“Every decision you make will have an impact on someone, somewhere at some point in time,” said Johnson, one of three class speakers who earned a perfect 4.0 grade-point average all four years of high school.

Kindness was another lesson she shared.

“Kindness always speaks volumes,” Johnson said.

Johnson said everything happens for a reason, alluding to not only the COVID-19 pandemic that cut her senior year short, but other challenges the class has faced.

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson
Kayden Gangestad, right, attempts to get Kolton Ricklefs to look ahead during group pictures at the Manson Northwest Webster class of 2020 graduation ceremony Saturday.

“Every failure and success has made you who you are today,” she said.

Not letting others determine your success or failure and picking a good group of friends were other lessons highlighted by Johnson.

Matthew Helmers, the second class speaker, said the class of 2020 was born into challenges.

“It’s unfortunate that our senior year was cut short by an unforeseeable pandemic,” he said. “However, I believe this is fitting for the class of 2020. When times get tough, the tough get going, and we are moving right along.

“The students in our class came into the world on 9/11, have lived through the 2001 and 2008 recession and are now experiencing the great lockdown of COVID-19 during high school graduation.”

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson
Peyton Mericle jumps for joy upon completion of the class of 2020 Manson Northwest Webster graduation ceremony Saturday.

Helmers said the class has faced uncertainty before, but they had each other to lean on for support.

“How about touring the high school for the first time and thinking, ‘I am a big kid now,’ and then realizing you are back at the bottom of the food chain and, more importantly, the lunch line,” Helmers said. “We didn’t have a clue what we were getting ourselves into.

“The only thing we knew was we were the class of 2020 and we were in this together. No matter the difficulty, there was always someone to help us.”

Helmers thanked those within the community whose critical work made their education possible.

“On behalf of the class of 2020, let us give a round of applause for the teachers who put up with us, the cooks who fed us, the custodians who cleaned up after us, the bus drivers who transported us and our families that supported us,” he said.

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson
Emma Anderson looks on during group pictures at the Manson Northwest Webster class of 2020 graduation ceremony on Saturday. Anderson was one of few students who wore a protective face mask for the event.

With an eye to the future, Helmers said, “Now, class of 2020, we are on the next phase of our lives. Know and believe you have what it takes to attain greatness. Be persistent and dedicated to whatever career you decide to pursue.”

Autumn Marsh, the third class speaker, mentioned the class motto — “From small beginnings, come great things.”

She emphasized patience in determining a path forward.

“Life is not about finding yourself, it’s about creating yourself,” she said. “Many of us spent hours practicing our craft on the court, on the field or in the classroom. We have learned, laughed, loved, gotten into trouble and, most of all, matured together. But today isn’t just about the past, it’s looking toward the future.

Life is a learning curve, not a test. So spend however much time you need figuring out what you really want.”

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson
Carson Peterson, right, gives MNW instructor Chris Wood, a bear hug following the class of 2020 Manson Northwest Webster graduation ceremony on Saturday.

Kevin Wood, who has spent the past 16 years working at MNW as a teacher and principal, delivered his final speech to the graduating class. He has accepted a superintendent position with Sioux Central.

“This is an emotional time for me,” Wood said, followed by a long pause as he choked back tears. “This will be my final delivery of graduation as high school principal.”

Wood said each of the graduating seniors would be stronger after overcoming adversity due to the virus.

“Many of you have successfully navigated challenging situations in the past,” he said. “Each one of you will not only persevere but learn from this experience.”

Wood added, “This pandemic was by far the biggest challenge we faced together. How each one of you responds to this bump in the road will speak volumes about your character. Turn this negative experience into an opportunity. Learn a new trade, build relationships with your family.”

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson
Skyler Vetter, center, walks off the stage after graduating from Manson Northwest Webster High School Saturday. A tearful Kevin Wood is shown near the podium. Wood is retiring from the district.

Wood said he hopes the class of 2020 will stay in touch.

“It’s my utmost wish that you remain connected with your classmates, your friends, your teachers and your family,” he said. “MNW staff, administration, parents and community are proud of your accomplishments and wish you well in your future endeavors. This is not how we envisioned this last chapter, but these were the cards we were dealt, and each one of you will be stronger humans because of these experiences.”

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson
Major Johnson gives her speech during the Manson Northwest Webster class of 2020 graduation ceremony Saturday.