Last Friday’s commencement program for the 2016 Becker High School graduates was a delight to experience as 208 students were honored for their achievements throughout their four-year tenure. With Memorial looming in three days, the graduation ceremony Friday evening kicked off in a most poignant way, with the local American Legion presenting the colors and the Star Spangled Banner sang by senior Megan Graftaas.

 

Dr. Stephen Malone gave a short welcome speech, then presented Principal Sandy Logrono, who commended the graduates, pointed out their strong suits and gave them a heart-felt salute for their fine accomplishments.

 

“Graduates, look around you,” she said. “You are among family and friends celebrating your hard work and accomplishments.”

 

“Enjoy the moment,” she continued. “I am so proud of this class.”

 

Friday’s ceremony lasted approximately one hour and 15 minutes.

 

Students and graduates who were part of the Becker wind ensemble, played “O Magnum Mysterium”, a performance honoring the birth of Christ. The piece was directed by Music Director Craig Vogl.

 

Graduate Kaylene Kruse — who was chosen by a school council to deliver the senior class speech — spoke eloquently and with fervor as she gave her strong message. 

 

She identified a few of her fellow graduates by calling on them and asking them to stand up and be recognized. She talked about their greatness and acknowledge how important they were for being part of her life.

 

“We as a class have shaped each other to something bigger than we will ever know,” she said. “We have shaped each other into artists, teachers, coaches, actors, musicians, educators, soldiers and so much more.”

 

Maggie Maine was chosen to give the faculty speech. She felt honored to give the speech since she felt she had a special bond with many of the seniors over the years. She talked about the special memories the students created, “whether it was on the field, basketball court, main stage or  in the halls and classrooms. On behalf of the staff and faculty of Becker Public Schools, we are all very proud of you.”

 

Gretchen Bordson gathered her choir group to the left of the stage and they sang the Green Day song, “Time of Your Life”  with zeal and cheerfulness.

 

Graduates Corey Berscheit and Andrea Molus had the distinct honor of calling on two alumni who were being awarded hall-of-fame status with the school. Don Bergman, a 1965 alum and Lloyd Bud Stimmler, a class of 1966 alum, were invited to the podium to give short speeches and inspire the students.

 

Immediately following the hall-of-famers, the diplomas were presented to the students by Malone, School Board Chairman Aaron Jurek and School Board Members Mark Swanson and Lori Molus. The names of the graduates were read by Jenn Feierabend and Lisa Sackett.

 

As the seniors returned to their seats and all awards handed out, Logorno and senior class president Molus announced the class of 2016, in which the seniors’ mortar board hats went skyward.

 

Vogl and the wind ensemble concluded the evening by playing Fanfare and Recessional by Ralph Vaughn Williams.

 

Immediately following Friday’s ceremony, the students, family, friends and faculty retired to the fieldhouse to congratulate each other, pose for pictures and say their goodbyes.

 

Congratulations Class of 2016. You made it!