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DECORAH -- Decorah High School held its 2025 commencement ceremony Sunday, May 18, honoring the achievements of its graduating seniors with messages of pride, gratitude, and hope for the future. Superintendent Dr. Tim Cronin acknowledged Decorah's recent accolades, noting, "Not only was Decorah High School recognized as one of the top four high schools in Iowa by U.S. World News Report, we also received a 2024 National Blue Ribbon Honor as a school. These accomplishments reflect the efforts of students, educators, and staff across all grade levels throughout Winneshiek County" Cronin also recognized 10 retiring staff members who represented a combined 266 years of service. School board president Cindy Goodner also offered remarks and congratulations on behalf of the Decorah Community School Board, "And this year it's also personal," she said, taking a moment to congratulate her own daughter Natalie and fellow board member Brad Darling's son, Braden. "You've shown remarkable resilience, adaptability, and heart," Goodner continued, "You've arrived at this moment together. You faced challenges and met them with creativity, kindness, and strength… You are ready, not just academically, but as thoughtful and capable citizens prepared to make a difference in the world wherever your path may lead." Student speaker Elliana Brodbeck used a film metaphor to reflect on high school life, describing each year as a movie in a four-part franchise. "Every single one of us has grown and changed in significant ways," she said. "High school was tough and nowhere near as perfect as the movies make it seem. While life is not perfect like a movie, that doesn't mean we can't try….make the sequel. If that fails, be like Hollywood and do a reboot. With a little bit of love, hope, and fun, you can make a movie worth watching." Valedictorian Natalie Goodner delivered a heartfelt speech on the unpredictability of growth. "We barely get a chance to buckle our seat belts before stepping into our first day of 9th grade," she said. "Growing up is a bumpy road, but today we are here to celebrate this destination together." Principal Brad Hurst emphasized that the day was also a tribute to those who supported students through their challenges. "They didn't just support your journey, they helped carry it—often without applause, always without hesitation." The ceremony included musical performances by the concert band and orchestra, as well as a choral rendition of "I Sing Because I'm Happy." Academic distinctions, including National Merit recognitions, honor cords, and over $316,000 in college savings through NICC credits, were announced. Four students graduated with a perfect 4.0 GPA. Davis Coppola, one of three salutatorians, closed the ceremony reflecting on time and gratitude. "Here's the truth. Even when we feel alone we rarely are. Even during the longest nights or the hardest moments, someone somewhere was rooting for us. Sometimes silently, sometimes loudly, but always there. That support carried us further than we probably realize. So take the time and thank them… Time is weird, but it got us here. Now it's our turn to decide what we'll do with the time ahead. So let's make it count." Decorah High School's class of 2025 turned their tassels and exited the ceremony to applause toward the next chapter of their lives.

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Decorah High School Class of 2025 Graduates