Class President Paige Dufault's graduation speech

Good afternoon parents, family, friends, School Board Members, Superintendent Hudspith, Distinguished Guests, and Waseca Junior and Senior High School administration and staff. Thank you to the Waseca High School Band and director, Mr. Devon Lawrence. I am Paige Dufault, Senior Class President. On behalf of the Class of 2026, I would like to welcome you all to our Commencement ceremony.

 

While preparing to speak to you today I struggled to find the words that describe the past 13 years of our lives in only a few minutes. Some words that came to mind were resilient, determined, athletic, musical, and talented. We are a class of many different ethnicities, teams, ensembles, and clubs. At the end of the day though we all stand as one as the Class of 2026. The unity we’ve shared within these walls will always hold a special place in our hearts. No matter where life takes you, remember that Waseca will always be a place you can call home. What united us was never that we were all the same but in the ways in which we persevered, grew and celebrated together. Even though all of us don’t see eye to eye on everything we have ultimately challenged each other and have become better versions of ourselves through the years.

 

My message to you today reminds me of a playlist. I know we all have our favorite songs somewhere on our phones that we play over and over again. Some of them are emotional, upbeat, or just played on repeat in the car. Think of the past 17-18 years of our lives as that. Some songs are your favorite memories like the football games, prom, concerts, competitions, and senior events. Some songs aren’t our favorite like difficult tests, hard days, or disappointments. Some remind us of special people through our journey and some we’ve skipped over but later realized that they were important. In the end these all make up the soundtrack of our journey and a new playlist is about to be made. Some of us are heading to college, the work force, or other adventures we can’t even imagine. But as every song contributed to the soundtrack of our high school years, every experience ahead will become part of a larger story.

 

As we head in different directions, we need to remember the family we have here. Our teachers have made it their goal over the years to make us feel loved and welcomed. Whether they know it or not, us students truly look up to them and are glad that teachers like them pour into students like us even when we didn’t feel like doing the work or showing up to class. Thank you teachers for your patience with us these past few years and all of our shenanigans. I could go on and on but just to give you a few examples: showing up in your front lawn covered in peanut butter, being sent lots of pictures of dead animals, or splitting your head open because you tripped over one of one of our backpacks. Believe it or not, these things all happened to one teacher this year. I won’t name any names; because I don’t think Mr. Hanson would appreciate that. (pause) We will miss you teachers and staff that made us feel a part of a school like no other.

 

It’s crazy to think that looking out into the crowd of my peers that I am looking at future electricians, healthcare workers, business people, pilots, and teachers. I’ve appreciated all that you have brought to Waseca and I believe that this class has made an impact on our community and someday the world. As we step away from today’s normal, we step into a new normal that is ahead of us with new people, experiences, and challenges. But this class has formed a bond that will stand the test of time and a resilience that can overcome anything. To conclude, I want to encourage each of you with this. As our paths begin to separate, take chances. Learn from your mistakes. Support others. Chase opportunities that excite you and never stop growing. Just remember once a bluejay, always a bluejay. Congratulations Class of 2026!