A hometown newspaper with a local office, local owners & lots of local news
A hometown newspaper with a local office, local owners & lots of local news
Daniel Walker and other graduates view the procession of students.
Graduates Owen Wherley and Jordan Leimer
Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College celebrated this year's graduates at a commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 11, with 74 of this year's 131 graduates walking the stage. Dr. Arne Vainio provided the commencement address, and student speakers included Valerie Zhaawendaagozikwe and Gracee Petersen.
During her welcoming remarks in the Lester Jack Bridges Cultural Center, FDLTCC acting president Anita Hanson honored the former president, the late Stephanie Hammitt.
"Yesterday and this evening were her favorite days of the school year," Hanson said, referring "specifically our events to salute the efforts of our graduating students."
Dr. Arne Vainio, Min No Aya Win Human Services family practice physician, provided the commencement address. During his speech, Vainio discussed the Seven Grandfather Teachings: humility, courage, honesty, wisdom, truth, respect and love.
"Living by these teachings will make your life full and in balance, and these teachings apply to all of us," he said.
2023 Student of the Year Valerie Zhaawendaagozikwe reflected on the struggles that many students experienced during their academic journeys and the struggles that some in the community are still experiencing.
She discussed overcoming struggles of her own to pursue her goals and the importance of being an example for her family: "It's attainable, it's possible, to learn our language, to belong in these places ... it's not just for academics, but for everybody."
Gracee Petersen discussed the many paths her fellow students might take after graduation. "This graduation ... should be looked at as an opening to wherever the future takes you, whether that is a career, trade or continuing your education," Petersen said. "Any career that you choose to pursue matters, whatever you're good at, go ahead and do it."
The Cedar Creek Singers provided the grand entry, honor, and recessional songs. The FDL and Combined Honor Guard presented the flags and Abrianna Schmidt sang the national anthem. The opening pipe ceremony was conducted by FDLTCC Dean of Indigenous and Academic Affairs Roxanne DeLille, and musical numbers were performed by the Oshkii Gizhik Singers and FDLTCC faculty members Calland Metts and Elizabeth Jaakola.
To watch a recording of the ceremony, visit https://fdltcc.edu/fdltcc-celebrates-class-of-2023.
Local Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College Class of 2023
Barnum
Tricia Gottschalk
Kortney Johnson
Christen Klejeski
Elise Lehto
Carlton
Alisha Broneak
Kathleen Dagger
Arianna Griak
Jenae Miller
Megan Sherman
Cloquet
Hailey Anderson
Jennifer Anderson
Winnie Benjamin-Hall
Shantell Berglund
Emma Calverly
Wing Chambers
Parker Childs
Jessica Christley
Tamara Crotteau
Jessica Dixon
Hannah Durfee
Mary Jane Eagle
Jessica Esselstrom
Maya Fairbanks
Keeanna Farleigh
Lacie Farmer
Taya Flaim
Jasmine Hale
Melissa Harper
Saul Jeanetta
Anita Johnson
Brittney Kemi
Francene LaDeaux
Kristina LaFave
Maddy Lawrey
Jordan Leimer
Donald Lokken
Reid Markfort
Alyssa Merrill
Kristina Modich
Ella Oveson
Morgan Petoletti
Brady Petite
Lynn Reynolds
Tasheana Rule-Garcia
Jake Semo
Trinity Semo
Angela Teigland
Allie Tibbetts
Mariah Willie
Esko
Addison Sertich
Jesica Wahlsten
Kettle River
Jaharai Doward
Moose Lake
Edward Couture
Wrenshall
Joseph Bergman
Haleigh Peterson
Emma Port
Wright
Elisabeth Kachinske
