On May 9, she walked across the stage at the Dr. John E. Hodges Fieldhouse to receive her Associate of Arts degree from Iowa Central Community College.

Then on Sunday she received her high school diploma from Eagle Grove High School at the Robert Blue Middle School.

Both her college and high school graduations were made possible through her involvement at the North Central Career Academy in Eagle Grove, she said.

It was there where she earned enough credits to graduate from both institutions.

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson
Sydney Willard, 18, left, gives her favorite teacher, Alyssa Nelson, a hug prior to graduating from Eagle Grove High School Sunday afternoon at Robert Blue Middle School.

Iowa Central operates the North Central Career Academy in the former Iowa Army National Guard armory in Eagle Grove. It opened in 2014. Courses in business, engineering, liberal arts, welding, machinery and education are offered there to high school students.

Knigge started attending Eagle Grove High School her sophomore year so she could benefit from the academy.

“Everyone here was very welcoming,” Knigge said. “It’s a very nice community.”

Knigge said she will attend the University of Iowa in Iowa City to study business management.

Her friend and classmate, Mariana Gonzalez, 18, also graduated from Iowa Central before graduating from high school.

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson
Kim Strickland, 18, left, and Maddie Stockdale, 18, show off their graduation caps prior to commencement at Robert Blue Middle School Sunday afternoon.

Gonzalez was the class salutatorian.

During her speech she congratulated her classmates.

“We made it,” she said.

Gonzalez reflected on her journey through Eagle Grove schools.

She said even though she struggled at times during middle school, that time also provided her with some of her favorite memories.

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson
Brittney Osborn, 18, uses her tassel to become a walrus prior to commencement at Robert Blue Middle School in Eagle Grove Sunday afternoon.

Gonzalez complimented her classmates.

“Our class is one of the most well-rounded group of students,” she said.

Gonzalez added, “Eagle Grove is a great community and will continue to be a great community because of the people.”

She intends to make Eagle Grove proud.

“Too many people have put in too much work for us not to use our talents,” Gonzalez said. “We must go out into the world and show what kind of talent our town produces.”

Gonzalez plans to attend Iowa State University in Ames to study political science.

Sydney Willard, 18, greeted her art teacher, Alyssa Nelson, with a hug prior to her graduation.

“She’s my best friend,” Willard said. “She’s the best teacher ever.”

Kim Strickland, 18, and Maddie Stockdale, 18, said they were going to miss each other.

“I am going to miss all my friends because I’ve been in Eagle Grove my whole life,” Strickland said.

Strickland will be studying at North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City.

“We had a lot of support here,” Stockdale said. “The music department was a big part of that.”

Stockdale will attend Iowa Central Community College.

Strickland said music teachers Justin Schwake and Sandy Muzzey made high school fun.

“They are our music mom and dad,” Strickland said.

Brittney Osborn, 18, was somewhat in disbelief over her graduation.

“It still hasn’t sunk in yet,” she said.

Osborn will also attend the University of Iowa where she plans to study therapeutic recreation.

Hannah Demory, 18, is ready for the next chapter of her life.

“It feels like it’s been a long time coming,” Demory said.

Demory will be attending the University of Iowa to study microbiology. She then plans to attend medical school to study anesthesiology.

Margaret Wachowiak was the class valedictorian.

She will be attending the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls to study speech and human science.

Wachowiak said her class, which graduated 58 students, is close knit.

“Going to school together, our class has grown so much closer over the years,” she said.

Completing difficult tasks made her better, she said.

“No matter how much we complained or struggled, it was these moments that made us who we are,” Wachowiak said.

She thanked those who impacted her education.

“Thanks to teachers and staff who answered all of our questions,” Wachowiak said. “Coaches who taught us valuable life lessons and parents who got us to school every day. Our appreciation for you is endless.”

She left her classmates with some advice.

“The good we do today makes a better tomorrow,” Wachowiak said. “Do good. Give the world the best you have to offer. Give your best effort.”

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