Plum City High School Class of 2026 held its commencement ceremony Saturday, May 16.

Tobey Anderson

Parents: Kerri & Rich Anderson

Favorite staff: Mr. Gilles allowing me to further my interest in the shop during school hours.

Advice to freshman self: Look harder at the big picture. That 6.0 Powerstroke is definitely worth buying!

Most excited for: Making big money and working as much as possible along with moving out. Building more trucks.

Andrea Arredondo

Parents: Margarita Dominguez & Antonio Murillo

Favorite staff: Mrs. Wynveen: She pushes me to do my best and she is very supportive.

Advice to freshman self: Don’t let people influence you out of things.

Most excited for: Try new thing and learn from those experiences. High school goes by really fast so enjoy every moment.

Alex Batho

Parents: Kari Richardson & Phillip Batho

Katie Bauer

Parents: Colleen Bauer & Garret Bauer

Lukas Bocksell

Parents: Angie & Paul Bocksell

Favorite staff: Mr. Gilles. He taught me to ask more questions. I enjoyed his classes and talking with him.

Advice to freshman self: Buy one vehicle you like and keep it; don’t keep buying more until you’re happy.

Most excited for: To get out of high school and start a career.

Willow Cripe

Parents: Annita & TJ Cripe

Favorite staff: Mr. Hook has had the biggest impact on me not only as my English teacher, but also as my coach and mentor. In the classroom, he pushed me to think deeper, express my ideas clearly, and believe that my voice mattered. He never let me settle for the easy answer and always challenged me to do better, even when I didn’t think I could. Outside of academics, as a coach, he taught me discipline, confidence, and the importance of showing up and giving effort every day.

Advice to freshman self: If I could talk to my freshman self now, I’d remind myself that it’s okay to outgrow people and situations, and that change doesn’t mean you’ve failed. I would also tell myself to speak up more, in friendships and for myself, because thoughts and feelings matter. Finally, I’d tell myself to appreciate the little moments instead of rushing through them because one day you’ll look back and realize those ordinary days were actually really important.

Most excited for: What I’m most excited about in this next phase of my life is the freedom to grow into who I really am. I’m excited to meet new people, experience new environments and learn things that challenge the way I think. I’m looking forward to having more independence and responsibility, even though it’s a little scary, because it means I get to make choices for myself. Most of all, I’m excited to see how I continue to grow. "Great things can come from unexpected places if you’re brave enough to try and believe in yourself." -Ratatouille

Nick DeLong

Parents: Lisa & Kyle DeLong

Favorite staff: Mr. Gilles – even though he hasn’t been here very long, he has made a positive impact on me by teaching me things I can use outside of high school. He listens and cares about what students have to say and is always there if you need anything.

Advice to freshman self: The advice I would give my freshman self would be that you will survive every challenge you face the next four years.

Most excited for: I’m most excited about meeting new people and gaining new experiences while at college. I plan on attending UW-River Falls and majoring in Crop & Soil Science.

Trevor Diesing

Parents: Jill & Toby Diesing

Olivia Gransee

Parents: April Gransee & Lee Gransee

Benjamin Hassing (Salutatorian)

Parents: Shannon & Paul Hassing

Favorite staff: Mr. Hook has had the biggest impact on me by always expecting the best out of me and pushing me to go above and beyond with everything. I want to thank all the teachers and staff who have had to put up with and supported me through my high school career.

Advice to freshman self: Don’t let others hold you back. Do what you want and enjoy what you have in the moment rather than always looking ahead.

Most excited for: I’m most excited for traveling to Europe this summer, seeing all of the amazing things that you always hear about and experiencing the way others live and the many cultures around the world.

Lizzie Henn (Valedictorian)

Parents: Tracy & Kurt Henn

Favorite staff: Mr. Smith had the biggest impact on me during my high school years. He understood that high school students are also teenagers who sometimes need a break, not just academically but mentally as well. He took the time to check in with his students and created an environment where I felt respected and understood.

Advice to freshman self: Knowing what I know now, I would tell my freshman self to enjoy things more. High school goes by so fast, so it is important to focus less on perfection and enjoy the small moments.

Most excited for: In this next phase of my life, I am most excited to begin a new chapter. I am excited to create my own image in a place where no one knows who I am, step out of my comfort zone and meet new people.

Hudson Hewitt

Parents: Sarah Hewitt & Justin Hewitt

Favorite staff: Mr. Hook was always willing to answer questions I had for school or my future and gave me many ideas to help me figure out my pathway after high school.

Advice to freshman self: High school will be the best four years of your life; do as much as you can.

Most excited for: Explore the world and be able to make more decisions on my own.

Aspen Hines

Parents: Catherine Parker & Kris Hines

Favorite staff: Kim Ingli

Advice to freshman self: Try harder and work for what you want.

Most excited for: I’m excited to see what my life will turn out like without school.

Adda Ingli

Parents: Kim & Sam Ingli

Favorite staff: The staff member with the biggest impact on me is Carissa Christiansen. She never fails to give me the best advice while also being able to tell me when I’m wrong.

Advice to freshman self: Don’t ever let someone hold you back and it’s okay to want something different than everyone else around you. It’s your life too and you have to live it.

Most excited for: Meeting new people and making my own decisions.

Abby Kannel

Parents: Robin & Jeremy Kannel

Favorite staff: Mr. Hook, not only as a teacher, but also a coach. He is the type of person that you can talk to for hours and he will just keep listening. He is always making an effort to walk around and check in with each student individually. Even though he is not our track coach, he still offers to help us and shows up to every meet. Mr. Hook and I have a lot in common. Making it easy to relate to each other. I like to think of him like Siri, if you ask him a question, there is a 99% chance that he will know the answer.

Advice to freshman self: Try harder and be present. Do sports, go to the student sections and go to the dances. Once it’s gone, you can’t go back.

Most excited for: I’m most excited to make a lot of money after becoming a sonographer.

Owen Kober

Parents: Desiree & Chris Kober

Favorite staff: I have two. Mr. Hook has always been a big supporter of me as both a coach and a teacher. He keeps things honest and is always willing to help, both in and out of the classroom, from middle school all the way through high school. Mrs. Wynveen has helped me guide me toward my career choice and is always giving advice on everything. I’m really grateful for both of them.

Advice to freshman self: Slow down a bit, have some fun and take advantage of every opportunity you get, because these four years go by fast, no matter how slow the days may feel.

Most excited for: I’m excited for the experience and opportunities ahead of me – whether that’s football, campus life or the classroom. I’m looking forward to trying new things and giving my best effort in everything I do.

Brett Kopp

Parents: Pauline Hines & Lonny Kopp

Favorite staff: Mr. Hook. He inspired me to drive towards a degree in English while also helping me on the football field. Mr. Hook has helped me “do the things” and go out and enjoy life a little.

Advice to freshman self: Don’t worry about what other people will say, worry about how you’re going to do it.

Most excited for: Football! Being blessed to go out to Sioux Falls to play is so exciting and I’m excited to see where God takes me in this next phase!

Maddey Kopp

Parents: Dorothy & Lee Kopp

Favorite staff: The two teachers who had the biggest impact on me were Mr. Hook and Mrs. Ottman. They both supported me through everything and taught me so many valuable skills.

Advice to freshman self: Be very careful walking down the stairs during the grand march.

Most excited for: I am most excited about my opportunity to experience new things and continue learning about things that interest me.

Estella Malles

Parents: Sara & Matthew Malles

Favorite staff: Mrs. Wynveen. She has given me the tools that helped me balance ambition for academic achievement while still leaving room for mental health. She has always been so supportive and encouraging throughout my whole high school career.

Advice to freshman self: High school is not as bad as you think it’s going to be; soak up the good moments.

Most excited for: I’m excited to meet new people and get out of my comfort zone.

Ellison Maxwell

Parents: Angie & Eric Maxwell

Favorite staff: The teacher who had the biggest impact on me was Mr. Gilles. Even though I only had him as a teacher for two years, he has pushed me to be the best that I can be. He challenges me to be creative and do hard things even when I don’t want to.

Advice to freshman self: The advice I would give my freshman self is that time flies so just take in as much as you can. Believe that you can do hard things and just be you. Don’t worry about other people or friends because most likely they won’t be your friends in a few months anyway.

Most excited for: I am most excited to increase my knowledge and increase my independence. I am also excited to travel with the people that I love.

Ariel Perez

Parents: Flora Plasencia & Ismael Perez

Favorite staff: Mr. Hoskins. Even though he hasn't been here very long, I knew he was important to me from the first day I stepped in his classroom sophomore year. Profe knows how to connect with students. He was always there for me and I knew if I needed help with anything I could always go to him. He was always there for moral support and life advice. He would constantly check in with me asking how I was doing in other classes and asked if I needed help with anything. He showed that he cared about me and other students.

Advice to freshman self: Just try. Try your hardest. Put in as much effort as you can.

Most excited for: I’m excited to see everybody I grew up with become adults.

Lillian Pullen

Parents: Aletha & Thomas Pullen

Favorite staff: Mr. Hook encouraged me to start fresh and find myself without being influenced by other people, but most of all, that roses do NOT belong in mailboxes.

Advice to freshman self: I would tell my freshman self to remain open-minded and to be genuine.

Most excited for: I am most excited to start fresh, meet memorable people, continue my relationship with God and pursue my passion in healthcare.

Ellyana Shingledecker

Parents: Tammy & Jason Shingledecker

Favorite staff: Mr. Hook has had the biggest impact on me. He not only pushed me outside of my comfort zone, but he was also always there whenever I needed someone to talk to. After taking many of his English electives, I realized that picking up a book isn’t all that bad. I will forever be grateful for every day I got to spend in his classes.

Advice to freshman self: Knowing all I know now, the advice I would give my freshman self is to not be so afraid of change and new experiences. It’s okay not to have everything figured out right away. High school goes by much faster than you think, so get involved, try new things, and don’t hold yourself back.

Most excited for: What I’m most excited about in this next phase of my life is the opportunity to grow and become more independent. I’m looking forward to meeting new people, exploring new places, and challenging myself in ways I haven’t before. It’s exciting and scary to think about having a fresh start.

Alexis Snapp

Parents: Sue Connett & Cory Snapp

Favorite staff: Mr. Hook, he has always pushed me to do my best no matter the situation and is always there to make my day better and help me grow as a person.

Advice to freshman self: Don’t worry so much about what other people think of you and just believe in yourself.

Most excited for: I’m excited to figure out who I am outside of high school and step into something new, and build a career doing something I genuinely enjoy.