2021 Graduation

Photo by Teagan Welch: North Marion High School seniors celebrate during the commencement ceremony on June 11. From left to right are: Isabella Mon, Alondra Ruiz Contreras, Sofia Villarreal, Monica Villarreal, Celest Hammack and Emma Hanson.

The Class of 2021 Will Now Step Out Into the World!

The North Marion High School Class of 2021 moved on to their next adventure after picking up their diplomas during a commencement ceremony at the North Marion Husky Football Stadium on the evening of June 11.

Principal De Ann Jenness opened the event with introductions and a speech in which she offered encouragement to students and a deep upwelling of gratitude.

“Tonight, you leave us as young adults ready to take on anything that comes your way because you can do it,” Jenness said. “You pulled together when you needed to. We are proud of you. You have shone at every opportunity.”

Among the other highlights were Jenness’s acknowledgement of the salutatorians (Abigail Antoine and Liliana Piercey) and her nod to the valedictorians (Isabella Mon, Alondra Ruiz Contreras, Monica Villarreal, Sofia Villarreal and Mya Hammack), as well as their speeches.

“Due to our small community, we’ve had the unique opportunity of growing up together,” Mon said. “We’ve created strong memories and even stronger bonds with our teachers and with one another. We have, undeniably, been through a lot together, whether it be tragedy, celebrations, losses, and even a pandemic. We had the courage to come together.”

Also at the event, Superintendent Ginger Redlinger delivered a soul-searching address about the state of the North Marion School District (NMSD), and NMSD Board Chair Glenn Holum certified the diplomas.

“No one has to tell you what the last two years have been like, you have lived them,” Redlinger told students. “Like last year's class, you did not have the chance to participate in many traditional events; however, you did see athletics and clubs return, had the opportunity to come to school and see staff and students — and you had plenty of toilet paper. There are many lessons we are all learning from the last two years and here are some of the lessons you taught us:

You are as concerned about the future of our country as my generation.

You asked for the school to redefine its culture so there is space for you to be who you want to be rather than who we expect you to be; things have changed and we need to accept that. …”

The crowd murmured and laughed in response, and the clouds sat cool and heavy, keeping back their rain as if holding their breath. The sunlight had begun to fade and the stadium lights seemed starker and whiter.

“When you leave us tonight, we will not forget what you have taught us, and we want you to come back and tell us if you see that we have actually made the changes that you recommended: When you come back, please ask us: Have we created a culture in every classroom in our schools that represents all families and makes each and every student feel like they belong here? …”

Redlinger continued with her message about seeking more feedback to create an equitable and inclusive School District community. She also touched on strengthening students’ voices by encouraging them to share their views and opinions.

“We heard you — and thank you for using your voice. Keep doing it. Go out there and change the world — you are about to become Husky Alumni, and we are so very proud of you,” she said. 

Students moved into a procession to receive their diplomas and then step out into the world to make their mark.

(Photo By Teagan Welch/Seniors smile during the graduation ceremony.)