Caps off to the Eden Prairie Schools Class of 2024

Eden Prairie High School’s (EPHS) and Eden Prairie Online’s (EPO) Class of 2024 graduated on June 7 in a ceremony filled with music, song, and speeches, and of course, the granting of diplomas.

The 3M Arena at Mariucci at the University of Minnesota was brightly decorated with Eden Prairie colors of red and black, as well as balloons and banners that celebrated the 100th anniversary of Eden Prairie Schools.

As attendees arrived and took their seats, videos played on large screens and the jumbotron. These included videos about the school district and interviews with students, many of whom had heartwarming messages for their teachers and families.

Attendees also picked up programs, which shared a special welcome from Superintendent Josh Swanson that congratulated students. “This achievement comes at a special time in our district’s history and in your educational journey,” Swanson said in his message.

“In 1924, the Eden Prairie Schools we know and love today was founded—just a few years after a flu pandemic that affected people across the world,” he said. “Similarly, your graduation comes just a few years after another global pandemic through which you persevered and rose above the challenge to walk across the stage today.

“For both our district and each of you, it is an inspiring story of opportunity and triumph that shows what it means to be an Eagle.”

Speeches, music, and diplomas

Around 7:10 p.m. about 700 graduates began marching into the arena to the tune of “Pomp and Circumstance.” As seniors took their designated seats, cameras flashed across the arena as families sought to capture the moment.

After Swanson addressed the gathering with his opening speech, EPHS Principal Nate Gibbs spoke.

Gibbs said, “This evening celebrates your shared accomplishments, which are truly remarkable. You’ve collectively demonstrated excellence in the classroom, on the stage, in the community, and on the field. These accomplishments were possible because you members of Eagle Nation came together to reach success as classmates, teammates, cast mates, and friends.”

Gibbs wished the Class of 2024 well, advising them that as they prepared to move from high school to whatever they may have planned next, “In this moment of transition and change, I sincerely hope that you take the opportunity to reflect on how far you’ve come.”

Gibbs, who himself will be transitioning away from EPHS, said, “Thank you for teaching me what it means to take meaningful risks. Thank you for showing me how to celebrate one another, and thank you for reminding me how much family and friendship matter. I’m grateful for each and every one of you.”

The senior student emcees were Rylee Brazil and Harshan Chandrasekar, and the senior speeches were given by Pranav Narayanan and Elizabeth Stephan. Linda Wallenberg, a longtime EPHS English teacher, was the student-elected faculty speaker.

The EPHS Wind Ensemble, directed by Mike Whipkey, and the EPHS Chamber Choir, directed by Jill Boyd, performed several musical selections throughout the event.

The seniors’ names were read by the students’ Connections advisors, who meet weekly with students in alphabetical groups. As students walked up to receive their diplomas, members of the Eden Prairie Schools administration and board were waiting to greet and congratulate them.

When the last name was announced, Gibbs said, “Will the Class of 2024 please stand? This ceremony represents your transition from a student to a graduate of Eden Prairie Schools. As a lasting symbol of this momentous occasion, please move your tassel from the right to the left.”

Gibbs then pronounced the words everyone had been waiting for: “Esteemed guests, I present to you the Eden Prairie Schools Class of 2024.”

The entire ceremony can be viewed on the Eden Prairie Schools’ YouTube channel.