“Many people see commencement as an end,” said Superintendent Doug Van Zyl. “But in reality, commencement means to start.”

“It’s a start of new opportunities and new possibilities,” Van Zyl added. “Your time here with us has hopefully prepared you to take that next step and face your next challenge.”

Van Zyl said each of the Fort Dodge Senior High graduates, who were dressed in Dodger red caps and gowns, had something in common.

“You may be individuals, but you are on the same team,” he said. “You were willing to do the work when others weren’t. You faced challenges and found solutions.”

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen Graduate Justin Schild is all smiles Sunday afternoon as some of his fellow graduates are reflected in his mirrored sunglasses at the Fort Dodge Senior High Class of 2017 Commencement in Dodger Stadium.

Van Zyl added, “That’s what real Dodgers do. We come together and rise above.”

He left the graduates with a challenge.

“As you leave today and go into the real world, do not forget what you have done and what it took to get you here,” he said. “Don’t settle, don’t make excuses and don’t quit.”

“You will face issues and ugliness in this world that other people are willing to accept or complain about, but choose to do nothing to correct it,” he said. “Our community needs you to remember. Because by remembering, I know you can help all of us rise above the issues and ugliness that’s out there. I believe in you. We believe in you.”

Principal Kenneth Hayes highlighted the multiple achievements of FDSH graduates.

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen Graduate Anna Taylor reads a letter she wrote to herself when she was in eight grade before the start of the Fort Dodge Senior High Class of 2017 Commencement in Dodger Stadium Sunday afternoon.

“Just this year we have enjoyed state softball, state wrestling, state individual wrestling with two state champions, state boy and girl bowling, state boy and girl swimming, state boy and girl tennis, state boy and girl track, state cross country, state cheerleading, and state dance,” Hayes said. “Our speech had several selected for the All-State performances, while several students were sent on to All-State Choir and All-State Band.”

He said “The Pajama Game,” the school’s musical, was awarded outstanding musical for a high school performance.

“You have all shown much character, tenacity, and perseverance that embodies our district motto, ‘Together we rise,'” Hayes said.

He was proud of the academic achievements of students.

According to Hayes, more than 17 percent of the graduating class earned more than 70 credits. Only 52 are required, he said.

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen Graduate Hannah Beshey accepts her diploma Sunday afternoon from School Board president Stu Cochrane at the Fort Dodge Senior High Class of 2017 Commencement in Dodger Stadium.

One third of the class achieved a 3.0 grade-point average, he said.

“The most impressive attribute to this class is their character and Dodger pride,” Hayes said. “They take pride in what we call Dodger Nation.”

Hayes asked that students remember Fort Dodge for what it provided.

“I challenge you to take a closer look at your home in Fort Dodge,” he said. “It’s here that you have been supported, cultivated and guided into the young adults you are becoming. It is here that you call home, not because of a home built on concrete, but because of a community that believes in its individuals.”

“Fort Dodge will always be a home that you can return to,” he added. “It is in Fort Dodge that you were shaped, challenged, and elevated towards greatness. I challenge you to always remember these fine qualities of the place we call home. When you look back on Fort Dodge Senior High and Fort Dodge, I hope you will remember that together we rise.”

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen Maddie Cathcart, at right, waited till the very last minute Sunday afternoon before putting on her graduation gown at the Fort Dodge Senior High Class of 2017 Commencement in Dodger Stadium.

Keaton Thomas Dornath, student body president, echoed those sentiments.

“The future is what you make of it,” he said. “Do not sit back and let life take control of you. Make the most of your potential and don’t forget where you came from.”

Ryan Wagner, class valedictorian, couldn’t believe the progress he and his classmates have made.

“It seems like just yesterday we were learning to read and throwing rocks on the playground,” he said. “Life has changed quite a bit in the last 13 years.”

Wagner said each person can have an impact in the world.

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen Fort Dodge Senior High graduate Kolten Crouse wore his U.S. Marine Corps Dress Blues Sunday afternoon during the Fort Dodge Senior High Class of 2017 Commencement in Dodger Stadium. Now Pfc. Crouse, he finished boot camp about a month ago.

“There is endless opportunities for us to make this world a better place,” Wagner said. “We just need to seek them out.”

Megan Nebel, class salutatorian, talked about embracing change.

“Never in my life did I think I would give a speech in front of the whole school,” Nebel said. “Four years ago, I would have passed out or had a panic attack. But here I am today.”

She said the confidence she has in herself would not have been possible without her classmates and teachers.

“Without change, I wouldn’t be here today,” Nebel said. “Whatever we choose to do next will be exciting, but without change it will not work. We need to meet those changes head on. Your desire to change has to be greater than your desire to stay the same. Accept change and live your life to the fullest.”

For the more than 200 graduates, all will take on a unique path.

Emma Taylor plans to attend Iowa State University and study nutrition.

On Sunday, she was looking over a letter she wrote as an eighth-grader in Dave Newman’s class.

“I wrote about my family and my goals,” she said.

“He doesn’t teach anymore, but he came back to Fort Dodge to give us these letters, which was really neat,” Taylor said.

She had different goals at that time. Some she achieved, some she didn’t.

Austin Stanberg is looking forward to attending Iowa Central Community College for either construction or criminal justice.

“It will be a new page in this book of life,” he said.

Graduates will also carry different memories with them.

Blake Klinger said he will always remember attending football games as a student.

“It was just such a fun atmosphere,” he said. “All the people in the crowd just gave off good vibes.”

Jordyn Kloss will remember her time on the school’s dance team.

She will also remember her favorite class with a teacher who is retiring.

“My favorite class was French and it’s not because of the class, but because of the teacher,” she said.

Bobbie Westergaard taught the class, she said.

“It was her spunky attitude and her life story,” Kloss said. “She had traveled around the world and for her to share those experiences with us was really cool.”

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen Graduate Luke Durand, center, clutches what at first glance appears to be a purse Sunday afternoon while hanging out in the shade with fellow graduates Keaton Dornath, left, and Cassidy Durbin. The flower print bag is actually a cooler. "I've got three ice packs and five waters in here," he said. "I'm ready."

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen Rich Bloom, of Fort Dodge, uses the program for a little bit of shade Sunday afternoon while watching his son, Corbin Bloom, during the Fort Dodge Senior High Class of 2017 Commencement in Dodger Stadium.

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen Isaiah Pringle brought along a stylish fan Sunday afternoon to attempt staying cool during the Fort Dodge Senior High Class of 2017 Commencement in Dodger Stadium.

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen Fort Dodge Senior High student liason Erik Hoveland, at left, along with Dean of Students Scott Danielson make quick work of deflating a pair of beach balls tossed onto the field from the audience Sunday afternoon at the Fort Dodge Senior High Class of 2017 Commencement in Dodger Stadium.