Almost all of the 35 graduates had cords of various colors draped around their necks, denoting community service, blood donations and community college credits. Many were sporting additional multi-colored cords symbolizing high grade-point averages. Plus there were many golden-colored stoles marking National Honor Society membership.

Principal Maurice Ruble said the Class of 2026 set a new standard for academics, athletics, arts and community service.

The classmates also matured a great deal during their four years of high school, according to Jack McElroy, who spoke on behalf of the Class of 2026.

Visibly struggling to control his emotions, McElroy said, “When you come to the first day of high school, you really don’t know much about yourself. You don’t know much about what’s going on.”

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
St. Edmond graduate Ava Underberg fixes her cap before the school’s commencement ceremony on Sunday in Fort Dodge.

But four years of classes, sports practices and rehearsals change all of that, he said. After all of that, the graduates know who they are and are ready for their futures, he said.

Monsignor Kevin McCoy, president of St. Edmond Catholic School and pastor of Holy Trinity Parish, saluted the parents of the graduates.

“Parents, as you well know, you are the primary educators of your children,” he said. “We are privileged at St. Edmond to partner with you in the formation of your children.”

He also thanked the school’s administration, faculty and staff. Then he turned his attention to the graduates seated in rows of chairs in front of the stage.

“Graduates, today we celebrate you and all your accomplishments,” he said.

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
St. Edmond graduates Sophia Dutcher, left, and Grant Galles share a special handshake before walking down the aisle during the commencement ceremony on Sunday inside the high school gymnasium in Fort Dodge.

McCoy said each graduate has their favorite memories of St. Edmond that are known only to them and perhaps a few close friends. But he expressed his hope that the graduates “will long remember these hallowed halls.”

He added that high school graduation symbolizes a beginning as well as an ending.

“As you receive your high school diploma, we all know that the end of high school signifies the beginning of the next stage of your transition from adolescence to adulthood,” he said.

The graduates were called individually to the stage to receive their diplomas from John Engler, president of the St. Edmond School Board of Education.

For the first time in recent memory, the school’s gym was set up differently for this year’s commencement, and graduates entered from opposite sides of the room. They met in the center and processed down an aisle two-by-two to their seats.

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
St. Edmond graduate Jack McElroy addresses the Class of 2026 during commencement ceremonies inside the high school gymnasium on Sunday in Fort Dodge.

Soldiers from the Iowa Army National Guard brought the flags of the United States and Iowa into the room.

The St. Edmond Choir sang the National Anthem. Later in the ceremony, the five graduating members of the choir sang together for the last time.

The school’s concert band played a special number in addition to the traditional graduation processional.

The Rev. Jake Rosenmeyer provided the invocation and the benediction.

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
St. Edmond graduate Anna Lursen reacts after receiving her diploma Sunday during Gael commencement ceremonies inside the high school gymnasium in Fort Dodge.

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
St. Edmond graduate Rapas Srinarongsiri takes a moment before walking across the stage to receive his diploma on Sunday at St. Edmond High School in Fort Dodge.

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
St. Edmond seniors Hunter Horn, left, and Max Webster take a selfie before the Gaels' graduation ceremony on Sunday in Fort Dodge.

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
St. Edmond graduates Jakob Koopman, Hunter Horn and Carson Bargfrede toss their hats after graduating on Sunday outside St. Edmond High School in Fort Dodge.

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
The St. Edmond Class of 2026 tosses their caps into the air around the flag pole outside of St. Edmond Catholic High School on Sunday after completing commencement exercises in Fort Dodge.