Tradition and excellence were on display Friday, May 24 as Gilman, Wisconsin bid farewell to the Gilman High School Class of 2024.

Taking place in the high school gymnasium at 7 p.m., commencement ceremonies were opened with “Pomp and Circumstance” as performed by the Gilman High School Band, an opening address and special volunteer recognition by Superintendent Dr. Walter Leipart following. The night’s welcome was then given by student and graduate Emilia Reid, after which a short salutatorian address was given by Adam Draeger.

“Graduation is not just for those graduating,” he told those assembled in the gymnasium. “It takes a lot of people to get through high school.” As such Draeger thanked his parents, teachers, and friends for their contributions over the years, otherwise keeping his address short to get to diplomas.

Following Draeger’s speech, valedictorian Danielle Mann also addressed the graduates, taking the time to thank her parents and others for helping along the way. Mann recounted her own experience of coming to Gilman two years ago and finding home.

“After today, we will all be going different directions,” she said. “I want to thank everyone for being here tonight and good luck in your future endeavors.”

With a video presentation following, the assembled crowd was led in the pledge of allegiance by Nathan Motte, before a faculty speech by Business Ed and IT teacher Adam Johnson.

“Bring your own energy,” Johnson told the graduates while using BYOE for an acronym. Among the traits that Johnson said were important to have were faith, trust, hope, confidence, love, and a positive attitude.

“Someone is learning to be human by watching you,” he said.

As a special treat punctuating Johnson’s speech, the graduates were also addressed via remote video by retired Green Bay Packer quarterback Brett Favre, who offered his congratulations to the class.

“Hello everyone, it’s Brett Favre, and I want to wish the graduating class of 2024 at Gilman High School the absolute best,” he said. “Congrats!”

Following congratulations from Favre, a video of senior class memories was played, the different photos and video recordings displayed according to cell phone screen dimensions, best described as a long rectangle turned on its side.

From the senior video it was into the memory speech, given by Jayda Rosemeyer and Ava Warner, with different grades announced as ‘chapters’ to organize and structure the recounting.

With a final slideshow of senior pictures and the presentation of the class for certification by Dr. Leipart, the Gilman High Class of 2024 walked the stage to receive their diplomas, before journeying on to the next chapter in their lives, recessional music provided live by the Gilman High School band.