Wrenshall News: Grad says 'it's the people' (updated)

Wrenshall graduation begins at 4 p.m. May 29. To provide for social distancing, the ceremony will be outside in front of school, similar to a drive-in movie theater experience. Since a limited numbers of cars are allowed to park and watch, the ceremony will also be broadcast on WKLK 96.5 FM and streamed live on Facebook.

I spoke to a member of Wrenshall's graduating class, Alexis Schmidt, about the unique end to her senior year. While she certainly feels disappointed by the cancellation of prom and the senior class trip, she says the whole experience has changed her perspective and helped her realize that life is too short to waste a moment. She said she was especially moved by the teachers and office staff who reached out to her in the last few months.

"I mean, I thought: You notice me. I didn't always know that but I certainly do now," she said.

When I asked how she was keeping up with friends, she said at first she was talking with everyone over social media and with video conferencing apps. "I had streaks on Snapchat with 50 people," she said. Things have since mellowed.

The switch to "stay at home" for Schmidt and her family has been a bit chaotic but they have managed to make it all work.

"I live in a house where I have six animals and three younger siblings and my mom and dad are home too so it has been a bit of an adjustment," she said. "I wake up really late because I'm a teenager so I do my homework (after I wake up). Usually by the time I'm doing my homework, they are up and out."

So, what moments will Schmidt remember most fondly from high school?

"The bus rides – going on field trips and sports events. Sometimes with track we would come back from a meet totally exhausted ... and then sometimes ... we're eating and talking and just totally hyped up."

After graduation Alexis is hoping to pursue cosmetology school. "I've always been good at hair and I've always loved art. Hair is an art," she said.

When I asked what she would take with her after graduation, she said "the people."

"Not all schools are the same but Wrenshall - the staff - every time they see me, they talk with me and they show that they care."

Graduation ceremonies are important for those walking across the stage, but they are also important for the community that played a part in that success. They are a way of recognizing hard work and instilling hope for the future.

Part of the grief that many of us are feeling right now is the loss of these shared ceremonies where we literally come together to celebrate our communal values of learning, curiosity, imagination, cooperation and perseverance. In thinking about where to find a way to safely recreate these moments, I think of Alexis' recognition that it is the people she is going to remember most from her experience at Wrenshall. We can still show people we care from a safe distance.

If you have any Wrenshall news, email Annie Dugan at [email protected] or 218-310-4703.

Editor's note: This story was updated to reflect the correct radio station for the graduation broadcast.