“May the rest of our lives be the best of our lives.” This quote from the musical, Mamma Mia! was chosen as the graduation motto by the Goodhue High School Class of 2026. As they look forward to life outside the halls of GHS, Superintendent Dr. Evan Gough reminded them of the path that brought them here and the community that supports their future. “As you move on to new opportunities and experiences, remember the people and community that helped you reach this point. No matter where life takes you, there will always be people here who are proud of you, supportive of you, and excited to see what you accomplish in the future.”
Following Dr. Gough’s welcoming remarks, the high school choir performed “Time After Time” with solo parts by four seniors. Jacob McNamara then gave remarks on behalf of the faculty. He focused on living in the moment as you never know when one could change your life, saying, “Most moments don’t feel important while they’re happening.”
He called the senior’s attention to a letter they would receive tonight. “One tradition that we’ve had in fifth grade for years is that you write a letter to your senior self…What’s amazing about watching students write these letters is not that I know their handwriting is going to improve, but that they feel like graduation is so far away…and suddenly, here you are. That’s the thing about life, the moments that we think will last forever will somehow become memories faster than you expected them to come. These moments will end and we have to make the most of them.”
McNamara went on in remembrance of deceased classmate, Austin “Randy” Holst, recalling how he lived life to the fullest with the slogan, “All gas, no brakes”. “Be all-in and embrace the situation you are in because it’ll be gone before you know it…Dream big, set achievable goals and work your tail off getting there.” McNamara praised the class for their work ethic and example to younger students. “Go out and make your family and community proud and know that you will always by a Goodhue Wildcat.”
Ava Wallaker and Roland Munson polled their classmates on their favorite memories to share in their class speech. Stories involved worms and caterpillars in Kindergarten and first grade, competitions and broken bones in middle school, and learning through COVID in 2020. They acknowledged special teachers and special events like getting their driver’s licenses and, of course Austin. They are proud of class accomplishments in sports and academics, thankful for good teachers and being part of the same small class throughout their school years. “You have the ability to impact those around you more than if you went to a larger school. Impact. That’s what our message is. Every day you impact someone with words, gestures, and actions. To the class, each and every one of you have the opportunity to make an impact at any time…Each of us carry a piece of our class as we all embark on different paths. The lessons we have learned these last 13 years will carry us on. It is with that we close the chapter we began 13 years ago.”
The 51 students of the 113th graduating class of Goodhue High School then received their diplomas from principal, Michele Rehder and school board members before leaving the stage to the recessional music of the high school band. A recording of the livestream can be found on the Wildcats YouTube page.
Graduates were applauded and honored while escorted by family or friends in a car parade around town. Posters and decorations adorned vehicles from the fire truck that kicked things off to semi trucks, classic convertibles to family SUVs, and pickups of all ages.
The class of 2026 spent their last night as a group locked in the school where they enjoyed a rockstar-themed party with cheeseburgers, mac and cheese, chips, ice cream and snacks. Danzig The Hypnotist entertained with a comedy hypnosis show at 11:30 PM. Other fun activities included games, a photo booth, and valuable door prizes.
