Thirty-six strong, curious and compassionate graduates received their moment in the spotlight Wednesday at the Winona Area Learning Center graduation.
The WALC is so much more than a school. It is a family. And that was on full display Wednesday. Principal Jolene Danca remarked that she first met many of these students when she was at the middle school as an assistant principal — and, in the case of one of the graduates, an impromptu math teacher.
Danca does whatever it takes for her students to be successful, but she was quick to give the credit back to the graduates. Their hard work paid off, and will continue to pay off.
Superintendent Brad Berzinski implored the graduates to build off this positive momentum to continue to shine as they take the next step in their lives.
The ceremony also honored honorary graduate Joel Bruels, who is retiring after serving as the WALC science teacher. As he's done in previous years, Bruels pulled each graduate aside, shared a private memory with them, and wrapped them in a big bear hug.
In addition, safety specialist Christian Seamster was recognized for his service to the school. Seamster is leaving to pursue becoming a school social worker.
The 2026 graduates included: Alyssa Anderson, Wes Barnard, Lluvia (Lu Lu) Briones Andreen, Haydn Brown, Maryah Davis, Trequan Henderson, Tawaun Jones, Jarek Lapides, Malayah Murdock, Kara Palmquist, Cassidy Peplinski, Anastacia (AJ) Petty, Sarah Polus, Gabi Putz, Andrue Rose, Kylee Russeau, Nathan Steinbach, David Stewart, Lyla Stovall, Ayden Streater, Sam Swanson, Devyn Turkowski, Nikoli Volkman, ShaNiya Washington, Caden Wyman, Meiyoko Xiong.
This content is sourced from
Winona Area Public Schools (District 861)
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