SCHS gives diplomas to 160 graduates

One door closed May 15 for about 160 graduates at Shawano Community High School’s 146th commencement ceremony, but those who spoke at the ceremony issued reminders that another door is opening to lead them to the rest of their lives.

For co-valedictorian Teagan Powers, her hard work came from the backs of the women who came before, and that her achievements did not come only because of her dedication to studying. She said she believes a whole generation of women is cheering, and the mission of feminism made it possible for her to speak at graduation, even as women are treated by some as second class.

“Even as a valedictorian, I cannot tell you how many times I’ve been overlooked, how many times my opinions and ideas had gone unheard,” Powers said. “As a successful woman, I cannot tell you how many times others have tried to discredit me by saying I do not deserve to be where I am. Well, none of those people get the opportunity to speak before you today.”

Co-valedictorian Anna Dreier reminded her classmates that high school was filled with ups and downs, citing examples like talking with friends, what to wear to dances and stressing over tests. However, the next chapter of life is going to shake things up, she said.

“It means something else is beginning,” Dreier said. “If anything, look at it like a door that goes into a room of opportunities — opportunities we might not even see yet. The same goes for situations that didn’t go as we planned. Whether it’s a rejection, a referral or not making a team, those times were just told no. Those times can feel like a dead end. However, the most important thing to remember is that ‘no’ does not mean you’re not beautiful. It never means that you’re not good enough.”

Looking at future opportunities as auditions can help to make it easier to navigate through life, a music teacher once told co-valedictorian Claire Weiland. While auditions can often feel terrifying for students involved with music or theater, they’re also a chance to take big steps forward.

“As we continue with the rest of our lives, we will all have different opportunities, and yes, some will pass us by, but the most important ones are the opportunities that you reach for and work your hardest to grab a hold of,” Weiland said. “Every time you step into your audition, whether it’s a job interview, a new friendship, a first date or even a regular day, you don’t know who is watching or how it will turn out. All you can do is put your best foot forward and show them who you are.”

Co-valedictorian Andrew Hansen believes high school has given him and the others in the class of 2026 the ability to adapt when life throws them a surprise. Not everything is guaranteed, he said, and even when someone takes the best path, it does not mean it will always be an easy one.

“As we leave high school, none of us truly know where life will take us,” Hansen said. “We can plan for certain outcomes, but life rarely unfolds the way we expected. If life leads you down an unexpected path, you have the courage to continue on and make the most of it, because who knows? Maybe taking the path you weren’t planning on might be one of the best decisions you ever made.”

Superintendent Kurt Krizan told graduates about buffaloes trying to escape a terrible storm and how, at one point, one buffalo decides to turn into the storm, and the others follow. To him, that’s the definition of leadership — deciding in uncertain moments.

“When one person turns, it gives others permission to do the same,” Krizan said. “Courage is contagious. So is action, and so is leadership.”