Although too far back to remember, some of the 38 members of the CHS class of 2026, those who attended Lynell Rohlfing’s preschool class, began every school day with a welcome song.
Rohlfing, in her keynote address at the commencement ceremony, which was held in the new gym on Friday (May 29), evoked that daily song, modifying it slightly to reflect her target audience’s 13-year journey.
Hello graduates. How are you?
It’s time to start your day.
You will learn, work and play.
Hello graduates. How are you?
Three words from the song are still the class of 2026’s takeaway, she said.
“Never stop learning. Education does not end when you leave school. The world will continue to change, and every experience, success and setback will teach you something valuable. Stay curious, ask questions and be willing to grow.
“Work hard and work with purpose. Success comes from dedication, responsibility and determination. No matter what journey you choose, give your best effort and take pride in what you do.
“Remember to play. Life is not meant to always be deadlines and responsibilities. Spend time with people you love. Laugh often. Celebrate every victory big and small. Enjoy your journey every step of the way.”
Rohlfing, who retired at the end of this school year, said she was honored to have the opportunity to reflect upon how far each graduate has come, both academically and as person. She acknowledged that some of them have a clear plan while others are still determining their next steps. Both are ok, she said, as long as the graduate has the courage to keep stepping forward.
“The world is waiting for your talent, your ideas and your heart. Success isn’t about what you achieve but about what you become.”
The ceremony began with a welcome from second-year superintendent Dustin Bosshart.
“Although I wasn’t here with you at your beginning, I ‘ve had the privilege of watching you grow over the past two years into remarkable young adults. You’ve shown strength, wisdom adaptability and compassion as true members of the Clipper community.”
But the candidates didn’t earn their diplomas all alone, he said.
“None of this would have been possible without your parents, guardians and the dedicated staff here at Cleveland. They have been your biggest cheerleaders, made countless sacrifices and believed in you even in those times when you didn’t believe in yourself.”
He concluded the welcome by telling the candidates to set big goals and be tough yet sympathetic in the journey to achieve them.
“Always reach higher than you think possible. Carry the values of the Clipper family, strength, compassion, resilience and kindness, with you, wherever life takes you. Tonight is not the end of your story. It’s a beautiful beginning of the next chapter.”
Honor graduates Anna Kawatski-Klein and Vivian Hilfer teamed up on the Honors Address.
Kawatski-Klein said that Cleveland is obviously a tight-knit community, and, reflecting what Bosshart said, that has helped the Class of 2026 along its way.
“You see it on Friday night football games the streets and the hill is filled with people. You see it on Burger Night and Legion Bingo where familiar faces are in every corner of the room. In a small town like ours, success is never earned alone because there is always community right behind you.”
Hilfer especially mentioned family and school staff.
“Behind every student sitting before you today is a family’s love and support, teachers who made an impact and friends who made the journey a little easier and a lot more memorable.”
Both went on to thank their parents and siblings for helping them get to graduation day.
In his class address, class president Carter Kern said we live in a world that is constantly preparing us for the next step.
“Everyone in the room, especially the senior class, is used to being asked ‘what’s next? We are all so eager to move on to the next chapter of our lives.”
Kern went on to say that many, himself included, find themselves waiting for the next moment, but instead, they should instead focus on what is happening right now.
Echoing Rohlfing’s advice, Kern said everyone should enjoy the moments leading up to the big steps, like supper with parents, the remaining opportunities to spend time with classmates and the time off before starting college or a new job.
“One day you will look back and realize those movements weren’t just steps towards something else. They were life itself.”
Principal Scott Lusk presented the graduates. Like the speakers before him, he reminded the seniors of all the people who helped them get to graduation day.
“We are products of those who loved us, those believed in us, those who showed us kindness or told us the truth even when it wasn’t easy to hear…they offered support and encouragement. Someone tried to teach you right from wrong, the best that they could, be it a parent, grandparent, friend, teacher…and we know no one is perfect…but we tried to instill in you that being a good person is most important thing in life.”
While many things in life won’t be in their control, some are, Lusk said, like a positive attitude; effort; their thoughts, whether they are positive or negative; their productivity level; their view of themselves; their work ethic; how they treat others; their level of honesty with themselves and others; and their gratitude.
“Life can be difficult, especially if you let the less important things weigh you down. Part of growing up is knowing what is important. You can’t keep all things with you Decide what you should hold on to and what to let go. The good things in your life are lighter anyway, so make more room for them.”
Schoolboard chairman Scott Miller presented most of the class with their diplomas while board members Nancy Heldberg, Ryan Ponwith and Andy Jindra gave them to graduates with whom they had a special connection.
Along with the diplomas, $358,526 in scholarships was awarded.
Also at the graduation ceremony, Sierra McCabe and Bode Bartell narrated the class history.
Mason Kluntz won the Androli Award while Hilfer took home the Athena Award. Among other criteria, these awards recognize outstanding citizenship, scholastic achievement, attendance, and participation in athletics and extracurricular activities. Principal Dave Cink presented the awards.
Directed by Erik Hermanson, the Cleveland Graduation Ensemble, provided the music, including prelude music, “Fanfare and Processional,” “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and a recessional mash that Hermanson arranged.
Kaden Schmidt, Brylee Ross, Olivia Reinhardt, Caleb Possin, Elijah Mons, Melissa Miller and John McClune during the national anthem.
Bryn Woodrum, Vanessa Wondra, Madison Wollschlager, Ethan Thompson, Gavin Struck and Nathan Seeman during the national anthem.
Superintendent Dustin Bosshart presented the welcome address.
Honor graduates Anna Kawatski-Klein and Vivian Hilfer teamed up on the Honors Address.
Sierra McCabe and Bode Bartell narrated the class history.
Gavin Dent watches the memory slide show.
Retiring preschool teacher Lynell Rohlfing was the keynote speaker.
Carter Kern gave the class address.
Mason Kluntz won the Androli Award. Presenting it is principal Dave Cink.
Vivian Hilfer won the Athena Award.
Principal Scott Lusk presented the graduates.
Turning the tassel.
Vanessa Wondra shows off her diploma as the graduates exit the gym. In front is Bryn Woodrum.
Erik Hermanson’s Graduation Ensemble
Sean Baumann, Bode Bartell and Samantha Baker in the reception line after the ceremony.
Anna Kawatski-Klein and Mickayla Janzen in the reception line.
Max Esser, Daniel McClune, Kasyn Zuehlke, Dylan Ely, Brylee Ross, Gavin Dent, Sean Baumann and Dominic Anderson pose with their diplomas.
Dominic Anderson: Plans – Entering the workforce
Samantha Baker: Scholarships – Dollars for Scholars ($750), Sons of the American Legion, Clayton Block Memorial ($500), Ed Schultz, 2-year school ($500); Plans – Attending South Central Community College majoring in Nursing
Bode Bartell: Scholarships – Dollars for Scholars ($500), Ed Schultz, 2-year school ($500), Jack Zimmerman Leadership ($250); Plans – Attending South Central Community College Business Transfer pathway
Sean Baumann: Plans – Entering the workforce
Emma Bluhm: Honor graduate and NHS member; Scholarships – Dollars for Scholars ($750), American Legion Auxiliary ($1,000), Masons of Aroura Lodge ($2,000); Plans – Attending South Dakota State University majoring in Pharmacy
Mollie Bowman: Honor graduate; Scholarships – Dollars for Scholars ($400), Kansas State Wildcat Nonresident ($70,776); Plans – Attending Kansas State University majoring in Biology on a Pre-med track
Gavin Dent: Plans – Entering the workforce
Deandra Doerr: Honor graduate; Scholarships – Dollars for Scholars ($1,250), Redman Club ($250); Plans – Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato majoring in Psychology
David Draheim: Scholarships – Dollars for Scholars ($750), Gustavus Three-Crown ($134,000); Plans – Attending Gustavus Adolphus College majoring in Business Management
Isabel Duron: Fire Department ($1,000); Plans – Attending Nova Academy of Cosmetology
Dylan Ely: Plans – Entering the workforce
Max Esser: Plans – Attending Crown College majoring in Business Administration
Jackson Fowler: Plans – Entering the workforce
Judd Gibbs: Scholarships – Dollars for Scholars ($400); Plans – Undecided
Vivian Hilfer: Honor graduate and NHS member; Scholarships – Dollars for Scholars ($500), Cleveland American Legion ($1000), Cleveland Booster Club ($500), Monica Holicky Memorial ($500), Masons of Nicollet Lodge #54 (1,000), Baylor Distinction Award ($100,000), Mankato Jobs ($1,000); Plans – Attending Baylor University, majoring in Business on a Pre-law track
Mickayla Janzen: Plans – Attending South Central Community College majoring in accounting
Anna Kawatski-Klein: Honor graduate and NHS member; Scholarships – Dollars for Scholars ($550), Everly Hewitt Memorial Scholarship ($500), Ed Schultz ($1,000), Terry Matejcek Memorial ($1,000), Pioneer Bank ($500), Agropur ($1,000), Masons of Nicollet Lodge #54 ($1,000); Plans – Attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison majoring in Biology on a Pre-pharmacy track
Carter Kern: Honor graduate and NHS member: Scholarships – Dollars for Scholars ($350), German/Jefferson Sportsman Club ($500), Ed Schultz ($1,500), Richard Miller Memorial ($500), Academic Achievement ($3,000); Plans – Attending the University of Minnesota Rochester majoring in Health Sciences on a Pre-med track
Mason Kluntz: Honor graduate; Scholarships – Dollars for Scholars ($250), Charles & Roselyn Wingert ($1,000), Sons of the American Legion ($250); Plans – Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato majoring in Civil Engineering
Hollis Knish: Plans – Traveling the country
Alex Kortuem: Scholarships – Dollars for Scholars ($300); Plans – Attending Gustavus Adolphus College majoring in Sports Management
Killian Kunkel: Scholarships – Fire Department ($1000); Plans – Attending Gustavus Adolphus College
Dacota Lotspeich: Plans – Attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln majoring in Agribusiness Management
Sierra McCabe: Honor graduate; Scholarships – Dollars for Scholars ($500), Ed Schultz ($1,500), Jack Zimmerman Leadership ($250), Sons of the American Legion ($250), College of Saint Benedict Academic Achievement ($144,000), Le Sueur County St. Patrick’s Day Miss Leprechaun ($2,000), College of St. Benedict Legacy ($4,000); Plans – Attending the College of St. Benedict majoring in Psychology
Daniel McClune: Plans – Attending South Central Community College History Transfer Pathway
Melissa Miller: Honor graduate; Plans – Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato for an Associate of Arts Degree
Elijah Mons: Honor graduate; Scholarships – Dollars for Scholars ($250), Cleveland Booster Club ($500), Ed Schultz ($1,500), Bison Merit Award ($1,500); Plans – Attending North Dakota State University majoring in Business Administration and Computer Science
Caleb Possin: Plans – Attending Minnesota West Technical College majoring in Electrical
Olivia Reinhardt: Scholarships – Dollars for Scholars ($500), Anders Early Learning Center ($500), Cleveland CEA ($200), Warren & Nina West ($1000), Edward H. Schultz Golden Choices ($1,5,00), Lowell D. Lynch ($1,000), Teamsters ($2,000, HomeTown Bank ($500), Jon G. Carlstrom ($5,000); Plans – Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato majoring in Psychology and Elementary Education
Brylee Ross: Plans – Attending South Central Community College majoring in Computer Technical Studies
Kaden Schmidt: Scholarships – Dollars for $ ($500); Plans – Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato majoring in Business
Nathan Seeman: Scholarships – Sons of the American Legion/Clayton Block Memorial ($500), Ed Schultz 2-year school ($500), Concrete Cutter ($500), Bruce Fasnacht Memorial ($250), Workforce Development ($2,500); Plans – Attending Minnesota West Technical College majoring in Electrical
Gavin Struck: Scholarships – Dollars for Scholars ($750), Sons of the American Legion ($250); Plans – Attending Minnesota State University Mankato majoring in Construction Management
Ethan Thompson: Plans – Entering the workforce and continuing education
Madison Wollschlager: Scholarships – Dollars for Scholars ($750), Redman Club ($250); Plans – Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato majoring in Nursing
Vanessa Wondra: Honor graduate; Plans – Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato majoring in Criminal Justice
Bryn Woodrum: Plans – Continue working and then going into the trades and obtain a CDL
Kasyn Zuehlke: Plans – Entering the workforce
Carter Kern decorated his mortarboard with a mosaic of photos of his friends.
Killian Kunkel’s mortarboard included his nickname: Big K.