Thirty-two seniors received diplomas during Britton-Hecla High School’s commencement ceremony Sunday afternoon.
Superintendent Steve Benson welcomed graduates and encouraged them to persevere, even when faced with setbacks.
“The world is waiting,” Benson said. “They don’t expect perfection, but rather the courage to move forward.”
Members of the Class of 1976 were also recognized during the ceremony.
Senior class officers, including President Paisley Bray and Secretary-Treasurer Karlie Zuehlke, delivered the commencement address. The speakers reflected on the many pieces of advice seniors often receive, noting that much of it can be contradictory. Instead, they chose to share some advice of their own, touching on topics ranging from homework and goals to naps and coffee runs. They concluded by repeating the class motto, “Enjoy the moments before they become memories.”
Musical selections included “Vienna” by Billy Joel performed by the senior ensemble and “For Good” from Wicked performed by the B-H Concert Band.
Principal Carrie James recognized students for academic honors and other accomplishments. Thirteen seniors wore red cords in recognition of donating blood three times or completing a set number of volunteer hours at blood drives. Students receiving the honor were Maddie Biel, Paisley Bray, Carter Dawson, Landyn Fredrick, Addysen Grupe, Eboni Jackson, Isabel James, Abigail Lee, William Richter, Calynne Speegle, Wyatt Strong, Ava Teveldal and Karlie Zuehlke.
A total of 22 seniors were recognized as honor students. Students earning honor status with a GPA of 3.0 or above included Cole Bodin, Landyn Fredrick, Bryce Heitkamp, Eboni Jackson and Olivia Johnson. High honor students with GPAs of 3.5 or above were Benjamin Folkman, Addysen Grupe, Bryce Hawkinson, Peyton Pearson and Natalie Treeby.
Students earning highest honors with GPAs of 3.7 or higher were Maddie Biel, Riley Hofland and Isabel James. Seniors graduating with a 4.0 GPA or higher and receiving honor medallions were Corinne Bosse, Paisley Bray, Taryn Kraft, Abigail Lee, William Richter, Ava Teveldal, Jade Tisher, Jaxon Zuehlke and Karlie Zuehlke.
Other members of the Class of 2026 included Austin Beck, Isaac Bennett, Kendrix Dinger, Sage Ford, Keegan Mix, Maxwell Purkeypile, Dustin Stabnow and Wyatt Strong.
James also recognized students assisting with the ceremony who currently hold 4.0 GPAs. Junior class escorts were Carter Chapin, Emily Effling, Graham Fosness, Mataya Knecht, Madelynn Micko, Nathaniel Schuller, Marley Sundin and Daynika Zuehlke. Sophomore ushers were Kaylee Carlson, Jaelee Grupe, Ruth Moeckly and Chaz Vietor.
