ABOVE: About 130 Fairmont High School seniors sit at the commencement ceremony Sunday afternoon in the school’s gym.

FAIRMONT — Approximately 130 students at Fairmont High School (FHS) turned over their tassels and graduated, signifying a new chapter in each of their lives. The community and school were present on the afternoon of Sunday, June 1, at Fairmont High School gymnasium to witness the milestone.

The Fairmont High School Orchestra, conducted by Director Katie Hoaglund, performed its rendition of “Pomp and Circumstance/Graduation March” as the graduating students entered and sat in alphabetical order. The the graduating students in the school’s Concert Choir rose to perform, “The Star Spangled Banner.”

Superintendent Andy Traetow opened the commencement with a commendation to the students, a reflection of the school’s pride in the students.

“Today is a moment of celebration, reflection and deep pride, not only for what our students have accomplished but for who they have become,” Traetow proclaimed.

Traetow explained that the students have grown in academics, athletics, arts, works of service, character, resilience and heart. Traetow shared he has witnessed the class grow in the shoes of a teacher, coach, principal, superintendent and parent. He told the students they are very special, a word that repeated in his mind when thinking of the students, not because of what the students have accomplished, but how the class exhibited the abilities of empathy, spirit, resilience, courage and compassion. On behalf of the staff, Traetow encouraged students to remember that they are capable of hard things and to value connections.

“You are entering a future no one can fully predict, but you are more than ready, and here’s why…Because you’ve learned that your worth is not tied to your productivity or popularity. You’ve discovered your voice, your value and your power to shape your own story…Go forward boldly. Be you. Be special. Use that special spark inside of you to leave the world a little brighter than you found it,” Traetow said emotionally.

Class Speaker Zoey Tasseff thanked family, friends, teachers and faculty for their unwavering support in different forms, which she described as making an impact on the graduating class tremendously. Following her introduction, Tasseff remarked that the students’ graduation was a testament to personal growth, ability to persevere through challenges and the strength of the community.

“We found friendship and community. We found people who made this building feel like home,” Tasseff said. “We made memories, made connections and we grew. We found our voices, styles and a better understanding of who we are.”

Tasseff shared that some classmates have been enrolled in the school longer than her; however she recounted special memories and mutual emotions with the other graduating students.

“As we prepare to leave the nest, we carry the past with us. And while it’s hard to say goodbye, this isn’t the end. As we look to the future, let’s do so with pride. Let’s smile, maybe even with tears in our eyes. Because we did it, we made it here, together…This may be the end of one chapter, but our story is far from over,” Tasseff said.

After Tasseff congratulated her classmates, Principal Chad Brusky appeared to address the students with a firm, inspiring message.

“Today marks the end of one journey and the start of many more. This moment is built on your effort, attitude and willingness to keep moving forward, even when things feel uncertain,” Brusky stated.

Brusky shared that when he was eight years old in the 1980s, he attended an airshow with his father. A black aircraft, the SR-71 or “Blackbird”, passed them with a shaking roar and 30 feet of fire trailing behind. Brusky said that he and the other audience were in awe of what was the fastest manned jet.

“I bring this up because the SR-71 was deeply flawed. You don’t have to be perfect to do something extraordinary. When it was on the ground, [the jet] looked broken, ineffective and embarrassing, even. Once it took off, once it moved with its purpose, everything changed. You don’t need to have it all figured out to take the next step. Start moving, learn on your way. You’ll grow into the person you’re meant to become once you’re in motion,” Brusky said.

Brusky encouraged students to start their journeys, even if the beginning is messy. He said with a smile that he is proud of who the students have become and who the students are becoming.

Principal Brooke Schultz certified with great pride that the class of 2025 has met all requirements for graduation at Fairmont High School, set forth by the Fairmont School Board and the Minnesota Department of Education.

Class President Sam Grogin read the names of students as each row rose, walked on stage and received their diplomas, shaking hands with the school board and Superintendent Traetow.

After the high school diplomas were conferred, Grogin guided the students to move their graduate caps’ tassels from the right to the left side, a significant symbol of achievement and growth.