With her youngest child just off to her first year of college, the start 2024-25 school year was a transition for CHS English teacher Tracie Yule.
“I looked at myself and wondered what my purpose in life was,” said Yule, who was the guest speaker at the school’s graduation ceremony on May 30. “There was a hole inside of my life that I was not sure how to fill. If taking care of her was no longer my primary responsibility, then what was it? Without the role of parent, I felt uprooted, not sure how I was supposed to navigate this new frontier.”
So this school year began differently, she said.
“Sure, the classroom was the same, some of the students were the same, the curriculum, the books…a lot of it…same. But I felt different as I tried to transverse a life that was unfamiliar.”
But Yule took one day at a time.
“Each day I arrived at school, trusting the process of teaching, trusting the process of learning. Because, FYI, school isn’t just about formulas, worksheets and tests. I was hoping that you would learn more about yourselves through literature. For me, literature allows us to see the deeper meaning of the world around us, to see the beauty of being human. It is a guide to be better people.”
As they trusted her to bring them along their learning journey, worked hard, and, even though they suffered occasional setbacks, came back into her room and tried again, the class of 2025 inspired her as she was motivating them.
“In my journey of healing, you have become a gift for me. Instead of dwelling on what is no longer here, you have shown me that every day is a new day. As you move away from your identity as a high school student, you too will need to begin again…My expectation is that you will continue to meet each day as an opportunity to do and be the best version of yourself. There will be days that you fail, but accept the invitation of a new day and begin again.”
Also at the graduation ceremony, class president Ariel Murphy welcomed the audience. She acknowledged the support family, friends and teachers provided the 43 members of the class of 2025 over the last 13 years.
“As I look around the crowd, I see an enthusiastic community rallying around us and waiting in anticipation to see us onto our next paths…This ceremony is just as much about the relationship and love we’ve built along the way as it is our achievements, and you have all played integral roles in that process.”
Murphy went on to say that spaces in the school building are just as familiar to her and many of her classmates as their homes.
“Every morning for years, we’ve lived in the same bubble surrounded by one another. In this routine, there is comfort. There is a mundane, everyday beauty in these walls that have built us. It’s not often that we take a moment and appreciate this beauty, appreciate the small and quite moments that have shaped us.”
Although structured and often monotonous, Murphy said that school is a nurturing experience that shaped their characters, and she was grateful for those who were a part of their formation.
“On one hand, we are saying goodbye to a rigid and, at times, unforgiving schedule, where every day feels the same. On the other hand, we are also saying goodbye to the place that taught us how to be humans, the place where we proved every day to ourselves and those around us how we are going to exist in this world, and we are elated you could share this final sendoff with us.”
In her honor’s address, Evelyn Keltgen said that some of her classmates have a plan for life after graduation while others do not. Both scenarios are fine, she said, especially since life will occasionally “throw curveballs at you.”
Citing the band trip this spring, she said that some of the best moments come from unexpected events.
“The big blizzard, the bus in the ditch and being separated and stranded at random towns in Iowa? We overcame big challenges, nothing horrible happened, and we created some of the funniest memories of the trip. That is just one small example of how the unexpected can turn into something great.”
Keltgen went on to give examples of how unplanned incidents led to successful discoveries and inventions, like penicillin and Post-it notes.
“Take those chances to discover something new,” she advised her classmates. “Maybe it’s a new job opportunity, the chance to travel the world or to create a new, innovative invention. Either way, step out of our comfort zone because that is the only way you can truly grow.”
Also at the graduation ceremony, Jackson Bowen and Maya Lassiter narrated the class history.
“Where do you start with a class like ours? Let’s rewind all the way back to the beginning, when things were simpler, when nap time was scheduled, snack breaks were the highlight of the day, and your biggest crime was getting a stop and think.”
Principal Scott Lusk presented the graduates.
“You leave Cleveland Public School with more than just knowledge. You carry with you the spirt of this community, the lessons of resilience and the belief that you are capable of shaping the future….I encourage you to lead with courage, compassion and purpose…The world needs your ideals, your voices, your dreams. Don’t just chase your future; build it.”
Blake Lyons won the Androli Award while Keltgen took home the Athena Award. Among other criteria, these awards recognize outstanding citizenship, scholastic achievement, attendance, and participation in athletics and extracurricular activities.
Scott Miller, School Board chairperson, presented most of the class with their diplomas while board member Molly Stoffel presented Sophie Perkins with her diploma, and board member Kevin McCabe presented Reid Knish with his diploma.
Along with the diplomas, $141,300 in scholarships was awarded.
The Cleveland Graduation Ensemble, a band made up of students in grades 8-11 and directed by Erik Hermanson, performed the prelude music and the traditional “Fanfare and Processional/Recessional.”
Directed by Erik Hermanson, the Cleveland Graduation Ensemble provided music.
Junior class vice president Carter Kern and junior class president Vivian Hilfer led the candidate procession.
The college they will attend, memories, slogans…Many of the graduates decorated their mortarboards.
Class president Ariel Murphy welcomed the audience.
Evelyn Keltgen gave the honors address.
Maya Lassiter and Jackson Bowen narrated the class history.
Blake Lyons and Lacey McCabe react to the class history.
English teacher Tracie Yule was the guest speaker.
Candidates listen to Tracie Yule’s speech.
Assistant principal Dave Cink presented the Androli Award to Blake Lyons.
Assistant principal Dave Cink presented the Athena Award to Evelyn Keltgen.
Graduates flip their tassels.
Mortarboard toss.
Jocelyn Bartell: Honor graduate; Plans - Augustana University, Data Science; Scholarships - Cleveland Dollars for Scholars ($500).
Kayla Bauer
Jackson Bowen: Honor graduate and National Honor Society member; Plans - Gustavus Adolphus College; Scholarships - Cleveland Dollars for Scholars ($1000), American Red Cross ($500), Gustavus President’s Scholarship ($38,000).
Olivia Braun: Plans - Diesel mechanic; Scholarships - Le Sueur County Pioneer Power ($500).
Ashton Cap: Honor graduate; Plans - Minnesota State University, Mankato, Medical Laboratory Science; Scholarships - Cleveland Dollars for Scholars ($500), MSU,M Presidential Award ($1000).
Allison Cink: Honor graduate; Plans - Marian University, golf; Scholarships - Cleveland Dollars for Scholars ($500), Richard Miller Memorial ($500), Le Sueur Country Club ($600).
Kyle Connor: Honor graduate; Plans - Aviation; Scholarships - Cleveland American Legion ($1000), Cleveland Booster Club ($500), Pioneer Bank ($500).
Curtis David: Plans - Work.
Keely Davis: Plans - Work; Scholarships - Cleveland Dollars for Scholars ($100).
Mylie Dylla: Plans - Minnesota State University, Mankato, Elementary Education; Scholarships - Cleveland Dollars for Scholars ($800); Cleveland CEA ($200).
Ellie Esser: Plans - Lake Superior College, Radiologic Technology; Scholarships - Cleveland Sons of the American Legion/Clayton Block Memorial ($500), Ed Schultz ($500).
Blake Gibbs: Honor graduate: Plans -South Central College, Graphic Communications; Scholarships - Cleveland Sons of the American Legion/Clayton Block Memorial ($500), Ed Schultz ($500).
Chloe Haack: Plans - Travel; Scholarships - Jack Zimmerman Leadership ($250), Terry Matejcek Memorial ($1000).
Ava Hahn: Honor graduate; Plans - Minnesota State University, Moorhead, volleyball; Scholarships - Cleveland Dollars for Scholars ($500), Cleveland Fire Department ($500), Cleveland Sons of the American Legion ($250).
Noah Hermel: Plans - Work.
Addison Holden: Plans - Minnesota State University, Mankato, Elementary Education; Scholarships - Cleveland Dollars for Scholars ($250).
Alexander Johnson: Plans - University of Minnesota, Rochester, Pre-Medicine; Scholarships - Cleveland Dollars for Scholars ($750), Jack Zimmerman Leadership ($250).
Kale Kelley: Honor graduate; Plans - College or work.
Evelyn Keltgen: Honor graduate and National Honor Society member; Plans - Iowa State University, Biology and Pre-Veterinary; Scholarships - Cleveland Fire Department ($500), Ed Schultz ($1250), Bruce Fasnacht Memorial ($250), American Red Cross ($500), Orlo A. Balcer Memorial Scholarship (Frandsen Bank & Trust) ($1000), Cleveland FFA Scholarship ($750), Mankato Elks Lodge Scholarship ($1000), Iowa State Academic Achievement Award ($12,000 per year, $48,000 total), Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean's Academic Excellence, Iowa State University Presidential Award ($3000 per year, $12,000 total).
Reid Knish: Plans - Power Lineman school; Scholarships - Redman’s Club ($250).
Brennan Kortuem: Plans - Gustavus Adolphus College, Sports Management, basketball; Scholarships - Cleveland Dollars for Scholars ($500).
Mylie Krenik: Honor graduate; Plans - Minnesota State University, Mankato; Scholarships - Cleveland Dollars for Scholars ($500); Monica Holicky Memorial ($500), Minnesota State University, Mankato ($1000).
Joanna Larson: Honor graduate; Scholarships - Cleveland Dollars for Scholars ($250).
Maya Lassiter: Honor graduate and National Honor Society member; Plans - Minnesota State University, Mankato, Aviation; Scholarships - Cleveland Dollars for Scholars ($250); Cleveland American Legion Auxiliary ($1000), Minnesota State University, Mankato ($1000), HomeTown Bank ($250).
Kamryn Lindsay: Plans - Rochester Community and Technical College, Nursing; Scholarships - Cleveland Dollars for Scholars ($1000).
Blake Lyons: Honor graduate and National Honor Society member; Plans - Minnesota State University, Mankato, Construction Management, Business minor; Scholarships - Cleveland Dollars for Scholars ($1000), Concrete Cutter ($500), Class of 1954 ($250), Minnesota State University, Mankato ($750), Modern Woodmen ($1000), HomeTown Bank ($250).
Lacey McCabe: Honor graduate; Plans - Minnesota State University, Mankato, Dental Hygiene; Scholarships - Cleveland Dollars for Scholars ($250), Cleveland Booster Club ($500), Ed Schultz ($1250), Kilkenny/Le Center division of the Ancient Order of the Hibernians ($1000), Minnesota State University Mankato ($1000), Le Sueur County St. Patrick’s Day Scholarship, Miss Leprechaun ($2000), Cleveland Sons of American Legion ($250).
Brenna McCarthy: Plans - South Central Technical College, Dental Assisting; Scholarships - Cleveland Dollars for Scholars ($500).
Savannah Meyer: Honor graduate and National Honor Society member; Plans - Minnesota State University, Mankato, Dental Hygiene, volleyball; Scholarships - Cleveland Dollars for Scholars ($500), Ed Schultz ($1250), HomeTown Bank ($250), Minnesota State University, Mankato ($1000), Madison Lake Sons of the American Legion ($1000).
Ariel Murphy: Plans - Gustavus Adolphus College, English/English Education, Business minor; Scholarships - Cleveland Dollars for Scholars ($500), Cleveland Fire Department ($500).
Levi Murphy
Sophie Perkins: Honor graduate; Plans - University of Wisconsin, La Crosse; Scholarships - Cleveland Fire Department ($500), Ed Schultz ($1250).
Carter Reintjes: Honor graduate; Plans - University of North Dakota, Civil Engineering; Scholarships - Cleveland Dollars for Scholars ($1000).
Thayne Remiger: Plans - Traveling and studying nursing; Scholarships - Cleveland Dollars for Scholars ($1000).
Adam Robinson: Plans - Raise his child, attend a trade or medical school; Scholarships - Cleveland Dollars for Scholars ($250).
Ryley Ryg: Scholarships - Cleveland Dollars for Scholars ($100).
Cayden Schmidt: Honor graduate; Plans - South Central College and MNSU, Biomedical and Cellular Biology; Scholarships - Cleveland Dollars for Scholars ($750), Minnesota State University Maverick ($1000), Minnesota Valley Uniserve ($1000).
Nicholas Simonette: Plans - Minnesota West Community and Technical College, Electrician; Scholarships - Redmen ($250).
MacKenzie Smith: Honor graduate; Plans - Minnesota State University, Mankato, Nursing; Scholarships - Cleveland Dollars for Scholars ($1000).
Tristan (TJ) Waldron: Plans - Winona State University, Engineering, cross country and track; Scholarships - Cleveland Dollars for Scholars ($250).
Joseph Yokiel: Honor graduate; Plans - South Central College; Scholarships - Cleveland Dollars for Scholars ($1000).
Kendra Zimmerman: Honor graduate; Plans - St. Mary’s University and travel; Scholarships - Cleveland Dollars for Scholars ($250); German/Jefferson Sportsman Club ($500), Everly Hewitt Memorial ($500), HomeTown Bank ($250).
Missing is Brennan Hunter.
