Bianchi and his 56 other Manson Northwest Webster seniors graduated from the school they have called home here on Sunday in front of family and friends.

Along with being heavily involved in athletics and activities while a Cougar, Bianchi continued on a long run of tradition in graduating from Manson Northwest Webster.

“It is exciting and sad at the same time,” Bianchi said. “I have been going to Manson Northwest Webster since preschool and I have learned many things and have built so many relationships with great people.

“It’s definitely exciting to graduate from the same school that a lot of my family has graduated from. MNW has taught me a lot of things and it is exciting that I got to experience the school like some of my family did and to be able to call it home.”

-Messenger photo by Deanna Meyer
Cael Oswald smiles after receiving his diploma Sunday during Manson Northwest Webster graduation ceremonies.

But Bianchi also knows this final conclusion comes with sadness.

“It will be emotional because graduation is one of the last times I will see my classmates,” he said. “These are the people I grew up with, so it definitely will be a little sad, but it is also exciting seeing everyone go and do their own thing.”

Bianchi, who overcame a serious injury suffered in football, credited former MNW head football and track coach Jeff Anliker with helping him reach this point. Anliker is also the current junior and senior high school counselor for the district.

“A lot of people helped me out throughout these four years,” Bianchi said. “But Coach Anliker had the biggest influence on me. He helped me whenever I needed it.”

Three valedictorians — Aleksandria Aljets, Trinity Johnson and Emma Larsen — each achieved perfect 4.0 grade point averages over the course of their high school careers at MNW.

-Messenger photo by Deanna Meyer
Denise Pohl gets a hug from her son, Andrew Pohl, after he gives her a flower during Sunday commencement at Manson Northwest Webster High School.

Aljets, who transferred to Manson Northwest Webster from St. Edmond Catholic School in Fort Dodge, recently ran with the Cougars at the state track and field meet in Des Moines.

“I’m going to remember the people, especially my teammates,” she said. “I always looked forward to practices and meets, as well as just hanging out before practice; laughing, talking about our day. I’m super happy I got the opportunity to meet each of them and run with them for the last two years.

“After going to St. Edmond for 10 years, switching schools was a big change. All of the students and teachers were super welcoming and I honestly feel like I’ve been here at Manson my whole life. While I miss seeing a lot of people from St. Edmond, I love being part of the Manson community and I’m so grateful for all of the relationships I’ve built and the opportunities I’ve had. I think getting involved and having teammates has also helped me adjust to a new school.”

Aljets added that the “lead up to graduation was a little bit stressful” due to all of the planning, “but it’s also super exciting.”

“I’m really excited to see what the future holds for me and each of my classmates,” she said.

-Messenger photo by Deanna Meyer
Senior Aleksandria Aljets addresses the Class of 2022 during commencement exercises Sunday in the Manson Northwest Webster High School gymnasium.

The class flower was the sunflower and colors were baby blue and silver. The class motto was “Alone we can do so little; together, we can do so much,” made famous by Helen Keller.

-Messenger photo by Deanna Meyer
Senior Trinity Johnson addresses the Class of 2022 during Manson Northwest Webster commencement ceremonies Sunday in the high school gymnasium.

-Messenger photo by Deanna Meyer
Senior Emma Larsen addresses her classmates Sunday during Manson Northwest Webster commencement exercises in the high school gymnasium in Manson.