Minnesota Wild join Sleepy Eye High School Commencement
Sleepy Eye one of two state schools adopted by ?team
Sleepy Eye High School Class of 2020 members receive diplomas and stuffed Minnesota Wild backpacks at the 2020 Commencement in the school parking lot Friday. From left, graduates Juan Cortez Jr., Kyle Christensen and Kalli Jo Christensen are pictured with Superintendent John Cselovszki.
Sleepy Eye High School Class of 2020 Student Council Senior Representative Isaac Huiras speaks at the 2020 Commencement Friday.
Minnesota Wild mascot Nordy participates in the Sleepy Eye High School 2020 Commencement Friday. The Minnesota Wild adopted two Minnesota high schools, one in the north and one in the south, Sleepy Eye, to participate in their high school commencement exercises this spring.
Sleepy Eye High School Class of 2020 members receive diplomas and stuffed Minnesota Wild backpacks at the 2020 Commencement in the school parking lot Friday. From left, graduates Juan Cortez Jr., Kyle Christensen and Kalli Jo Christensen are pictured with Superintendent John Cselovszki.
Sleepy Eye High School Class of 2020 Student Council Senior Representative Isaac Huiras speaks at the 2020 Commencement Friday.
Minnesota Wild mascot Nordy participates in the Sleepy Eye High School 2020 Commencement Friday. The Minnesota Wild adopted two Minnesota high schools, one in the north and one in the south, Sleepy Eye, to participate in their high school commencement exercises this spring.
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SLEEPY EYE -- The Minnesota Wild added some pizazz to the Sleepy Eye High School 2020 Commencement Friday, adopting the school and bringing mascot “Nordy” along for the ride.
The Wild adopted two schools and participated in their commencement exercises this spring. One school was chosen from the north and one from the south, Sleepy Eye.
“I never thought I’d be here in a million years, but here we are. I’m very happy to be here tonight,” said Minnesota Wild Director of Community Relationships and Marketing Wayne Petersen.
After receiving diplomas, graduates got a Wild backpack stuffed with items to help them in their future endeavors.
“It’s been a frustrating and challenging spring with the coronavirus and distance learning. The good news is, the Minnesota Wild adopted us,” said Sleepy Eye High School Principal Shane Laffen.
“Nordy” raced around the school parking lot on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) before diplomas were conferred.
Student Council Senior Representative Isaac Huiras spoke about the class’ climb through elementary, middle school and high school with fond eloquence.
“We’ve created bonds and memories that can’t be re-created,” Huiras said. “We’ve had each other to lean on and support. The best part of our senior year was the journey. The past shapes us as people and gives us lasting memories.”
Senior Class President Matthew Sellner talked about the senior year. He said not even the coronavirus could stop the class.
“It made us stronger. After graduation we’ll still be friends forever. Thank you,” Sellner said.
“Adapting to and enduring the Coronavirus only made us stronger,” said Student Council Senior Representative Alexa Steffl. “It will help us in our future careers. Thanks to the school teachers and staff that helped shape us. It’s like our class motto “What feels like the end is often the beginning.”
Other senior class officers were vice president Evan Fischer, secretary Colten Myers and treasurer Martina Nienhaus. Student council co-presidents were Juan Cortez and Emma Fischer.
(Fritz Busch can be emailed at fbusch@nujournal.com).