"Be Viking Proud of Your Peers": Graduation Speakers Reflect on Community and Growth

Our newsroom runs on more than coffee and craft beer — it runs on you. Support Decorah News' local reporting today. DECORAH — The Decorah High School Class of 2026 was celebrated for its academic achievements, community involvement and perseverance during commencement ceremonies held Sunday at the high school gymnasium. Families, guests and viewers watching via livestream on Decorah TV gathered as the Decorah High School concert band, directed by Matthew Cody, performed while graduates entered the gymnasium. School administrators thanked the staff members, volunteers and students who organized the ceremony, a large network of helping hands including technology staff, senior class sponsors, office staff, junior marshals, ushers and photographers. Superintendent Dr. Tim Cronin also recognized retiring Decorah Community School District employees. District officials said this year's retirees represented a combined 190 years of service. Those honored included Judy Kemp, Amanda Hahn, Chris Lowry, Ervin Yahr, Steve Larson, Theresa Stortz, Carol Lutkenhaus, Brad Johansson and Tim Hayes. Parents, guardians and grandparents of graduates were recognized during the ceremony as well. School board President Cindy Goodner congratulated the graduating class and praised students for their character and accomplishments. "When we look at the Class of 2026, we see resilience, creativity, compassion and determination," Goodner said. "Those qualities give all of us hope for what comes next." Goodner highlighted achievements in academics, athletics, speech, music and extracurricular activities while also recognizing students' personal growth and perseverance. "As you leave Decorah Community Schools, know that you are ready[...] ready not just academically, but as thoughtful and capable citizens prepared to make a difference wherever your path may lead," she said. Student speaker Nora Lesmeister focused her remarks on humor, keeping humility and the importance of enjoying amid life's hard work and responsibility. Lesmeister shared a story about a friend spilling a lunch tray in the cafeteria, saying the moment happened to become source of laughter and stress relief for her group of friends during a demanding stretch of senior year. "I think each of us in the senior class has worked extremely hard," Lesmeister said. "But above all, I think our class, maybe more so than any other class, has fostered this innate ability to have fun." She praised her classmates for balancing academics, athletics, jobs, music and theater while continuing to support one another and maintain humility. "If you haven't already done so, at some point between now and the next step in your life, I'd like you to adopt the Snoop Dogg mentality and thank yourself," she said. Lesmeister encouraged classmates to carry this characteristic sense of lightheartedness far into the future. "Don't take yourself too seriously," she said. "Be sure to make fun of yourself every once in a while." School officials also explained the meaning behind honor cords, medals and ribbons worn by graduates. Yellow ribbons honored loved ones unable to attend the ceremony, while blue and gold cords represented National Honor Society membership. Blue and silver cords recognized Silver Cord recipients who completed at least 200 hours of community service. Academic medals with red, white and blue ribbons were awarded to students with cumulative GPAs of 3.5 or higher. Administrators highlighted several accomplishments by the Class of 2026, including two National Merit finalists, nine students with 4.0 cumulative GPAs, 64 academic medal recipients, 21 Silver Cord honorees, 53 National Honor Society members and 12 AP Scholars. Officials also said students earned more than 1,500 college credits through coursework with Northeast Iowa Community College. School leaders also celebrated achievements in athletics, speech, music, theater, FBLA, FFA, Special Olympics Unified programs and environmental sustainability efforts. Additional focuses of student excellence included recent state championships won this year by the girls bowling and boys wrestling teams. Officials also recognized the school's continued success in speech and musical theater, including statewide honors for productions of "SpongeBob Musical" and "Chicago: Teen Edition." "Our student-athletes represented Decorah High School with pride across all seasons," administrators said, noting state championships won this year by the girls bowling and boys wrestling teams. Student speaker Riley Berns reflected on personal growth and the importance of community support. "I arrived my freshman year with a backpack and a course load that looked more intimidating than I was," Berns said. Through his storytelling, Berns told classmates he came to learn that intelligence and success are not defined solely by grades or popularity. "The most successful people don't necessarily need to be the smartest, the best looking, the most popular or the richest," he said. "They are instead hardworking. They are dependable. They have perseverance. They're dedicated, and they're willing to learn." "When I look at our senior class, I see runners, ballplayers, wrestlers, swimmers, weightlifters, fine and performing arts members, speech competitors, FFA members, members of the yearbook club, the robotics team, but also just many other professional procrastinators just like myself," he joked. He encouraged graduates to celebrate one another's accomplishments and maintain pride in their classmates and community. "Our school stands for Viking Pride, but I challenge all of you to be Viking proud of your peers," Berns said. "Don't neglect the people around you, the activities you're in and the goals that you have for your future," Berns said. Quoting advice from his mother, Berns concluded by saying, "People will not remember you for exactly what you said or did, but instead how you made them feel." He closed by congratulating the Class of 2026 and expressing confidence in their future success. Get the inside scoop! Subscribe to the free DecorahNews.com newsletter and receive local news, expert analysis, and stories that matter most—straight to your inbox.