Westonka Celebrates the Graduating Class of 2026
Westonka Celebrates the Graduating Class of 2026
The WHS graduating class of 2026 tosses their caps into the air.
On a warm, summer-like evening, Westonka High School honored the 197 members of the 2026 graduating class June 1 at a ceremony at Haddorff Field, where the Class of 2026 enthusiastically accepted diplomas in front of family, friends, teachers, and school staff.
Co-presidents Edie Hollenstein and George Pettitt greeted those in attendance and their fellow graduates on behalf of Student Senate. The students chosen to speak were Brenna Vogel, Carly Durr and Devon Simpson.
Principal Jolene Herfel introduced the honor faculty members and thanked them for devoting their talents to the students of WHS. The regalia for staff members was generously donated by Friends of WHS. Herfel recognized this year’s foreign exchange students and acknowledged local scholarship donors.
Assistant Principal Marty Fischer introduced the students who were graduating with Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Cum Laude honors. The WHS band presented “Loch Lomond” by Frank Ticheli. The WHS choir, including senior soloist Britta Elliott, performed “The Road Home” by Stephen Paulus.
Principal Herfel said she was proud to reflect on a wonderful year as she introduced the Class of 2026. “Looking out at you today, my overwhelming emotion is one of profound pride,” she said. “You did not just walk the walls of Westonka High School, you made your presence known.”
Superintendent Kevin Borg announced that it was his pleasure to announce that this class has met the graduation requirements of the Westonka School District and the State of Minnesota. “We are so proud of you,” said Borg. “It is an honor to present you to our school board representatives.”
Students gave Zach Nauert and Rob Paul the prestigious honor of reading the class roll. Diplomas were conferred by school board members David Olson and Gary Wollner.
Students graduating Summa Cum Laude included Emilia Andrev, Lawan Beckman, Hannah Birkins, Cerisa Bray, Bridget Budzius, Ali Butler, Jillian Cameron, Sydney Carlin, Sten Carlson, Ethan Carver, Ava Daum, Sienna Dehmer, Ashley DeJong, Evelyn Gawtry, Sarah Goralczyk, Marley Hagen, Leif Hagen, Emily Hallett, Allefare Hanson, Wyatt Helms, Brock Hessburg, Edie Hollenstein, Noah Huesmann, Elisabeth Huls, Morgan Johnson, Erica Johnson, Leon Kravchenko, Sophia Kravchenko, Allison Kreiser, Meaghan Kreiser, Lillian Leger, Suzanne Marth, Grace McCutcheon, Madison McCutcheon, Lily Meisel, Giana Meyer, Maria Neumann, Keegan O'Connor, Avery Pearson, Dillon Peterson, George Pettitt, Benjamin Pruitt, Gavin Ruegemer, Lauren Russ, John Seckinger, Maria Sells, Luke Sunnarborg, Payton Waltz, Keeley Winther, and Zoe Wood.
Magna Cum Laude graduates were Mia Abernethy, Nathan Carlson, Hannah Christenson, Hadleigh Dau, Hayden Dehmer, Elliot Gormley, Bette Grogan, Lola Groth, Georgia Harmer, Delaney Hendrix, Paige Johnson, Ethan Keller, Bella Kirkpatrick, Isaiah Meidinger, Sydney Reier, Alaina Tankersley, and Gavin Thelen.
Cum Laude graduates included Jake Berg, Olivia Carlin, Kieran Carroll, Ashtyn Cupp, Sean Dolder, Samuel Fleener, Nora Gawtry, Kellan Goetz, Collin Hagen, Kaleb Halonen, Andrew Hoisington, Gavin Lamey, Isabella Larsen, Heidi Smith, Lily Titler, and Isaiah Walker.
A floral arrangement on the diploma table was placed in honor of classmate Evan Schmidt, representing his energy and light now shining through the kindness of others.
“As you transition from students to alumni, please know, you will always find a home at Westonka,” said Principal Herfel. “We are part of you, and you are always welcome to return home. We are so proud of who you have become, and even more excited about who you are yet to be.”
2026 Westonka High School Graduation Program
Graduating seniors visited Shirley Hills Primary School on the annual Graduation Walk.
'Graduation Walk' Tradition Continues
On June 1, the Class of 2026 took part in the treasured Graduation Walk tradition, which started in 2018. Graduating seniors paraded through the campuses of Hilltop and Shirley Hills primary schools, as well as Westonka Middle School.
The walk is meant to inspire the young students, who greeted the graduates with cheers and handmade signs, as they shared in the excitement of graduation. The graduating seniors had the opportunity to see their favorite teachers and look back on their former schools in one of their last activities as a class.