Mound Westonka H.S. Bids Farewell to Class of 2012

By Lorrie Ham

The 94th Annual Commencement Ceremony at earlier this week marked the culmination of years of hard work and dedication for the 168 members of the Class of 2012. The ceremony opened with “Fanfare and Processional” by Edward Elgar, better known as “Pomp and Circumstance” performed by the school's wind ensemble. The processional was led by the high school faculty.
 
The graduates were welcomed by Connor Hanson, on behalf of the Student Senate. Student speakers were Kaitlyn Tierney and Valory Schoenecker. Principal Keith Randlev recognized the achievements of the graduates, and they were presented by Superintendent Kevin Borg. Diplomas were conferred by School Board members David Botts and Ann Bremer.

The graduates gave MWHS history teacher Alan Hiebert the prestigious honor of reading the class roll.
 
Students graduating with Summa Cum Laude honors included Margot Anderson, Karly Boll, Victor Brenk, Andrew Davis, Mikayla Gierszewski, Benjamin Haug, Joshua Haug, Chad Hewitt, John Inglis, Eleanor Kalgren, Ashley Kershaw, Ashley Krajewski, Georgia LaLuzerne, Alaina Meese, Connor Murphy, Taylor Praus, Erin Rasmussen, Katie Rasmussen, Maya Reinholdz, Linnae Rivers, Adam Sjoquist and Haley Swanson.

Magna Cum Laude honors went to Miranda Berg, Adam Greer, William Griffith, Cole Hoffman, Kyle Hoogeveen, Kennedy Hunt, Charles Maahs, Charity Miles, Valory Schoenecker, Kayla Schultz, Patrick Sir, Mary Katherine Smith, Kassi Vickerman and Parker Wharram.

Cum Laude honorees included Evan Bailey, McKae Bailey, Amy Bergren, Heidi Dotzenroth, Tessa Ede, Connor Hanson, Jalyn Macy, Michele Mahoney, Callie Peterson, Kayla Quast, Madison Ronnkvist, Kaitlyn Tierney and James Woods.
 
The MWHS Wind Ensemble performed “The Star Spangled Banner” and combined with the Concert Choir to present “When You Believe” by Stephen Schwartz. The choir also performed “Crossing the Bar” by Gwyneth Walker.

After a punch reception in the courtyard and time for photos with family and friends, the graduates were off to the traditional class party.