Waseca graduates 137 on Sunday

Resilient, determined, athletic, musical and talented are the words Waseca High School’s senior class president Paige Dufault chose to describe the past 13 years of the seniors’ lives as they sat for graduation on Sunday, June 7. 

 

The motto selected by the 137 members of the  Class of 2026 was "Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment, until it becomes a memory.” The class flower was a yellow rose. The high school band played, directed by Devon Lawrence, played the processional, “Pomp and Circumstance.” 

 

“We are a class of many different ethnicities, teams, ensembles, and clubs,” said Dufault. “The unity we’ve shared within these walls will always hold a special place in our hearts. No matter where life takes you, remember that Waseca will always be a place you can call home.” 

 

Class speaker Sadie Schimming encouraged her classmates to think about and thank the people who helped them get to this point in their lives. “Our commitment to each other, whether it’s cheering on our sports teams, watching our bands and choirs perform, or congratulating our seniors as they graduate from high school, the community shows up and makes a difference.”

 

Senior choir members joined the Select Choir to perform “Omnia Sol” and “Hlohonolofatsa,” under the direction of Mrs. Megan Kreinbring. 

 

Student Council President Layla Keith asked her classmates to consider the essential nature of “community.” 

 

“Now that today is actually here, it’s clear that ‘Waseca’ isn’t just a place we went to school—it’s a place we grew up in. It’s our home.” 

 

Principal Justin Johnston shared that the students have had a big impact on the school and community, and that it is now their time to widen that influence beyond the school walls. 

 

“On behalf of all of us, thank you for the impact you have had on our school, our staff, and one another. We wish you nothing but success, health, and happiness in whatever path lies ahead.

 

And never forget: once a Blue Jay, always a Blue Jay.”

 

Johnston gave special acknowledgement to the six students who had a grade point average of 4.0 or higher and the 75 students who graduated with honors.

 

After it was announced the students had completed all state requirements and were now officially ready to receive their diplomas, Superintendent Dr. Eric Hudspith and school board members took turns delivering the diplomas and shaking students’ hands. The class escorts were John Hanson and Jake Nelson.