Redington Huskies forge ahead: Class of 2026 celebrated at Menard Center

The Redington Jr./Sr. High School Class of 2026 celebrated their commencement on Monday, officially closing a chapter marked by resilience and achievement.

Students, families, and faculty gathered for the ceremony, honoring seniors who overcame obstacles to reach this milestone, including the traditional Graduate Walk.

The commencement ceremony, held at the Menard Center, recognized the hard work and dedication of students who have navigated both academic and personal challenges to reach this milestone.

Madison Muniak knows plenty about challenges. The Redington salutatorian, who arrived at the school as a junior after a lifetime of moving, shared how those transitions shaped her outlook. Rather than viewing constant relocation as a hardship, Muniak embraced it as an opportunity for growth. She encouraged her classmates to view graduation in a similar light, noting that "this very day is the start of our next move."

Thomas Schimmeyer, Co-Valedictorian, took the podium to reflect on personal growth, overcoming FOMO, and daring to fail. He recalled a time when fear held him back, telling the graduates, "I was terrified of trying something new and failing... I realized I didn't want to be a wallflower…I wanted to be someone worth remembering." That shift in mindset redefined his senior year. He embraced his imperfections, sharpened his communication skills, and learned that failure never defines a person's value. Standing proudly before his class, Schimmeyer celebrated their shared bond: "I saw my flaws and worked on them. I am proud to stand before you today as not just myself, but as one of you."

Coach Wade Schirack challenged the graduates to think not about what they want to do but about who they want to be. “What you will do will change 100 times…but who you are goes with you everywhere. Into every room, every relationship, and every decision you make.”

Drawing from his experience on the football field, he challenged the seniors to take absolute ownership, leaving no room for excuses. He emphasized that a winner is defined not by the scoreboard, but by accountability—choosing not to blame others, complain about circumstances, or make excuses.

Beyond the field, he urged graduates to treat everyone with respect and compassion, even—and especially—when times are tough, reminding them that how they treat others will come back to them. “It’s when things aren’t going good that you find out someone’s true character.”

Finally, Schirack urged them to pursue the best version of themselves—a goal he noted is easy to say, but often challenging and lonely to achieve. The result, he promised, is stronger character, deeper peace, and better people.

The ceremony also featured a tribute to outgoing Principal Tom Lytle, who is departing to become an associate superintendent for the MSBSD. Co-Valedictorian and Master of Ceremonies Sonia Gericke presented Lytle with a green stole, matching those worn by the graduates. Reflecting on the class's journey, Lytle highlighted the lessons learned from overcoming challenges. “Challenges are perhaps one of the most constant variables in our lives,” Lytle noted. “They shape us, motivate us, sometimes they even scare us.”

“You are here today because you have overcome, you have grown,” he said. “You are ready for tomorrow, no matter what life throws at you.”