Though some dark clouds still loomed on the edge of the otherwise sunny skies, Dodger Stadium stayed dry for all 209 graduates to walk across the stage to receive their hard-earned diplomas on Sunday afternoon.

“I know I speak for the entire staff of Fort Dodge Senior High when I tell you that it has been a privilege to spend the past four years with you, as we’ve watched you grow, helped you explore and witnessed you becoming the incredible young adults who are sitting here before us today,” Principal Staci Laird said welcoming the graduates. “We are so very proud of you.”

Laird also noted that while graduating high school is a huge accomplishment, it’s only one part of the story of their lives.

“It’s a brief pause that allows you to reflect on where you’ve been, and think about how you will write the next part,” she said. “And how you write your next chapter should be shaped by nothing more than who you want to be.”

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
One graduate has decorated her mortar board with photos from her years as a Dodger.

Dr. Denise Schares, interim superintendent of schools, advised the graduates to make good choices, have integrity and cherish their time, as it goes quickly.

“Perhaps the most important use of your time is to keep learning because, as the saying goes, ‘If you are unwilling to learn, no one can help you, but if you are determined to learn, no one can stop you,'” she said. “Congratulations to the unstoppable Class of 2023.”

Four student speakers delivered their final thoughts to their fellow graduates — three valedictorians and Senior Class President Kyron Wilson.

Valedictorian Victoria Touney said that Sunday’s commencement ceremony and what it symbolizes isn’t just the end of this chapter of their lives, but really it’s the beginning of their next story.

“I’d like to thank my peers and teachers for giving me an extremely positive high school experience simply because of the kindness and empathy I was shown, and I hope that I returned that to all of you,” she said. “As we walk across this stage today, think of it as stepping into your new journey, but do not forget what high school taught us — our values, our kindness, our work ethic and of course that the mitochondria just happens to be the powerhouse of the cell.”

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
Ryan Madden, of Fort Dodge, speaks to the Class of 2023 during Fort Dodge Senior High’s commencement ceremony on Sunday afternoon at Dodger Stadium. Ryan Madden, of Fort Dodge, speaks to the Cass of 2023 during Fort Dodge Senior High's commencement ceremony on Sunday afternoon at Dodger Stadium.

The last four years have been a “frenzy of studying,” valedictorian Grace Casciato said, and now is the time to do, well, nothing. For a moment, anyway.

“Tests, homework, activities, competition, dancing and socialization,” she said, recounting their experiences. “We learned how to write a paper in perfect MLA format, how to graph quadratic equations and how to say, ‘Puedo ir al bano?'” (Can I go to the bathroom?)

Before they get swirled up into what’s coming next, Casciato encouraged her classmates to take some time to bask in the moment.

“It is easy to miss out on the reason we are celebrating,” she said. “Let me remind you we are celebrating because, in the face of obstacles and our own self-doubt, we persevered and finished our high school career.”

In giving the farewell address, Wilson shared three important lessons he gained from high school that he said they should continue to carry with them.

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
Connor Carver, of Fort Dodge, exchanges a fist bump with school board member Dr. Matt Moritz during the Fort Dodge Senior High commencement ceremony on Sunday at Dodger Stadium.

“First, hold yourself accountable, because you’re the only one who can,” he said. “Second, be better — try to better yourself every day and you’ll see improvement. Last but not least, believe. Because believing is the first step toward accomplishing your goals.”

Ryan Madden was the final valedictorian speaker. He reminded the Class of 2023 to use “dumb mistakes” as a good opportunity for character development, and to go make the life they want.

“Don’t worry about being successful, as success is whatever your definition of it is,” he said. “Instead, I would challenge you to find what makes you happy and chase after that instead … Go experience and live the life you want.”

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
Fort Dodge graduates Keyonna Douglas, left, and her sister Keymora Douglas show off their decorated caps before the Fort Dodge Senior High commencement ceremony on Sunday.