Class of '26 graduates 55

They stood together for the final time.

 

One by one, they walked out into the world.

 

The 55 members of the NRHEG class of 2026 graduated Sunday afternoon in a packed high school gymnasium in New Richland.

 

Principal Grant Berg got the show rolling quickly as he said the day was not about anyone but the students standing on the stage.

 

Berg kept the introduction short and sweet. “Today is their (the graduates’) day. Thank you.”

 

Berg introduced the NRHEG choir which performed “Forever Young.”

 

Class speakers Chloe Stork, Winter Pederson, and Kaitlyn Dobberstein, elected by their peers, addressed the group’s shared experiences in elementary grades, secondary school, and looking toward the future.

 

“I don’t want to graduate,” Stork began. “I know that’s probably not what you want an 18-year-old who’s supposed to be ready for the next chapter to say, but it’s never really been about being ready. I’m just incredibly grateful to be able to say I had the best high school experience possible, and it’s because of the people who surrounded me along the way.”

 

Stork talked about what it was like growing up in such a small town, in a class under 60 students; class trips and experiences that shaped who they are today.

 

“It's a unique gift to grow up in a community like ours,” Stork continued. “Many of us have known each other since the days of mismatched socks and boogers.

 

“Somewhere in the middle of all of that, we learned things that mattered... We learned the importance of kindness, integrity, and working hard even when nobody was watching. I carry the values I do today because of my experiences throughout high school, and I hope that many classmates can say the same.”

 

Looking back now, we really were lucky,” Stork concluded.

 

Pederson spoke next and reminded those in attendance that today is the final time the class of ‘26 will see each other together. 

 

“Today is the day that we all close a very important chapter of our lives together,” Pederson said. “As each of us walk across this stage today, we aren’t just celebrating making it through high school and getting a diploma. We also celebrate our growth, our determination, and our resilience.

 

“I want everyone to embrace how powerful the present moment can be, instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, because the present is the foundation for everything yet to come,” Pederson concluded. “Thank you to everyone that believed in us and helped us get here today.”

 

Kaitlyn Dobberstein spoke about the future. 

 

“Some of us have known exactly what we want to do after high school, while others are still trying to figure it out,” Dobberstein said. “I think the thing that makes the future both exciting and scary is that we truly don’t know what’s coming next. We are entering a world full of change. 

 

“The future is not just about jobs, success, or achievements,” Dobberstein continued. “It's about learning to be kind when the world feels harsh, brave when life feels uncertain, and hopeful even when things don’t go as planned.

 

“Our future will not look the same for all of us, and that's okay,” she concluded. “Success is not defined by one single path because each of us will create our own stories. Congratulations to the class of 2026. The future is waiting for us.”

 

Berg introduced the NRHEG band, which played the traditional “last song together,” a composition played sometime during the seniors’ career, and one they selected as a favorite. 

 

This year’s choice was “(Risk) Everything for a Dream,” arranged by Richard L. Saucedo. 

 

Gabrielle Schlaak led the parent appreciation statement, after which graduates came down off the stage and delivered flowers to the parent figures in their lives.

 

Following the parent appreciation, a compilation of videos and photos from the class of ‘26 was shared.

 

Berg introduced salutatorian Wyatt Larson and valedictorian Chloe Stork. 

 

Short biographies of both these honored students appear in this week’s Star Eagle.

 

School board members Amy Ihrke and Kelly Delacruz, alongside superintendent Michael Meihak and Principal Berg, presented diplomas to the graduates.

 

When finished, Berg told graduates, "It's time,” and asked the graduates to stand and move the tassels on their caps.

 

“You are now officially graduated,” said Berg. “I want to congratulate all of the graduates and thank everyone for their attendance. I wish you all the best.”