2017 Graduates are Final Class at Grant-Deuel High

Five students received their diplomas during the 2017 Commencement ceremony at Grant-Deuel High School on May 13. The Class of 2017 will be remembered as the final class to graduate from the school. Grant-Deuel closes its doors permanently on May 18. Earning their diplomas were: Brittany Crocker and Jaedon-Jo Gronewold, distinct honor students; Dylan Kennedy and Sydney Zenk, honor students; and Jacob O’Donnell.
The ceremony also included a welcome by Mrs. Paulette Grube, Dean of Students, and an address by teacher Matt Lagerstrom. Sydney Zenk represented the class as their speaker. Superintendent Al Stewart presented the class. Mr. Doug Meyer, Grant-Deuel Board of Education representative, presented the diplomas.

The Grant-Deuel band played Pomp and Circumstance, and the choir sang Grant-Deuel #63, a poem by Dr. William Wieland that was set to music. Kristy Tostenson was the band and choir director.

The ceremony also included a presentation of flowers by the senior class and a PowerPoint presentation showcasing class memories. The Class of 2017’s motto is Proud of the Past, Preparing for the Future. The class flower is the blue and white calla lily, and the class colors are royal blue, black, and silver.

Scholarships, awarded to the senior students were:
Brittany Crocker – Russel O. Peterson, $500; Renae Nelson-McIntosh Memorial, $1,000.
Jaedon-Jo Gronewold – Grant-Deuel Alumni, $1,000.
Dylan Kennedy – Student council, $438; Booster Club, $500; Grant-Deuel Alumni, $1,000; Red Cross, $500.
Sydney Zenk – Fryslie Family Memorial, $500; ITC (Interstate Telecommunications Coop), $600; Build Dakota – Full scholarship; Student council, $438; Renae Nelson-McIntosh Memorial, $1,000.

2017 Graduates are: (l. to r.) Brittany Crocker, Jaedon-Jo Gronewold, Dylan Kennedy, Jacob O’Donnell, and Sydney Zenk.