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MARSHFIELD, WI (WSAU-WDLB) — For the first time in two years, Marshfield High School on Saturday held a graduation ceremony.
And for the first time in decades, the ceremony was held outdoors–at the new Heiting Community Stadium on the M-H-S campus.
Under sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-50’s, 283 seniors received their diplomas, during a ceremony which only family members were invited to. Students sat in white chairs which were socially distanced across the southern half of the field, as a high-definition video board showed the ceremonies to the crowd from the south end zone.
The ceremony was a rare occurrence for the district. Outdoor graduation ceremonies were common in the days of McKinley High School in the early part of the 20th century, and were somewhat routine throughout the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s at Beell Stadium, on what was then the High School campus.
But since the school moved to its current location in the late 60’s, the M-H-S Fieldhouse–one of the largest of its kind in the state–has hosted the annual commencement exercises.
Principal Mike Nicksic recognized a senior class whose final years were “altered unlike any class before”. “They handled their less than ideal senior year with grace, dignity, understanding, and naturally a great amount of disappointment.
“Times as these can defeat a person. Or they can be an opportunity to build character, urge resiliency, and determination. I think I speak for our entire faculty when I say that the positive energy and engagement they came to school with, they met and passed this challenge with flying colors. And is a testament to the class act that is the class of 2021.
“In the words of Abraham Lincoln, the best way to predict your future is to create it. We have no doubts that the class of 2021 is prepared to tackle life’s challenges and will do just that. Graduates go forward and apply your gifts and talents. Go make your future,”.
Mo Edwards – one of three class speakers – reminded her peers their class has survived a lot of setbacks, from educational and personal struggles, to bomb and shooting threats, and a global pandemic.
“It’s been a tumultuous year to say the least. But look around again, we’re not on our knees. We’re here celebrating together the class of 2021, about to graduate despite all the hits. We’ve kept moving forward, all of us, and that’s evidential of what we’re worth. We’re worth quite a lot.
“Class of 2021, as you enter into the next chapter of your life, remember all that you have already accomplished. Remember how much you’ve persevered, remember those around you that have helped you succeed. So congratulations to the class of 2021, we’ve proven we can take the hits. We know what we’re worth. And now it’s time to go out and get what we’re worth,”.
Edwards was one of 16 seniors recognized for finishing in the academic top five-percent of their class. The others were Allie Bacholl, Adam Zee, Tara Bhat, Lillie Boero, Sary Bseiso, Dehlia Kilty, Matthew McEwen, Emily Sautebin, Anna Weis, Ian Brunson, Ethan Dagit, Allison Geiger, Alejandro Mayagoitia, Morgan Meyer and Parker Weik.
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