The Owen Withee Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2026 was held on Saturday, May 16 at 10 a.m. Twenty-five seniors marched into the gymnasium to “Fanfare and Processional” as performed by the Owen-Withee School Band, directed by Ryan Gutsch. Once everyone was seated, High School Principal Nate Johnson, welcomed everyone. Principal Johnson spoke about the class’s dedication, determination, and perseverance. He talked about the unique experiences that each may have experienced, but that they will forever be bonded as the class of 2026. That everything that the graduates are feeling are valid. He talked about how he hopes that they can be present in the moment, to be grateful for those who helped them get to this point, and to reflect on what they have achieved. He finished by telling the graduates, “Be willing to shift gears when something isn’t working or when a better opportunity calls your name. The most meaningful journeys are rarely the most predictable ones. There will be voices along the way, well meaning, or otherwise, telling you what you should do, who you should be, or why your dream isn’t practical. Learn to quiet that noise, trust yourself. The goals worth chasing are the ones that come from within. And the only opinion that should define your path is your own. Go after what you want fully, boldly, and without reservation. And so, to everyone gathered here today, let us celebrate this occasion with great joy and tremendous gratitude.”
Principal Johnson then introduced the Class President, Colton Paczkowski, who first thanked the faculty for dealing with them for the past 14 years. He also thanked the family who constantly supported the graduates. Colton then said that he took inspiration for his speech from his past self. Freshman year, students were tasked with writing to their future selves. He talked about what he had written and what his goals had been, and that he hadn’t accomplished what he thought he would have. But in a good way. The memories and the moments that stood out more than the grades or making records in sports that he thought that he was going to achieve. “The last question we were asked was, are you successful and are you happy? At the time, I probably thought success meant perfect grades, that I would have a whole bunch of records, or even have everything figured out. But standing here now today, I think it means something else. Success is showing up every day, even when you don’t feel like it. Even if you’re a little bit late, it’s just right. Now it’s just being a good teammate, a good friend, or someone people can count on. It’s everything we built for the last 14 years. And happiness, it’s not something we wait for to the end. It’s the little moments the whole time.” He finished by talking about the memories and inside jokes that the class will share for the rest of their lives.
Following Colton’s speech was the address made by Salutatorian Kayla Rasmussen. Her speech focused on the fact that no matter what, life goes on. That when bad things happen in life, the world doesn’t end it keeps going. That failure is normal, but trying again is always an option. She asked if anyone in the audience have it all figured out. That they have all the answers of their path ahead. Not a single person could say that they did. She left everyone with the reminder to simply be kind.
Following the Salutatorian speech was the vocal selection “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield as performed by the Owen-Withee School Choir. After that was the Valedictorian Address made by Jack Wendler. He drew parallels between golf and life. That there were times that you could make a perfect shot and other times it’s a bad swing. As he put it “You cannot spend the entire round focused on your last bad shot, because if you do, the next one usually gets worse. you have to reset, refocus and keep moving forward.” Jack also spoke about leadership as not being the best, that it’s motivating others and to continue to show up for others. Jack thanked his teachers and coaches, his family, and his classmates before giving congratulations to the Class of 2026.
The Valedictorian speech was followed by a performance of “Centuria” by James Swearingen as performed by the Owen-Withee School Band. After that the president of the school board, Dr. Julie Wendler presented the 2026 Doonan Award to Susan Sholes for her years of support to the school and offering positivity, compassion, and encouragement in the hallways and classrooms. She is known by the students as “Grandma Susie,” and listens to them, laughs with them, encourages them, and celebrates with them. That was followed by the Senior Slideshow created by Sam Wells.
After that was the presentation of diplomas by District Administrator Randy Bergman, Principal Nate Johnson, and Dr. Julie Wendler. Once all graduates received their diplomas, Principal Johnson presented the graduates, and Class President Colton Paczkowski, led the class in the turning of their tassels and officially becoming Owen-Withee Alumni.
The ceremony ended with the “Fanfare and Recessional” as performed by the Owen-Withee School Band. Friends, family, and community members could then congratulate the graduates outside in front of the school after the ceremony.