Class Of 2023 Graduation Information

TRIO Wolf Creek Distance Learning Charter School shared in celebrating the success

of their seniors at their 21st commencement ceremony. Commencement was held for

the class of 2023 on Friday, June 9th, at the Chisago Lakes Performing Arts Center.

The Class of 2023 consisted of 67 graduates. The room was filled with the graduate’s

families and friends to witness a milestone in their education. “We have a lot to

celebrate tonight! We are celebrating graduating one of our largest classes ever! We

are proud to have served over 400 students this year; some from the start of the year

through graduation and some just for a quarter or two” said Tracy Quarnstrom, co-

founder and director of Wolf Creek. “We are happy to be involved in so many student’s

lives and help them reach their graduation goals!” she finished.

The Chisago Lakes American Legion Post #272 Color Guard presented the flags during

the “Star Spangled Banner,” which was played by Wolf Creek staff member CJ Hanson.

Quarnstrom welcomed and thanked everyone present who helped make this moment

possible for each student.

Below are a few excerpts from the commencement address by Quarnstrom.

Let’s talk about the word commencement. Commencement means a beginning or start.

This is your graduation, your commencement, your start of life beyond high school. We

are so excited for you. Today is your day! Today is the start of something special. The

future is waiting for you! With the resilience you have already shown we know you will do

great things to make our world a better place now and into the future.

We applaud you for being an online learning student before online learning was cool.

You knew what school would look like even when other elements of traditional school

and our society fell away. You continued your studies with curriculum that was created

to be used in a virtual environment and you received a high quality education here at

Wolf Creek. For that you should be very proud!

What we believe about the Wolf Creek Class of 2023

-We believe that you are better poised to enter the digital world than most high

school students

-We believe that you will value connections in new ways when we return to a new

sense of normal in our society.

-We believe that you are capable of accomplishing anything you set your mind to.

Graduate and honors recipient, Kaci Kahler delivered her speech “Our Path to Victory”

where she spoke about her dreams and the dedication needed to turn those dreams

into reality. “If you want to take that leap and build your dream, you have to be ready to

give it your all”, she noted.

Graduate Henry Ferderer delivered his speech “Chase Those Crazy Dreams” where he

spoke about his journey to Wolf Creek and how he found support and success at Wolf

Creek. He also gave advice on how to move forward after graduation. “So I dare you to

be kind, take risks, have a growth mindset, and be yourself as you chase those crazy

dreams!” he exclaimed.

A beautiful performance of “It’s the Climb” by Miley Cyrus, sung by Wolf Creek staff

member Randi Stream and accompanied by staff member CJ Hanson. Three students

with high honors were awarded scholarships. Kaci Kahler and Hailey Herzog both

received the Wolf Creek Alumni scholarships and Ava DePrez received the Chisago

Lakes Lions scholarship.

Graduates adorned in their caps, gowns, and honor cords were congratulated,

celebrated, and awarded their Wolf Creek Online diplomas by Jeff Vitali, School Board

Chair, Tracy Quarnstrom, Wolf Creek Director and Brenda Swanson, Dean of Students.

Wolf Creek staff were next in line to congratulate each graduate they had championed

throughout their high school years. Families and friends were happy to witness each

student's success and join in the celebration. Many students decorated their hats

beautifully to celebrate their achievement. Families congratulated their graduates with

arms full of flowers, balloons, and gifts. It was a wonderful night filled with celebration

and congratulations!

The Wolf Creek staff and school board would like to congratulate the Wolf Creek Online

Class of 2023 and to wish all the graduates much success in their future endeavors and

a lifetime of learning and happiness.