Westonka’s Class of 2024 says good-bye to high school

Amid pomp and circumstance, Mound Westonka High School honored the 191 members of the 2024 graduating class May 29 at an outdoor ceremony on Haddorff Field. The Class of 2024 enthusiastically accepted diplomas in front of family, friends, teachers, and school staff on a perfect summer-like evening.

President Natalie Miner greeted those in attendance and her fellow graduates on behalf of Student Senate. The students chosen to speak were Gabriella Larsen and Henry Meisel.

Principal Jolene Herfel introduced honor faculty members and thanked them for devoting their talents to the students of MWHS. The regalia for staff members was generously donated by Friends of MWHS. Herfel also introduced graduates who were entering military service and asked all members of the audience who had served in the military to stand and be recognized.

Assistant Principal Marty Fischer introduced the students who were graduating with Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Cum Laude honors. The MWHS band presented “Incandescence” by Adrian B. Sims. The MWHS choir, including soloist Brooque Moy, 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 2024. “You have accepted the challenge of leading our school and being a point of pride for our community,” she said. “Everyone at this stadium is here to support you. Your presence at MWHS has truly mattered.”

Superintendent Kevin Borg announced that “this incredibly accomplished class” has met the graduation requirements. “It is an honor to present you to our school board representatives,” said Borg.

Students gave Andy Atkinson and Corey Bulman the prestigious honor of reading the class roll. Diplomas were conferred by school board members Brian Olson and Brian Roath.

Students graduating Summa Cum Laude included Oliva Adam, Maxwell Anderson, Aurora Antilla, Colter Applegate, Aleksandr Barnes, Caryn Childers, William Courneya, Rachel Erickson, Jack Hall, Camryn Hargreaves, Bryce Helms, Samuel Holmberg, Alec Jable, Ella Knock, Samantha Krahl, Sienna Loughlin, Hazel Maddock, Lucas Markstrom, Kendra Mattson, Brooke Meester, Ryza Mendoza, Natalie Miner, Jack Moch, Marshall Morrison, Alexander Nachreiner, Cassie Nemecek, Matthew Neumann, Torin O’Connor, Anna Olson, Charlie Paul, Isaac Paul, Michael Proulx, August Schaefer, Cormac Schaefer, Kendall Sebasky, Megan Stein, Annika Weir, Maisie Wheeler, Camryn Winther, Andrew Wood, Anna Wood, Ingrid Wulf, and Averie Zealley.

Magna Cum Laude graduates were Maxwell Cameron, Allison Dominy, Helen Dosedel, Sage Finck, Sam Gaylord, Ryan Hempel, Henry Meisel, Marissa Nelson, James Parise, Maquinna Peglow, Jillian Peterson, Carter Reinbold, Kendal Richie, and Ava Sylvester.

Cum Laude graduates included Ada Bedell, Jack Butler, Breanna Cockell, Jackson Henningsgaard, Stella Johnson, Christian Jordan, Brandon Knock, Jaden LaJoy, Jack Markstrom, Owen McCue, Jack Nelson, Audrey Nygaard, John Range, Julia Schaible, and Abigail Vogel.

“As you transition from student to alumni, please know that you will always find a home at Mound Westonka,” said Principal Herfel. “We are part of who you are, and you will always be able to return home.”