Another class of high school students saw their time at River Falls High School come to a close Sunday, June 2 with a pool of graduates celebrating their step into the next chapter of their lives.

Graduate Lilly Jensen began by sharing a speech about how her family moved to Florida and she graduated early.

“After spending the past four months away from the town I call home, I realized the importance of having people that you can rely on, people you can relate to, people that have faced similar challenges and helped you along the way,” Jensen said.

Jensen said despite the challenges of life, “You are going to be okay.” She mentioned adapting to the pandemic as a major challenge the class hurdled. Jensen said to thank the staff of the school, because they have taught life lessons in addition to the curriculum.

Graduating senior Emma Botello shared how the School District of River Falls has taught lessons of hard work and perseverance to the graduates during their years of learning.

“Success often comes to those who are willing to put in the effort,” Botello said.

She said the empathy, collaboration and open-mindedness obtained from over the years will translate to their future journeys.

Superintendent Jamie Benson addressed a River Falls graduating class for the final time as superintendent of the school district, as his retirement will be effective at the end of June. Benson has held the position since 2013.

Benson said graduation serves as both a celebration of accomplishments and a way to send students off into their next phases of life. Benson called for a round of applause for all school employees and family members for their help along the way.

“There were people who walked with you and helped you to arrive at this point,” Benson said. “Give a big shout out to your teachers, support staff, bus drivers, custodians, counselors, coaches, all those school employees that helped you along this path.”

Benson shared a handful of rules for the students as they approach the next phase of their journey: be positive, take risks, fail forward, surround yourself with winners, relationships matter and lean on others.

Principal Kit Luedtke gave a final address to the graduates after receiving their diplomas, sharing the advice of fostering meaningful relationships.

“A wise person once said that the greatest gift you can give somebody is your time, attention, your love and your concern,” Luedtke said.

He said it has become easy to interact with people through screens, but the person-to-person connection is unmatched.