Central and Red River graduating seniors receive diplomas
Jun. 6—GRAND FORKS — Overcoming the challenges associated with completing high school — and especially during a pandemic — was a prominent topic during Grand Forks graduation ceremonies on Sunday.
Central and Red River high schools both held their graduation ceremonies at the Alerus Center. Central High School held its ceremony first, with 201 graduating seniors in the Class of '22.
Principal Jon Strandell reflected on the difficulties the graduates faced along the way and gave them advice as they start their new chapters in life.
"It has been a strange journey for the Class of 2022, but because it's the only journey these graduates have known, it may seem much more normal to them than it does to those of us who have watched, supported, loved and taught them along the way," Strandell said.
While graduates will take the knowledge and skills they've acquired to be successful wherever they go, Strandell said he also hopes they strive to achieve greatness.
"Our greatest hope for each of you ... is that you will be the kind of people whose mission in life is to leave each place, each person and each issue you come across a little better than you found it," Strandell said. "Realizing that your impact on the world is much greater than you can ever know."
The three graduating speakers were Cade Halvorson, Evan Whalen and Alexis Kraemer, each of whom spoke about the uncertainties they faced with the pandemic.
Halvorson encouraged his classmates to chase the feeling of unknown.
"That is what we should be going after," Halvorson said. "All of us. We have the tools, we have the foundation, we have traditions and above all, we have each other. So what is stopping us?"
Halvorson said they've already faced the unknown by going though a pandemic together. He urged his classmates to continue to face uncertainties they will face in life.
Red River High School held its graduation ceremony following Central. A total of 212 graduating seniors made up Red River's Class of '22.
Principal Kristopher Arason thanked the graduating class for for being leaders and role models to underclassmen.
"It has been a ride, to say the least, but through it all you have risen above the numerous challenges that have come your way, " Arason said. "As seniors, you excelled at academics, extra curricular activities, co-curricular activities and volunteered countless hours in our community. For that, I thank you."
Arason told the graduating class it is their time to shine and to continue carrying on the traditions of Red River High School.
The graduating speakers were Abigail Zola, Olivia Olson and Campbell Dorsey.
During her speech, Zola reflected on the years of education and memories made along the way. Zola said the education and lessons learned throughout the years have helped everyone prepare for the next step.
"While our foundation is not yet solidified, as humans, as high schoolers, as a bunch of someones, we use the qualities built up to the day to start to set ourselves up for the lives we choose to live," Zola said. "The best is yet to come for us, but it could not have been without a solid base to build on."
Olson also reflected on the past school year and everything her class has accomplished.
"We did it all. You did it all," Olson said. "And through these four years we have shown the rest of the students, staff and our families what it means to be a Rider — what it means to be the Class of 2022."
