down the skills and interests that excite them for the future. For most students, the first step in executing any plan for the future involves graduating from high school and receiving their diploma. The framing of the questions, “what” and “why,” and focusing on identifying
steps and resources in answering the questions, relies on learning. Finishing the high school program and attaining the maximum experiences that challenge students’ intellect, character, compassion and integrity is a foundation for all to be able to ask the what and why of their future. A high school diploma is a liberty offered to all Americans. We are very fortunate to live in a country that grants freedoms to its citizens. All of us have or had the opportunity to capitalize on a free and appropriate public education. The liberty and freedom of completing the requirements to receive a
diploma is the most tangible stepping stone for the pursuit of happiness in the future. Graduating seniors, now with a diploma in hand, take control of your future by challenging yourself and asking, what is it I want to do and why is it important? Challenge yourself, with strength and courage, that you can accomplish more than what you believe you can. Seek out the resources and experiences that will help you plan that future, then work the plan! Congratulations, Class of 2022!
Earning your diploma is a significant achievement BY JEFF JOHNSON | PARK RAPIDS AREA HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Your graduation is the start of a new chapter in your life. Congratulations to the Park Rapids High School graduating Class of 2022. I’m sure the past four years have gone fast and you’re ready for the next step. Achieving your diploma signifies that you have completed and passed the standards that the State of Minnesota has established and passed the classes that the school board and community have set as
benchmarks. The diploma signifies that you have passed an important hurdle, but in reality, there are many more changes yet to come. Park Rapids has been your home for many years and you probably know many people here. This may not be true on your next journey in life. This community has supported you as you have grown and learned. What you decide to do next, whether it is furthering your education, working in the community
or joining the military, you will be challenged to support your community you live in. Remember how your community has supported you, in preparing you for your next chapter in life. The graduating Class of 2022 will leave the high school with many memories of successes and challenges. Seniors, as you start the next chapter in your future, use the tools that have been given to you to explore your talents, live well and enjoy
JEFF JOHNSON Park Rapids HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
life. Park Rapids will be anxiously awaiting the news of your successes and to hear about the new chapters in your life.
“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead, where there is no path and leave a trail” – Ralph Waldo Emerson 2 | 2022 GRADUATION
GRADUATES
PRHS
KEY
THESE ABBREVIATIONS ARE USED FOR STUDENT CLUBS/ ACCOMPLISHMENTS. ELIZABETH ADAMS
No information provided.
RD Offutt Farms
TARYNN AROLA
Daughter of Terry Arola and Julie May
Tarynn participated in volleyball, softball and was a boys basketball manager. She plans to take a gap year and then go to the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis and major in psychology.
KATE AUKES
Daughter of Cory and Molly Aukes
Kate participated in volleyball, BPA, NHS and Peer Mentorship Program. She plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire to study health care administration. Crystal Brook Senior Living By Knute Nelson
Crystal Brook Senior Living By Knute Nelson
BPA Business Professionals of America FBGM Future Business Growing Managers MVP Most Valuable Player NHS National Honor Society
AMELIA BERG
Daughter of Carl and Rosalynn Berg
Amelia participated in NHS, student council (class president), yearbook, Spanish Club, January Student of the Month and was an academic letterwinner on the A honor roll. She plans to attend the University of North Dakota for a degree in accounting. Clancy’s Restaurant at Vacationaire Lodge
KELSEY BERGHUIS
Daughter of Matt Berghuis and Kim May
Kelsey participated BPA, FFA, NHS, student council, Enrivothon, Math Club, A honor roll (four years) and December Student of the Month. She plans to attend the University of MinnesotaTwin Cities and major in biology on a premedicine track. After undergraduate school, she plans on attending medical school and specialize in surgery.
MAEVE BOLTON
Daughter of Bruce Bolton and Shannon Geisen
PSEO Post-Secondary Enrollment Option
Maeve participated in speech (6-12, state participant 2022, captain), theater (9-12, state participant 2020), NSH (11-12), student council (10-12), BPA (10–12, state participant 2021, 2022), Envirothon (state participant 2019-2021) and academic letterwinner (4 years). She plans to take a gap year for a work exchange program. Evergreen Lodge Resort
The Good Life Cafe
2022 GRADUATION | 3
GRADUATES
PRHS
Senior class colors Orange and black Class flower White Lily and Blue Hyacinth Class motto “This is for everybody going through this. Believe me, been there, done that. But everyday above ground is a great day, remember that.”
JAIME BRANN
Daughter of Jack and Trisha Brann
Jaime participated in Northern Light Dance Academy (9 years), BPA (2 years, state and national participant 2022), NHS (president, 2 years), FFA (1 year, state participant 2022), yearbook (2 years), student council (4 years, secretary), book club (2 years), Spanish club (1 year), academic letterwinner (4 years). She plans to attend South Dakota State University in the fall to pursue a degree in human biology with predental emphasis.
KOBE BURTON
Son of Andrew Burton and Valeri Burton
TREY CAMPBELL
No information provided.
RD Offutt Farms
Kobe participated in football, baseball, building trades, and welding and machining. He plans to build his own house and continue carpentry as a co-owner of Burton Contracting. Thielen Motors, Inc.
Affinity Real Estate
~Pitbull
DOMINGO BACAJ CASTRO Son of Maria Bacaj Santos
Domingo participated in baseball. He plans to enlist in the Army. Lamb Weston RDO Frozen
4 | 2022 GRADUATION
MASON CHEVALIER
No information provided.
Citizens National Bank
BIANCA DE ROSA
No information provided.
Northern Convenience
GRADUATES
CHELSEA DENNIS
No information provided.
Citizens National Bank
PRHS
SOPHIE DEWINTER
No information provided.
Citizens National Bank
EVAN EDEVOLD
Son of Gary and Kirsten Edevold
Evan participated in the work program. He plans to work and play. Northway Insurance of Park Rapids
MARRIYAM EJAZ
Daughter of Rhonda Ejaz and Ejaz Ahmecl
Marriyam participated in volleyball, speech and hockey (manager). She plans to go to basic training, then attend Minnesota State University Mankato. Hugo’s Family Marketplace of Park Rapids
Congratulations,
GRADUATES! Begin Your Story! New beginnings. New chapters. New adventures. New challenges. Wishing the Class of 2022 a bright and wonderful future.
Achieve your goals at MSU Moorhead! mnstate.edu/apply | 877.678.6463 Minnesota State University Moorhead is an equal opportunity educator and employer.
2022 GRADUATION | 5
GRADUATES
PRHS
ELIZABETH ENTWISTLE
Daughter of Ben and Kelly Marotte
Elizabeth participated in robotics and One Act play. She plans to take a year off of school and help others. Affinity Real Estate
EVELYN GUAJARDO RAMIREZ Daughter of Jose Guajardo and Libertad Ramierez
Evelyn participated in NHS, theater, speech, Book Club, Panthers First Program, academic letterwinner, athletic letterwinner, April Student of the Month, MSHSL art show. She plans to join Community Theater for the summer and move to West Fargo to study cosmetology at The Salon Professional Academy in the fall.
SOPHIA GUIDA
Daughter of Randal Guida and Nicole Guida
Sophia participated in theater, speech, FFA, band. She went to state in FFA in both 2021 and 2022. She qualified for the state speech tournament in 2022. She plans to take a gap year and do a work exchange program.
MARIA GUTIERREZ GUTIERREZ
No information provided.
Lamb Weston RDO Frozen
Jasper’s Theater
Evergreen Lodge Resort
ROSITA GUTIERREZ GUTIERREZ
No information provided.
Lamb Weston RDO Frozen
MYA HAAS
No information provided. Haas Printing, Inc.
PARKER HARMON
Son of Mark and Kim Harmon
Parker participated in football, basketball (captain), track and field (captain), Panthers First Mentor and B honor roll. He plans to finish his Advanced Individual Training for the Minnesota Army National Guard as a Cavalry Scout and then attend St. John’s University (undecided major) and pursue the ROTC program and commissioning as a Second Lieutenant in the National Guard. Crystal Brook Senior Living By Knute Nelson
6 | 2022 GRADUATION
NATALIE HARVEY
Daughter of Michael Harvey and Staci Lee
Natalie participated in tennis (varsity letterwinner since 2019), girls basketball (2018-19), softball (varsity letterwinner in 2021 and 2022), BPA (national participant in 2022, multi-year state participant), NHS, academic letterwinner, Spanish Club (vice president 2019-20), Prom committee (2020-21). She plans to attend the University of North Dakota and major in biology for pre-med. The Good Life Cafe
GRADUATES
HAILEE HELTEMES
Daughter of Joseph Heltemes and Laura Heltemes
Hailee participated in FFA. She plans to take a gap year to work. Heartland Center of Natural Healing
PRHS
ALEX HENSEL
Child of Richard Hensel and Jody Larson
FAITH HEPOLA
No information provided.
RD Offutt Farms
Alex participated in theater, band and speech. He plans to attend Minnesota State Fergus Falls and major in theater.
RACHAEL HERMAN Daughter of John and Shelly Herman
Rachael participated in varsity tennis for five years. She plans to attend NDSU, majoring in interior design.
Citizens National Bank
Y Steakhouse
HAILEE HOFMEISTER
No information provided.
T&M Express
ALLYSON HOLMER
Daughter of Lonnie Holmer and JoLynn Johnson
Allyson participated gymnastics (captain), academic letterwinner (four years) and athletic letterwinner (four years). She plans to attend St. Scholastica.
EMMA HOTAKAINEN
No information provided.
RD Offutt Farms
COLLIN HOYT
Son of Clayton and Tricia Hoyt
Collin participated in football (manager), hockey (three years) and baseball (one year). He plans to attend the University of North Dakota and major in accounting. Thielen Motors, Inc.
Thielen Motors, Inc.
2022 GRADUATION | 7
GRADUATES
PRHS
QUINN HUNTER
Daughter of Travis and Dana Hunter
Quinn participated in volleyball, track and field, and A honor roll. She plans to attend North Dakota State Univeristy and major in radiological sciences. Citizens National Bank
LOGAN JACKSON
Son of Robert and Linda Buss
Logan participated football (allconference honorable mention), basketball (all-conference), track and field and first recipient of John Schumacher Award. He plans to attend a junior college and play football and then either finish school or join the military.
MADISON JAMES
No information provided.
Citizens National Bank
HOLLY JOHNSON
Daughter of Mike Johnson, Suzie and Kenny Barr, Julie Tabbert
Holly participated in student council (president), NHS (vice president), cross country (four-year letterwinner, captain, MVP 2019), basketball (three-year letterwinner, captain 2020-21), track and field (six-year letterwinner, captain, twotime state participant, state medalist), academic letterwinner (four years), FFA (two-year state qualifier, Rookie of the Year 2020-21), Minnesota State Community & Technical College President’s List (2020) and Dean’s List (2021-22). She plans to attend Black Hills State University to study mass communications and to run track and field.
Northway Insurance of Park Rapids
Johnson’s On The Water Service
BAILIE KARKINEN
Daughter of Bonnie Karkinen
Bailie participated in student council, NHS and track and field. She plans to attend North Dakota State University and major in psychology. Subway of Park Rapids
8 | 2022 GRADUATION
RAMSEY KEEZER
No information provided.
Thielen Motors, Inc.
MIRIAM KNAACK
No information provided.
Thielen Motors, Inc.
ISAAC KNAPP
Son of Brad and Tina Knapp
Isaac participated in FFA (officer, first place regional contest). He plans to work and continue school. West-Side Auto
GRADUATES
ANTHONY KUCERA
Son of Matt Kucera, Amber and Denzil Gamache
Anthony participated in BPA (two years) and B honor roll (two years). He plans to continue working at Team Industries, do a lot of fishing and deer hunting, and just enjoy life and do the best he can.
PRHS
MACKENZIE LAFERRIERE Daughter of Tina Amiot
Mackenzie participated NHS, FFA, speech and drama. She plans to take a gap year in Texas.
TEGAN LIPPERT
No information provided.
Thielen Motors, Inc.
GRACE LITZAU
No information provided.
Park Rapids Walker Eye Clinic
Rapid River Logging Camp
Team Industries of Park Rapids
24-Hour Emergency Service
Keith Canfield owner
New, Remodel · Water Heaters Repair and Service • Air Duct Cleaning Open / Close Cabins 218-732-7238 · prplumbingheating.com PO Box 191, 17109 Dawn Dr. Park Rapids, MN 56470
Kari Wiese & Andria Nordick Independent Agents
218-732-4241 • Toll Free: 866-722-5205
1303 S. Park Ave. • info@northwaypr.com • northwayinsuranceparkrapids.com Proudly Serving the Park Rapids Area Since 1991
CONGRATULATIONS
to the Class of 2022! 888.99.ARVIG arvig.com
FREE ESTIMATES! Dependable delivery service, including Saturdays!
Authorized Dealer
732-1423
Mon-Fri 7:30am-5pm Sat 8am-Noon
Highway 34 West, Park Rapids 2022 GRADUATION | 9
GRADUATES
PRHS
JAXSON LUND
Son of Kevin and Kristen Lund
Jaxson participated football (three years, captain), hockey (three years, captain), baseball (two years), A honor roll (four years) and May Student of the Month. He plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse to get a degree in accounting.
JOSIAH MAY
No information provided.
Haas Printing, Inc.
SAM MEIER
No information provided.
Haas Printing, Inc.
Haas Printing, Inc.
ALYSSA MILLER
No information provided.
Haas Printing, Inc.
10 | 2022 GRADUATION
NICHOLAS MICHAELSON
Son of Brian and Jen Michaelson
Nicholas participated in football (three years), basketball (four years, MVP three times), baseball (two years), A honor roll (three years), B honor roll (one year). He plans to play basketball at Mayville State University with an undecided major. Companeros Restaurant - Dorset
NASH MITCHELL
Son of Nancy and Tom Mitchell
ABIGAIL MORRIS
Daughter of Aaron and Amy Morris
Nash participated in hockey (captain, Matt Spangler Mr. Hockey Award, AllConference Player). He plans to attend a welding school in Fargo, ND.
Abigail participated in tennis, basketball, softball, NHS, BPA, FCA. She plans to attend the University of Minnesota Crookston and major in business.
Leading Edge Mechanical
Cuzzin’s Candy Store
SOYLA NAS TINIGUAR
No information provided.
Lamb Weston RDO Frozen
GRADUATES
MIKAELA NELSON
Daughter of Glen Maninga and Jillian Kowalczyk
PRHS
HALEY NEVALA
No information provided.
TruStar Federal Credit Union
Mikaela participated in BPA and FFA. She plans to attend MState in Detroit Lakes and study business.
ALLISON OFFERDAHL Daughter of Stacey and Steve Offerdahl
Allison participated in FFA, softball, swimming and NHS. She plans to attend the University of North Dakota for nursing.
Zorbaz of Park Rapidz
ISAIAH OLSON
Son of Matthew Olson and Alyssa Garner
Isaiah participated in basketball and baseball. He plans to join the workforce. Haas Printing, Inc.
Companeros Restaurant - Dorset
MOLLY PAULSON
No information provided.
RD Offutt Farms
KEELY PETERSON
Daughter of Joe and Michelle Peterson
Keely participated volleyball (captain), NHS (secretary), FFA, yearbook committee and softball (manager) She plans to attend NDSU to pursue a major in exercise science. She will continue with either a PA program or physical therapy school.
ARLENE PLAZA CALDERON No information provided.
RD Offutt Farms
ANGELINA PORTER
Daughter of Christina Candelaria and Randal Porter
Angelina participated in track, gymnastics and water skiing. She plans to get an associates degree in business. Rapid River Logging Camp
Crystal Brook Senior Living By Knute Nelson
2022 GRADUATION | 11
GRADUATES
PRHS
AALIYAH PRESTON
No information provided.
Haas Printing, Inc.
JOSEPH RAIDT
No information provided.
Citizens National Bank
ANTHONY REESE
Son of Jenny Reese
Anthony participated in track and field. He plans to attend Wadena Technical College to become an electrical lineman. Hansen’s Electric, Inc.
SAM REISH
Son of Jeff Reish and Eileen Reish
Sam participated in football (captain), BPA (national participant four years, 8th place nationals, chapter president), Student of the Month, track and field, A honor roll. He plans to attend the University of Arizona and pursue a degree in finance at the Eller School of Management. Haas Printing, Inc.
RACHEL ROBBINS
JAKOB SCHOLZ
No information provided.
No information provided.
Lamb Weston RDO Frozen
McDonald’s of Park Rapids
EMILY SCHULZ
Daughter of Chris and Tina Schulz
Emily participated in tennis (captain), golf (captain), BPA (national participant), NHS, Book Club, yearbook, academic and athletic letterwinner, student council, FFA and Spanish Club (valedictorian). She plans to attend the University of South Florida to pursue a degree in business marketing. Northwoods Dental
12 | 2022 GRADUATION
KAMERON SILTMAN
No information provided.
Lamb Weston RDO Frozen
GRADUATES
TATIYANA SMITH
Daughter of Casey Smith and Siobhan Koskie
PRHS
LEXI SMYKALSKI
No information provided.
RD Offutt Farms
Tatiyana participated in volleyball. She plans to go to Virginia to finish her National Guard A.I.T. training then go to college to become a flight attendant.
JENNA SPLITTSTOESSER Daughter of Dan and Brenda Splittstoesser
Jenna plans to take care of her son and work.
KALEB STEARNS
No information provided.
Northway Insurance of Park Rapids
RD Offutt Farms
Dairy Queen of Park Rapids
GARRETT STONE
No information provided.
RD Offutt Farms
CARA SUNRAM
Daughter of Kay Sunram
Cara participated in Envirothon, BPA and A honor roll. She plans to attend the University of Minnesota with a major in astrophysics. Citizens National Bank
DARRYL THOMPSON-ETTER Son of Daniel and Sadie Etter
Darryl participated in crosscountry (letterwinner, two-time state participant), track (letterwinner, state alternate), basketball (letterwinner) and wrestling (letterwinner). He plans to attend a four-year university, but has not yet decided which one. He’ll double major in social studies science and history.
CADE SCHULTZ
No information provided.
Thielen Motors, Inc.
TruStar Federal Credit Union
2022 GRADUATION | 13
GRADUATES
PRHS
RODNEY SHARP
No information provided.
Lamb Weston RDO Frozen
PEYTEN SHERK
Daughter of Rich Sherk and Dawn Miller
Payten participated in volleyball and was an academic letterwinner. She plans to obtain a degree in early childhood development. Lamb Weston RDO Frozen
ELIMSY TOMAS GOMEZ
ZACHARIAH VAN BATAVIA
Elimsy participated in a business internship. She plans to work harder to achieve and do what she has always wanted, which is to travel and be able to see many countries. This summer, Elimsy will work at RDO to earn money for travel.
Zachariah participated basketball (captain), track (captain), NHS, BPA, FFA and A honor roll. He plans to attend North Dakota State University and pursue a mechanical engineering degree.
Daughter of Maria Gomez Ordoñez
Son of Randy and Trever Van Batavia
Park Rapids Avionics
Lamb Weston RDO Frozen
SAMUEL WARNE
No information provided.
Haas Printing, Inc.
14 | 2022 GRADUATION
NICHOLAS WEISS
No information provided.
Citizens National Bank
KIERGON WILKINS
No information provided.
Dustin Lof Repair
DESSIERAE WILLIAMS
No information provided.
Citizens National Bank
GRADUATEs
PRHS
Home School GRADUATE JASMINE WILLIAMS
Daughter of Shawn Williams and Jenny Schaefer
Jasmine plans to work in early childhood. RD Offutt Farms
SIMONE WOLFF
Daughter of David and Sharon Wolff
Simone participated in volleyball (letterwinner), track and field (letterwinner, captain, True Team state participant, section participant), drama/theater (letterwinner), NHS, A honor roll, student council and lead editor of yearbook committee. She plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and major in exercise science/ kineseology and get a chiropractic degree at another college and have a side job in photography.
Luke participated in mission trips to Alaska and Kentucky. He plans to pursue further education and a career in computer technology.
Wolff Transportation, LLC
Carter’s Red Wagon Farm
LUKE CARTER
Son of Anthony and Linda Carter
Beware of student loan forgiveness
T
BY BAO VANG VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNICATIONS, BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU
raditionally, this is the time of year when aspiring graduates walk across the stage to claim their
diploma. Shortly thereafter, the student loan repayment process begins. However, scammers are taking advantage of recent changes to student loan repayment programs in order to confuse borrowers, tricking them into falling for a variety of schemes. Currently payments are paused on virtually all federal student loans through Aug. 31, 2022, and no interest is accruing. But just because student loan repayment is on pause, doesn’t mean that scams are. Better Business Bureau encourages graduates to carefully research trustworthy
SCAMS
sources related to federal repayment plans before giving any personal information. Watch out for companies promising to reduce debt by lowering payments through enrollment in student loan forgiveness or other programs. They may also falsely promise to apply monthly payments to consumers’ student loans and to improve credit scores – all you have to do is pay a small fee so they can negotiate with the lender on your behalf. In another version, dishonest collectors claim they can save money by consolidating loans – if a minimal fee is paid. Keep all of your personal information private and never give it to an unsolicited source.
Protect yourself from student loan scammers: • Research the lender. Visit BBB.org to read business profiles and check out companies before working with them. The FTC has consumer education related to student loan debt relief scams at ftc.gov/StudentLoans. • Empty promises lead to an empty wallet and more debt. Only scammers promise fast loan forgiveness. Scammers often pretend to be affiliated with the government. Never pay a fee upfront for help. Never share sensitive information, such as your FSA ID. • Find a reliable source. Consumers can apply for loan deferments, forbearance, repayment and forgiveness or
discharge programs directly through the U.S. Department of Education or their loan servicer at no cost, and do not require a third party. • Report it. If you have been a victim of a suspected scam, report it at BBB.org/ScamTracker. Visit StudentAid.gov for federal student loan repayment options. Student loans can be forgiven only under specific circumstances, so contact your lender directly to see if any options are available to you. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. A company that claims it can erase student loan debt in minutes is not being honest. This type of scheme is similar to a government imposter scam, watch for the warning signs.
2022 GRADUATION | 15
The pros, cons of an
advanced degree M
any college grads are continuing their education after earning bachelor’s degrees. Roughly 13.1 percent of American adults have an advanced degree, which is up from 8.6 percent in 2000, according to findings from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Educational Attainment. The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center says enrollment in graduate programs continues to grow. It rose 3.6 percent in fall 2020 from a year earlier, and 4.4 percent during the spring 2021 semester, perhaps spurred on by
the global pandemic and schools’ more flexible course offerings that cater to remote students. Despite their growing popularity, advanced degrees do not always translate into higher salaries or improved job prospects. The research site Educationdata.org says about 9 percent of Americans have master’s degrees, but the degrees increased employability by less than 3 percent. Furthermore, the cost of a master’s degree nearly doubles the average debt held by people with bachelor’s degrees, according to the personal finance marketplace Credible.
Congratulations to the 2022 Park Rapids High School Grads!
i’m lovin it! McDonald’s •101 S. Park Ave. •Park Rapids
In addition, certain business owners may even pass up on applicants with advanced degrees because the students had been in school too long or tended to assume their degrees make them worth more. That report indicates less than 10 percent of employers believe colleges do a good job of preparing students for the working world, and many employers value applicants who prioritize realworld experience over schooling. This is information students need to consider when thinking about pursuing advanced degrees.
s n o i t a l u t a r of CongClass 2022 Good Luck In Your Future Endeavors!
A COMMUNITY MINDED BANK
Park Rapids • Pine City • Nevis • northwoodsbank.com 16 | 2022 GRADUATION