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Student council president Bryce Bland told classmates to “stay close to people” and to “be the friend who’s there to listen,” urging graduates to value everyday connections as they move on. Superintendent Aaron Tarnitzer used an escape-room metaphor and advised students to “speak your truth and continue to not be on mute,” encouraging graduates to participate and advocate in the world beyond high school.

Teacher and speaker Chris McGrath used a historical example — the World War I Christmas truce of 1914 — to stress common humanity. “That night, there were no British or French or Germans. There were young men, tired, scared, and cold, who found kinship and camaraderie with adversaries,” he said, urging graduates to see people rather than adversaries when confronting complex problems.

Class speaker Cecily Clough tied the theme of character to civic responsibility, saying promises and acts of goodness reflect who people are: “What matters is not the strength of the muscle in our chest, but the strength of the character that our heart has built,” she said.

Speeches throughout the ceremony emphasized teamwork, the role of teachers and family in students’ success, and the idea that growth comes through struggle. Speakers repeatedly highlighted the social bonds formed in school as the central lesson the Class of 2025 should carry forward.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","McFarland Graduation 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Student and staff speakers at McFarland High School commencement emphasized connection, teamwork, resilience and common humanity in remarks to the Class of 2025.","taxTitle","McFarland School District, School Districts, Wisconsin","taxId",38696,"location","Wisconsin","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6210148,"McFarland High School awards diplomas to Class of 2025; honors and achievements highlighted",3202,3495000,6697000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3723640-c88b8a0dee5768737693ea25957aea1c&start=3495&end=6697","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3723640-c88b8a0dee5768737693ea25957aea1c/thumbnail_3495000.jpg","/articles/6210148/Wisconsin/McFarland-High-School-awards-diplomas-to-Class-of-2025-honors-and-achievements-highlighted","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6210148-9e550afb2a34f95e16f0d369e211ebb5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770664942&Signature=A894jvnJw0oaxHGGUFAwgbehlw6xSw5BgF6qG8yHss~henQfxRUVnLB-tYp-BBPU24x7nlYkuKWlZuWZGOkxIatOChR5YyCzuven96CmXtM8g~e2VfFRWo-88ndiUnKmyVEJK59CBBYW2PQ4ks1nJTRq9MYfbK4rZEAmvsWjF-uAN9-OHI5fN1uzvJ4pVjVqu92NMNlSbjJATYIJT29rZ7krU0H0f8uLtRMbk-LtaOX2U65R60o8tHaXTtUqvgGGRsnCzuX~vWaqGv6Kq90Dv7FzL3hnA5XmDuvHtqQYw9kfMYd3BDVHRt8fchswn5wqZZRyJAhUtZm1-sVqDiYSqw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","McFarland High School held its commencement ceremony at the school, where administrators and faculty presented diplomas to the Class of 2025 after the principal recommended the class be recognized for meeting district requirements.

The ceremony highlighted student achievements across academics, arts and athletics and included presentation of the Spartan award, a school honor decided through student nomination followed by a staff vote.

Principal Brett Jacobson recommended that “each of the students of the class of 2025 … be recognized with the presentation of their escape room certificates in the form of a high school diploma,” and the diplomas were presented with the assistance of Dana Shamer, Beth Canfield, Superintendent Aaron Tarnitzer and school board president Megan Fessler. The principal also summarized team and individual accomplishments the school recorded this year, noting musical productions, conference championships and state-level athletic appearances.

The Spartan award presentation was described during the ceremony as a two-step selection process. First, students who met academic and disciplinary eligibility were identified and then fellow students voted; the top student vote-getters were presented to staff for a final decision. The presenter described the winner, Sophie Olson, as having combined academic achievement, leadership roles and commitment to service.

Graduates’ names were read aloud during the ceremony and the final tradition — the moving of tassels — closed the event.

The ceremony also included multiple student and staff speakers who framed commencement themes around community, resilience and future responsibility.","McFarland High School held its commencement where diplomas were presented to the Class of 2025 and several student achievements and awards were recognized, including the Spartan award.","actionData","errors"]

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Graduation speakers urged McFarland graduates to stay connected, speak their truth and lead with humanity

McFarland High School awards diplomas to Class of 2025; honors and achievements highlighted