Seizing the opportunity
TAHS Class of 2025 celebrates, looks ahead to the future
There were plenty of roses at Sunday’s Tracy Area High School commencement ceremony, but definitely no thorns.
As a symbol of love and appreciation to their parents — and a nod to their class flower — every graduating senior brought a rose to their parents near the conclusion of the afternoon during what was called a “Moment for Loved Ones.” This moment was followed by a “Farewell” speech by Kendra Timmerman before the band played the school song, “Minnesota Rouser” as the new graduates walked back down the aisle and made their way outside to gather the friends and family for hugs, well-wishes and plenty more photo opps.
“It has been a long journey,” said Marin Knott, this year’s TAHS valedictorian. “Family and friends in the audience, you have been our biggest supporters. You have seen the ups and the downs.”
The high school choir, under the direction of Wendy Johnson, sang “Helplessly Hoping” by Crosby, Stills and Nash, and the concert band, directed by Katelyn Elton, performed Brian Balmages’ “Moscow, 1941” after the “Welcome” speech by Trevor Smith.
Speaker Abbie Chandler said the celebration Sunday was one “filled with pride, relief, excitement and maybe a little bit of nervousness all rolled into one. It’s hearing your name called and realizing, ‘This is really happening.’ This day marks something we’ve worked for together. We’re not thinking about what’s due tomorrow… for once, we can just sit here and take it all in.”
Chandler thanked the teachers, staff, counselors, coaches, the lunch crew and the administration for all their work, as well as the students’ parents for their support throughout the years.
“This day isn’t just a celebration, it’s a memory in the making,” Chandler said, “one that will stay with us for the rest of our lives.”
Jonathan Reyes Rodriguez gave the “Future” speech, admitting he was apprehensive about giving a speech.
“When Mr. Miller called me into his office and asked if I would be willing to step in and give a speech today, I was apprehensive to say the least,” he said. “Would I mess up, stumble with my words? Then it hit me — it’s not about being perfect, it’s about stepping up.”
Reyes Rodriguez said the future won’t always be easy and will be filled with setbacks, confusion and doubt at times.
“The truth is, the future is scary … but we can’t let uncertainty keep us from the greatest opportunity we’ve been given — life itself,” he said. “Just like I’ve been given the honor of standing before all of you today, our Creator has given us the opportunity of life … so let’s move forward and respect that gift, not with perfection but with intention.”
The Class of 2025 salutatorian is Alex Munson, and honor students were also introduced Sunday: Munson, Noah Knakmuhs, Mandie Pond, Ella Voss, Kenzie Fischer, Teagan Viessman, Brianna Duscher, Jabneel Guittierez Rodriguez, Timmerman, Knott, Chandler, Smith and Reyes-Rodriguez.
