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Photos, speeches, articles - commemorating the 2016 graduating classes of Pequot Lakes and Pine River-Backus High Schools.
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BY ALEXANDER BECKER, SYDNEY HOLT, BARBARA MILLER & LEVI PALMER
Pequot Lakes High School valedictorians
First we would like to start off by saying thank you all for com-ing to support us on this special night, but most importantly seniors, we made it. The four of us honestly couldn’t be prouder of the things our class was able to accomplish and the amazing peo-ple we have all grown to be.
The four of us decided to do something a little different this year for our commencement
address, so instead of the typical valedictorian speech we decided to connect our senior class to our senior class song.
The song is entitled “Good Riddance” by Green Day, but we must remember that tonight is not a goodbye to this wonderful class but a see you later. So because of that we will use its more common-ly known and more applicable name of “Time of Your Life.”
The first line reads:Another turning point, a fork
stuck in the road
A turning point is defined by Merriam- Webster as a time when an important change happens. We are at an amazing time in our lives that, although the end of high school is here, the beginning of a whole new life experience is ahead for all of us, which brings us to make a lot of choices.
The fork stuck in the road is simply the decisions in life we must make. Whether it be little things like what we are going to caption the latest Instagram pic-ture we want to post or choosing
what career we will have the rest of our life, there are an endless amount of choices to make.
Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go
As many seniors can probably agree, the end of the year crept up fast. It seems like just yesterday we were walking into these halls as scared little freshmen, but time has its way of ticking away.
But I would say when time really directed us where to go was when some of us waited to turn in an online assignment at 11:58
when the assignment was due at midnight, or squeaking into class right about 5 seconds before the bell. Time never stopped for any of us.
And time will continue to fly as we grow older, and that means we must make the most of the time we all still have left and make the best of it.
So make the best of this test and don’t ask why
“Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more
The Pequot Lakes class of 2016.
The Pine River-Backus class of 2016.
See PL VALEDICTORIANS, Page S6
Pine River-Backus valedictorian and class president Troy Fetter makes air quotes when talking about being “sophisticated” sophomores during his senior class welcome speech at the commencement ceremony Friday, May 27.
PHOTO BY NANCY VOGT
BY TROY FETTERPine River-Backus Valedictorian
Good evening, friends and family, ladies and gentlemen, administrators and teachers.
Before I get started, I would like to thank you all for giving me this opportuni-ty to speak in front of you on this momen-tous day. I have long awaited the day that I could be here with my fellow classmates, for it was only four short years ago that we started high school. Now, it is our time to leave.
How did the time fly? It seems like only yesterday that we were young fresh-man looking at our upperclassmen for guidance. Now, we are the upperclass-men, the seniors who stand here ready to graduate and move out into the big wide world, yet we can’t help
but to look back.How will we remember this time that
we have spent here? When we were fresh-men, we did it in class periods. We would count down until the hour we were freed.
As weeks of school passed, we mea-sured time in semesters, and later in years as we went from being naive freshmen to being “sophisticated” sophomores. By the time we reached our junior year, we were prepared to take over for the seniors.
And now here we stand. Our time as upperclassmen is over and it is up to the next class to fill our shoes and take over.
I know that as I look out to all of you, I will measure my time a little differently. I
will measure it in all the friendships that I have made over the past four years. Some may not be as strong as
others, but I will always remember each one tenderly, as I’m sure all of you will too.
And when our memories of high school begin to fade, that is how we will measure our time spent here, not in class periods or semesters, but in the friendships that we have made
Pine River-Backus valedictorian and class president Troy Fetter makes air quotes Pine River-Backus valedictorian and class president Troy Fetter makes air quotes when talking about being “sophisticated” sophomores during his senior class when talking about being “sophisticated” sophomores during his senior class
man looking at our upperclassmen for man looking at our upperclassmen for guidance. Now, we are the upperclass-guidance. Now, we are the upperclass-men, the seniors who stand here men, the seniors who stand here ready to graduate and move ready to graduate and move out into the big wide out into the big wide out into the big wide out into the big wide world, yet we world, yet we world, yet we can’t help can’t help can’t help
I know that as I look out to all of you, I will measure my time a little differently. I
will measure it in all the friendships that I have made over the past four years. Some may not be as strong as
others, but I will always remember each one tenderly, as I’m sure all of you will too.
And when our memories of high school begin to fade, that is how we will measure our time spent here, not in class periods or semesters, but in the friendships that we have made
See PR-B FETTER, Page S7
S2 June 2, 2016 Graduation
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Congratulations Class of 2016!
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Dairy Queen218-568-5440 • PEQUOT LAKES
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14466 Dellwood Dr., Baxter, MN
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CONGRATULATIONSCLASS OF 2016!
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Laurie Hall326 W. Laurel St.Brainerd, MN(3 blocks South of Walgreens)828-0460
Congratulations!0
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One block south of the stoplightsMonday-Saturday 6am-10pm • Sunday 7am - 10pm
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June 2, 2016 S3Graduation
Ethan GibbsJessica Faacks Avory Ford Jack Friday Jack GanglBrady Evenson Jordan GeschwillJosie Florell Jordan GeschwillJordan Geschwill Ethan GibbsEthan GibbsJordan GeschwillJack FridayJosie Florell Avory Ford Jack FridayJessica FaacksJessica Faacks Josie FlorellBrady EvensonBrady Evenson Jessica FaacksJessica Faacks Jack Gangl Jordan GeschwillJordan Geschwill
Jordan HallJacob Giedd Anna Glover Allison GudahlHunter Goerges Angela Gudahl Logan HansenNatalie HalversonAngela Gudahl Logan HansenLogan HansenNatalie HalversonNatalie Halverson Logan HansenNatalie HalversonNatalie HalversonJordan HallAngela GudahlAngela Gudahl Natalie HalversonHunter GoergesHunter GoergesAnna Glover Hunter GoergesHunter GoergesJacob Giedd Allison GudahlAllison GudahlAllison Gudahl Angela GudahlAngela GudahlAllison GudahlAllison GudahlHunter Goerges
Michael HemmerichJohn Harguth Joseph Harrison Sydney Hartman Keagan Herman Jarad Holm Sydney HoltSamuel Hendrickson
Samuel Hendrickson
Keagan HermanKeagan Herman Jarad HolmKeagan Herman Sydney HoltMichael HemmerichMichael HemmerichSydney Hartman Michael HemmerichSydney HartmanJohn Harguth Joseph HarrisonJoseph Harrison Sydney HartmanJoseph Harrison
Kody KettlesonMikayla Horgan Brittney Knox Noah Kronstedt Daniel LightDustin LeslieRiley LarsonHunter Larson
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Congratulationsto the
Class of 2016!
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S4 June 2, 2016 Graduation
Abigail MeisterTori Long Lark Luchka Erick Marks Michael MathisMorgan Lohmiller Addison McGuireSharee Loyd Addison McGuireAddison McGuire Abigail MeisterAbigail MeisterAbigail MeisterAddison McGuireAddison McGuireErick MarksSharee Loyd Lark LuchkaTori LongMorgan LohmillerMorgan LohmillerMorgan Lohmiller Michael MathisMichael MathisMichael MathisMichael Mathis Addison McGuireMichael Mathis
Maclean NagyBarbara Miller Kathryn Miska Abrielle MummMegan Morgan Caitlin Murray Meghan NelsonAlexandra NelsonCaitlin Murray Meghan NelsonMeghan NelsonAlexandra NelsonAlexandra NelsonAlexandra Nelson Meghan NelsonAlexandra NelsonMaclean NagyMaclean NagyMaclean NagyCaitlin MurrayCaitlin Murray Maclean NagyMaclean Nagy Alexandra NelsonMegan MorganMegan MorganKathryn MiskaKathryn MiskaKathryn Miska Megan MorganMegan MorganBarbara MillerBarbara MillerBarbara Miller Kathryn Miska Abrielle MummAbrielle MummAbrielle Mumm Caitlin MurrayAbrielle MummAbrielle MummMegan Morgan
Alexandra OlsonChristopher Newton Amanda Nies Jordan Oaks Levi Palmer Emma Pitzl Nicholas ReedLogan OlsonLogan Olson Levi Palmer Emma PitzlLevi Palmer Levi Palmer Nicholas ReedNicholas ReedNicholas ReedAlexandra OlsonAlexandra OlsonAlexandra OlsonAlexandra OlsonJordan Oaks Alexandra OlsonChristopher Newton Amanda NiesChristopher NewtonChristopher Newton
Jacob RoubalGraedon Rohr Nicholas Salvevold Skylar Salvevold Paul SipperJared SewallJosh SenstIreland Schindel
June 2, 2016 S5Graduation
BY DAVE GUENTHERGood evening!Well, it looks like you’re gonna make it!
And I have the honor of joining you.This is going to be an interesting time in
your life, with all of the excitement of know-ing each of you are going to be going in differ-ent directions from here. It is going to be fun, hard work and even a little scary at times. We really don’t know what the future may bring us!
When many of you came to me asking about speaking tonight, I really didn’t know if I could do it. It’s a challenge I accepted because of all the times and memories we have had together and I guess I just couldn’t say no!
I know I talked to a lot of you about “what should I talk about.” Memories are something that will stay with us until we die. Time in the art room, learning, creating, making art, mak-ing mistakes, problem solving, going back, doing it again, failing at something, taking risks.
In today’s society so many people are afraid of failing. In my class you learned that failing was part of learning, and you learned from that experience.
Again, memories.Sharing recipes, grilling out behind the art
room, having fish frys (OSHA story). The Festival of the Arts, track meets, homecoming, snowmobile training and lending a hand or advice when you came to me with a class proj-ect that needed some artistic direction. … I’ve been there for you and you have been there for me.
I think back when I sat where you are tonight. School for me was … OK. OK grades. I grew up on a dairy farm, the oldest of six kids. I had a lot of responsibilities, worked hard and I learned the importance of hard work. I also learned the feeling of accomplish-ment and felt good about doing the best I could no matter what it was.
My folks had a big influence on me. My dad gave me the advice, “Do something you enjoy and you will never go to work a day in your life.” Dad had an eighth-grade education, was a Korean vet and could build anything.
He was concerned about me being a teach-er. “How you gonna make it? Those teachers don’t get paid enough for what they do.”
Well, if you like it, do it and if you make a lot teaching, when you retire you can come back and farm until you run out of money.
My mom was big on education, “because it is something that no one can take away from you.” When you learn something it will stay with you for the rest of your life. In high school I had two teachers that influenced me a lot - my art teacher, Ken Kylmanen, and my wrestling coach, Ray Thorkildson (Tork). These guys had faith in me, and saw the potential even I didn’t think I had.
I had a counselor and English teacher in school who told me that college would be a waste of time for me and that I was not suited for it. I told them I might be interested in an art field. I ended up going to school for com-mercial and graphic design, then went into education.
For some people, hearing from your coun-selor or a teacher that you could not make it ... well, for some people it would become an excuse not to pursue what you want to do. For me, if someone says I can’t do something, it’s just the incentive I need to prove them wrong.
That was the motivation I gained, being told I could not do something. Don’t tell me what I can and cannot do! As I said, I grew up on a farm. I thought about a farm-related career because that was all I knew and I want-ed to experience more in life. I could always go back and farm, which I love also.
I loved art, all types of it - printing, paint-ing, pottery, airbrushing. I wanted to share my love of this with others. So while in college, along with art I became more involved with sports - cross country, wrestling and track and field. That ‘s when the coaching part of it came along.
I had a teacher in college who had a saying, “A specialist is a person that knows more about less.” To be a full person I feel you have to experience everything in life that it has to offer. That’s why I have taught and coached the way I have all these years. To share what I have learned and pass it on to all of you.
After college I worked for a huge construc-tion company making great money, and left a $500 a week job for a $600 a month job teach-ing. What was wrong with me??? I taught for six years in a small school district in Karlstad, Minn. I drove a bus route, taught drivers ed, coached track, football and, of course, art.
At the end of my first year I never wanted to teach again. Dad was right. I could make a lot more money for the time I was giving. A good friend of mine told me, “give it one more year.” And so I did and 36 years later, here I
am!I came here 30 years ago. What drew me
here was the fact that the administration that was in place then held the academics, arts and athletic all at equal levels of importance.
I hoped that for what I was hired to do here, that I have done what was asked of me. As I have said before, I work at this school, I was hired by the administration that was here at the time, but I work for the taxpayers, com-munity, parents and all of the students.
I must say that in order to live in a commu-nity you have to be involved. “It’s not about you, it’s about what you do,” what makes you feel good about where you live. You can be involved in so many ways.
All of you have great things you can offer to make your community better. I have enjoyed being a part of this community and will continue to be here for all of you. That’s what makes it feel like home for me.
Now, some advice to you seniors.Some of you are familiar with the sign in
my art room. My ABC’s to go through life and this is coming from me personally and it has to go in this order:
A - AmbitionWithout ambition what good are you to
yourself or others around you? Getting up in the morning and making the most of each day. Doing the best that you can do. Feeling good at the end of the day because you accom-plished something. Having the drive to make this world a better place for yourself or others. There are three kinds of people.
1. There are people that make things hap-pen.
2. People that watch things happen.3. People that wonder what’s happening.B - BehaviorHow you conduct yourself and treat others
- be courteous, helpful, give of yourself, treat others as you would want to be treated. It’s not to hard to figure out. Be a good person, be positive!
C - Common SenseOh boy, man, do we need more of that!
Doing what’s right, thinking things through, asking for input from others, asking for advice. A comment from a former student who said to me, “Common sense is not as common as it once was.”
D - DisciplineI think this word gets used the wrong way
too much. Discipline is when you come up to a challenge in your life and you push yourself to get through mentally and physically. Don’t take the easy way out; anyone can do that. Don’t give up on yourself; don’t quit. We all have mountains to climb, never say never, if you want something bad enough you will per-severe.
E - EducationAs an educator, I feel the first four need to
come first, then education. The one quote I love is, “It’s not how smart you are, it’s how you are smart.”
Each of you has a gift and a talent. Make the most of what you have and search for more of the passion you have. You never stop learn-ing. It takes all of us doing what we are good at to make life happen.
The example I love is, “You may be a doc-tor, but you need a good mechanic to be sure that ambulance makes it to the hospital.”
We all need to pursue further education beyond today. Whether in college, technical school, military or learning from others through apprenticeship in your area where your interests are. As Abe Lincoln said, “Whatever you are, be a good one.”
Pride, Patriot Pride. Carry that with you the rest of your life!
F - FunFun! Yeah, you gotta have fun, enjoy time
with your family and friends. A quote from a great family friend, Harvey Roggenkamp, said, “We are all on this earth for a visit. Some may just be longer than others. Enjoy each day as if it was your last.”
Take the time to watch the sunrise and the sunset … and appreciate it, as no two are the same.
I could go on with the alphabet, but you get the idea.
If I could ever change one thing in my life I would have spent time in the military and served my country. We would not have the freedom of doing what we want without our brave men and women who sacrificed their lives for us. Always take the time to thank a veteran. Be there for them. They were there for us.
“I can grow old, but I don’t have to grow up.” I think of all the great people I have had in my time here at Pequot Lakes High School. Teachers, students, parents, former students who are now parents. I believe that because I have had to work around young people my whole life is the reason why I still feel young, because really, I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up! It’s been a great experience.
We live in a small community, and I like that. The fact that we spend time together at school activities, life’s celebrations like wed-dings, baby showers, funerals, being here for one another, make a community. A good school is the number one asset for a communi-ty. I would like to take a moment for those no longer with us - my for-mer students like Dru, Kia, Joey, Marcy, Annie and others, teachers and friends. I am honored to have known them and had them as part of my life. That’s what makes us a com-munity and a family.
Because we are a family, we look out for one another, help and support each other. My own family - Barb, my wife - for putting up with the long hours I put into this place because she knows this is my other love. My son, Jacob, for which so many teachers have helped him to where he is today in his life and career.
You all have had teachers here who have helped you to where you are tonight. I’m proud to be a part of this group of educators that has given you the experience you have had here in PLHS.
To be honest, I would rather be sitting up in the bleachers tonight, watching ... but it’s been an honor. To the senior class of 2016, parents, staff and administration, congratulations! You made it.
And, hey, you better stay in touch with me.
important than any one thing.” - Abraham Lincoln
If you have the determination to do well you can achieve anything you desire. I wish for all of you to do your best and trust in your-self and your goals. Things will surely get tough, but all of you can stick it through.
Remember that each morning is a brand new day to try again and to go further.
It’s not a question but a lesson learned in time. It’s something unpredictable but in the end is right.
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” - Abraham Lincoln
This is something we can all take to heart. This world is ours, and we should make the best of it. If we only live once, let’s live it to the fullest. Strive for infinity and don’t let any-thing hold you back. We’re on a one way trip to the rest of our lives and it ought to be out-standing.
I hope you had the time of your lifeThis is probably the best line in the song
because it couldn’t hold to be more true. I sure hope you loved your time here at Pequot Lakes. The amazing teachers we have, the opportunities we have been granted, and the wonderful people we have met along the way are just a few of the things we should all be grateful for.
We know that we will leave our mark on this school but more importantly we hope this school has made an impact in your lives.
So take the photographs and still frames in your mind
Look back on what you have seen the past 13 years of your education. Remember what we have accomplished as a class, and keep your mind open for what is to come.
Each of us has a personal story that reflects who we are. Now, I challenge each and every one of you to take your “photographs” and memories and share them with your future peers, bosses and co-workers.
Oftentimes, success is not achieved by your
awards or accomplishments; it is achieved by the way you communicate with others and share your personal story. You have a chance to be amazing, so take the chance.
Hang it on a shelf in good health and good time
Whenever something in your life isn’t going your way, trust in the fact that times will look up. In the end, we all have potholes in our roads to success. However, if you save the best memories on your shelf, you can quickly reference them for some extra joy.
Tattoos of memories and dead skin on trial
Although your memories typically define you by sticking to you like a tattoo, wear your best skin. Show people that you will be trust-worthy and reliable and that you enjoy what you are doing.
Additionally, love what you have done because it sticks with you for years to come, so you might as well have no regrets.
For what it’s worth, it was worth all the while
All of our time at Pequot Lakes was worth it, and I’m happy I got to spend it with you. Still, continue to have fun and grow as an individual. Continue to take chances that you are afraid to take, and continue to make the best of what you are given.
Because, if you don’t, you will miss out on the little time you have. In the next few years, take each opportunity with the goal to look back on your time so that you can say, “Dude, that was so worth it.”
Truly, I can say the time I spent here, with all of you, was worth it.
And the song ends with the chorus. The first phrase in the chorus is …
It’s something unpredictable but in the end is right
Life often follows Murphy’s Law. Whatever can happen, will happen. The one thing that is certain about life is the fact that life is always unpredictable. For a moment, your life can
seem to settle, but then life always finds a way to throw in a curve ball.
However, unpredictable is not always bad. Four years ago, I would have never guessed that I would be standing here now about to become a graduate of Pequot Lakes High School. Sometimes, the most unpredictable things that happen are blessings in disguise.
However, these blessings are only unveiled if you accept the fact that you are not in the driver’s seat. Initially, it might be scary or overwhelming, but if you take a deep breath and remember that a predictable life would be a boring one, then you will lead a life knowing that the path you are on is the right one.
I hope you had the time of your lifeFinally, I would like to make a small edit to
the end of our senior song. Instead of the song
ending with, “I hope you had the time of your life,” I want to change it to, “I hope you have the time of your life.”
As the path we have been walking together for the past four years is quickly coming to an end, I hope that our experiences together in high school have been the best time of your life thus far. Meaning, I hope as we all take different paths in life that we continue having the time of our lives.
As much as I wish that we could all contin-ue tackling life together as one class, I think it is time that we move on to the next chapter of our lives. However, remember to look back on the memories you have made in this little town with a bobber as its water tower.
So, Class of 2016, we hope you have the time of your lives. Thank you.
PL VALEDICTORIAN, From Page S1
you by sticking to you like a tattoo, wear your
Pequot Lakes High School valedictorians Alexander Becker, Sydney Holt, Levi Palmer and Barbara Miller give a joint speech incorporating the class song, “Good Riddance” (or “Time of Your Life”) by Green Day.
PHOTO BY DAN DETERMAN
ing each of you are going to be going in differ-
that will stay with us until we die. Time in the
am!
here was the fact that the administration that was in place then held the academics, arts and athletic all at equal levels of importance.
here, that I have done what was asked of me. As I have said before, I work at this school, I was hired by the administration that was here at the time, but I work for the taxpayers, com-munity, parents and all of the students.
nity you have to be involved. “It’s not about you, it’s about what you do,” what makes you feel good about where you live. You can be involved in so many ways.
to make your community better. I have enjoyed being a part of this community and will continue to be here for all of you. That’s what makes it feel like home for me.
my art room. My ABC’s to go through life and this is coming from me personally and it has to go in this order:
Donning his ever-present apron, Pequot Lakes High School art teacher Dave Guenther gives the commencement address Friday, May 27, encouraging students to find out what they love to do.
PHOTO BY DAN DETERMAN
S6 June 2, 2016 Graduation
BY ANGELA GUDAHLPequot Lakes High School senior
My name is Angela Gudahl, and I am a student of the graduat-ing class of 2016. And before I start, I would just like to give a quick but important disclaimer.
Underclassmen: In case it has not already begun, you will find that it will be instilled in you to never cite your research papers and/or public speeches from any website, unless it is .org, .edu or .gov.
That one was for you, Mrs. Klein.
However, given these dire cir-cumstances of a plague that has affected the majority of seniors nationwide, I have made a diffi-cult and reluctant exception. So according to urban dictionary.com, “senioritis” is defined as the following:
Noun. A crippling disease that strikes high school seniors. Common symptoms include, but are not limited to, walking pro-foundly slower to all or selected classes; an increase in sporadic absences, which may or may not include a breakfast at the Commander; an increased confi-dence in test taking skills when textbook has not been taken; counting in math class, but only if it means counting down the slides of the day’s lesson; desire to test work ethic under intense pressure by choosing to write an 8-page research paper the night before it is due, even though adequate time was given during class period in the weeks prior.
Side note: Adequate class peri-od or open hours may or may not have included searching cooking videos or googling political memes.
Symptoms may also include one tear drop of genuine and des-perate joy being shed when said 8-page research paper’s due date was pushed back a day due to schedule change.
In my specific and personal experience, senioritis came in the form of trying to write a gradua-tion speech, but instead staring at a wall for two hours, wondering why on earth did someone decide that a piece of square cardboard balancing on a swimming cap and covered in blue fabric was a good idea for a hat to graduate in?
Yep. Senioritis.I have always thought the class
speech should be one of sentimen-tal words and endearing memo-ries, of the good times shared in the past. So I began to try to remi-nisce on the beautiful days of middle school ... but I had noth-
ing. My subconscious seemed to be blocking out memories, and I can only assume it was some sort of coping mechanism for my own personal well being.
But I did recall one phrase repeating in my head. It was Mrs. Fisher’s voice. From eighth grade. “Shhhhhhh. You guys, quiet down. Your hormones are raging.”
Fortunately, this lovely group of millennials standing before me all seemed to be aboard the Facebook fad as early as 2009. And so with signed permission, I thought perhaps we could dig up the heart and soul of this class via Facebook posts from our prepu-bescent selves.
I discovered some of us found it necessary to share our personal electrolyte intake, as Lauren Bengtson posted in 2011 for the world to see: “I drank a quart of gatorade today.”
I also discovered many of us were in awe of the pop culture of our generation, when I read Maria Brown’s Facebook status from 2011: “Why does selena have to date justin? its gross … sorta.”
I also was reminded of our growing observation of the ani-mals of the sky, and the law of physics, when I saw Erick Marks posted in 2009: “I love it when birds hit the window! THUD.”
Along with the financial sacri-fices we had to make when we did not have our own summer job
income yet, as Erick also pro-claimed in 2009: “I feel good i just gave the salvation army .65 cents.”
We also seemed to be very inquisitive thinkers, in awe of sci-ence and new discoveries. I real-ized this when I saw Graedon Rohr’s post from 2011: “scientists have discovered a new earth like planet. I wonder if we get the technology to go to light speed, that the government would want to take the planet’s resources - graedon 2011.”
Mac Nagys post on Christmas day on Dec. 25, 2010, made me realize we also were dreamers. It stated: “this summer i had a dream the rapture would happen on december 26, 2010. let’s find out if its true.”
We also didn’t let the dangers of the world stop us from diving into the saltwater trenches. Levi Palmer posted in 2011: “Ooowweeeee just ripped off my fingernail while swimming in the ocean …”
But most of all, I saw on my own personal Facebook page that I was quite observant of both my sleeping cycle and my blood cir-culation. As I found it important to post a status saying: “goin to bed ... fingers are cold lol” - Angela Gudahl
But perhaps Allison said it best on behalf of our whole grade even to this day, when she posted in
2011: “I wish someone would rob my house and take my social homework with them.” All joking aside, it is absolutely remarkable to see how far we have all come. And regardless of the rest, regardless of the classes we took or the grades we got in them, we are all here with the same exact goal completed.
The antidote to our senioritis.We did it, we are all graduat-
ing. From the bottom of my heart on behalf of this class, thank you to the teachers who encouraged us. Thank you to the teachers who put countless extra hours into helping us reach our goals. Thank you for the teachers who chal-lenged us even when we did not want to be challenged.
Thank you for Mr. Rankin for having high expectations of us to amount to the achievements we are capable of. Thank you Mrs. Stampe for kicking cancer’s butt. Thank you Mr. Guenther for who you have been to so many stu-dents. Thank you to all the facul-ty.
Thank you parents, for being alongside of us and equipping us with skills that will last a lifetime. Thank you for adults in the com-munity who have mentored stu-dents and been an advocate for those of us who needed it. The paraprofessionals who have told students that they believe in them. Thank you.
Graduating class of 2016, never forget the people here who have encouraged you. Never forget the encouraging smile your peer gave you when you were having a hard day, the one encouraging text that kept you from falling apart, or the one hug that comforted you amongst whatever trial was going on in your life.
Never forget the person who told you they were proud of you, and never forget the teachers, par-ents, adults or friends that made this life a little bit easier to breathe in.
But most of all, never forget to be that person to someone else. There are a lot of things that we have grown out of since middle school, just look at your old Facebook posts. And I know none of us can look into the future, but there is one thing I am positive none of us will ever grow out of.
We will always be impacted by the power encouragement has on ourselves and the world around us.
If there is one thing in the world you can be, no matter your occupation, no matter your salary, no matter the circumstances in your life, be an encourager. The world may continue advancing technology, it may continue push-ing you to work harder and do more and go amazing places, but despite what Devin and Dominic Cheek may invent 20 years from now, I will always argue nothing will ever compare to human empathy and encouragement.
Everyone, we did it. And we are about to start another huge chapter in our life. And it will not be easy. It will be another adven-ture. With both trials and good-ness.
In the commonly quoted, but always wise words of Dr. Seuss:
You’ll be on your way up!You’ll be seeing great sights!You’ll join the high fliersWho soar to high heights...You’ll get mixed up, of course,As you already know,You’ll get mixed upWith many strange birds
as you go.So be sure when you step,Step with care and great tact.And remember that life’sA great balancing act.Just never forget to be dexterous
and deft. And never mix up your right foot with your left.
And will you succeed?Yes! You will, indeed!(98 and 3⁄4 percent
guaranteed.)KID, YOU’LL MOVE
MOUNTAINS!
Pequot Lakes High School senior
My name is Angela Gudahl, and I am a student of the graduat-
start, I would just like to give a quick but important disclaimer.
Underclassmen: In case it has not already begun, you will find that it will be instilled in you to
and/or public speeches from any website, unless it is .org, .edu or .
However, given these dire cir-cumstances of a plague that has affected the majority of seniors nationwide, I have made a diffi-cult and reluctant exception. So
com, “senioritis” is defined as the
Noun. A crippling disease that
Common symptoms include, but are not limited to, walking pro-foundly slower to all or selected classes; an increase in sporadic absences, which may or may not
Commander; an increased confi-
Graduating class of 2016, never forget the people here who have encouraged you. Never forget the encouraging smile your peer gave you when you were having a hard day, the one encouraging text that kept you from falling apart, or the one hug that comforted you amongst whatever trial was going on in your life.
Never forget the person who told you they were proud of you, and never forget the teachers, par-ents, adults or friends that made this life a little bit easier to breathe in.
But most of all, never forget to be that person to someone else. There are a lot of things that we have grown out of since middle school, just look at your old Facebook posts. And I know none of us can look into the future, but there is one thing I am positive none of us will ever grow out of.
We will always be impacted by the power encouragement has on ourselves and the world around us.
If there is one thing in the world you can be, no matter your occupation, no matter your salary, no matter the circumstances in your life, be an encourager. The
Angela Gudahl’s senior address drew several laughs from the 110 Pequot Lakes graduating seniors.PHOTO BY DAN DETERMAN
Pequot Lakes graduating seniors laugh and reminisce during the senior address. PHOTO BY DAN DETERMAN
June 2, 2016 S7Graduation
BY KRISTIN LINDHOLM & JANICE OAKLEY
Pine River-Backus teachers
Good evening parents, teachers, administrators, friends and neigh-bors. What an honor it is to speak tonight on behalf of this amazing senior class. My name is Kristin Lindholm. I teach English. And I am Janice Oakley and I teach math.
Look at this crew. They sure clean up nice, don’t they Mrs. Lindholm?
It is hard to believe that we are already here at this moment. I’m not sure I’m ready to let these guys leave yet. Do they have any idea how hard it is to let them go? Do they have any idea how proud we are of them?
Tonight, Mrs. Oakley and I thought we’d start by letting you know the top five things we’ve learned from you during your high school career … and just so you know, it was really hard to stop at five - but we don’t have all night. Are you ready Mrs. Oakley?
Here we go.5. Seniors think that teachers
can’t dab.4. Seniors can spend the entire
hour on their cell phone (while pretending to pay attention).
3. Some seniors have miracu-lously discovered that pancakes stick to the ceiling when a particu-lar teacher is out of the room. Miraculously, pancakes are easy to remove, and a few seniors have been pleasantly surprised to learn that Mrs. Lindholm’s lavender lotion, made with essential oils, covers up the pancake stain licke-ty-split.
2. Seniors think that ANSWERS WILL VARY is an acceptable math response.
1. Seniors ROCK. Seriously. And oh how you will be remem-bered!
And now, as you get ready to
close this chapter of your educa-tional career, we’d like to share with you the top five things we’d like you to remember as you leave this place.
5. First and foremost, Be YOU! Or as William Shakespeare once said, “To thine own self be true!” You all know that I love quotes - and my most favorite is “Whatever you are, be a good one,” by Abraham Lincoln.
The only way to be good is to be honest, humble and happy. And the only way to achieve these things is to be entirely, unasham-edly, all out YOU! Like some anonymous person brilliantly said, “You have to be odd to be number one.”
How about that math teacher Mrs. Oakley? Get it, odd to be #1? For real, YOU make the best you.
4. Numbers are your friend. Life can be like the quadratic for-mula - first you need to know what the variables are and how to find them - like life, you need to know who you will be working with and who you will be working for.
You also must do things in the correct order. Most jobs require you to do your job step-by-step and there are jobs that can be completed various ways - like solving a quadratic equation. You can factor it, you can complete the square, you can graph it, or you can use the quadratic formula.
All of these will give you the same answer, but sometimes one way is better than the others - just like life!
In addition, sometimes you get an answer that is a whole number, a nice even number that makes sense. But sometimes you get a double root - or an irrational root - it’s not so pretty and easy, but still the answer.
Again, life is like that.
Sometimes your life runs along smoothly with whole number answers, and sometimes life gives you irrational answers that you just have to deal with. In a qua-dratic equation, and in life, there can be more than one solution. A wrong solution can have lasting effects, so you should always check to make sure the solution works.
3. Words can change the world. Many people have said words that are permanently ingrained in our minds - that is part of the power of words. But YOU have the power to change the world with words too.
Please remember that words that are spoken (or texted) are for-ever. Use that power to do good. Be sure that what comes out of your mouth is something worth repeating. Your words have the power to heal, support, cheer, encourage, create, solve and honor.
Use them with thoughtful inten-tion and the results will be posi-tive. It’s like this poem titled:
“DROP A PEBBLE IN THE WATER,” by James W. Foley
Drop a pebble in the water: just a splash, and it is gone;
But there’s half-a-hundred rip-ples circling on and on and on,
Spreading, spreading from the center, flowing on out to the sea.
And there is no way of telling where the end is going to be.
Drop a word of cheer and kind-ness: just a flash and it is gone,
But there’s half-a-hundred rip-ples circling on and on and on,
Bearing hope and joy and com-fort on each splashing, dashing wave
Till you wouldn’t believe the volume of the one kind word you gave.
Drop a word of cheer and kind-ness: in a minute you forget;
But there’s gladness still a-swelling, and there’s joy a-cir-cling yet.
And you’ve rolled a wave of comfort whose sweet music can be heard
Over miles and miles of water just dropping one kind word.
You will never regret speaking kind words.
2. Don’t forget to call home. 1. Know that your teachers are
your No. 1 fans. We know that you are our future, and we are com-pletely confident that you will make a difference in this world. We see movers and shakers; we see problem solvers; we see heal-ers; we see thinkers; and we see doers. We see courageous individ-uals who are all ready to soar off and change this world for the bet-ter in so many ways.
Just because you leave this place today with a funny looking hat on your head and a diploma in your hand, doesn’t mean that we say goodbye. The hardest part of being an educator is letting you go.
We care about you. We will always remember you - so don’t forget that you are always wel-come here. We love to know how you are doing, we love to see your faces.
You are the reason we signed up for this gig - and the reason we are here today. It is now time for you to spread your wings and fly. Just be sure to come back to the nest every once in awhile - OK?
Like Orrin Hatch once stated, “There is a good reason they call these ceremonies “commencement exercises.” Graduation is not the end; it’s the beginning.”
“May the force be with you graduates.”
You are loved beyond measure.Go out into this world and
make a difference!
and all of the time that we have spent together.As we begin to go our separate ways this
summer, remember that communication with one another will play an important role in maintaining our friendships. The way that we follow through with staying in contact will really prove how strong we are as a class.
When we move forward, there will be bumps along the road, but we will always have each other to confide in. With this in mind, we should leave high school not worrying about being on our own, but instead we should leave with confidence for we know that we will have many other people to support us along the way.
So, while we travel down these unknown roads, I want each of you to be strong. Not only for your friends around you, but also for the people in the community that have worked very hard to get us to where we are now. Without their help, we would not have been able to grow and learn as much as we have.
For that, I want to thank all of you for the time and effort you have put into pushing us to reach our goals. Some of you might have played a greater role in our lives than others, but each of you has had an impact on us in one way or another
Well, class of 2016, I want to wish you all the best of luck as you move on and hopefully you all remember that graduation is just the beginning.
June 2, 2016June 2, 2016 S7Graduation
The Pine River-Backus High School class of 2016 tosses caps in the air at the end of the graduation ceremony Friday, May 27, in the school gym.
PHOTO BY NANCY VOGT
like you to remember as you leave
5. First and foremost, Be YOU!
and my most favorite is “Whatever
be honest, humble and happy. And
anonymous person brilliantly said, “You have to be odd to be number
Mrs. Oakley? Get it, odd to be #1?
a-swelling, and there’s joy a-cir-cling yet.
comfort whose sweet music can be heard
just dropping one kind word.
kind words.
your No. 1 fans. We know that you are our future, and we are com-pletely confident that you will make a difference in this world. We see movers and shakers; we see problem solvers; we see heal-ers; we see thinkers; and we see doers. We see courageous individ-uals who are all ready to soar off and change this world for the bet-ter in so many ways.
Pine River-Backus math teacher Janice Oakley, left, and English teacher Kristin Lindholm give the faculty address Friday, May 27, at the Pine River-Backus graduation ceremony.
PHOTO BY NANCY VOGT
Pine River-Backus seniors Troy Fetter, left, and Kyle Tschida sing the national anthem at commencement.
PHOTO BY NANCY VOGT
roads, I want each of you to be strong. Not only
people in the community that have worked very
their help, we would not have been able to grow
reach our goals. Some of you might have played
Pine River-Backus senior Austin McAllister opened his envelope to pose with his diploma.
PHOTO BY NANCY VOGT
S8 June 2, 2016 Graduation
WRITTEN BY WIZ KHALIFA (FEAT. CHARLIE PUTH)
Class Song
[Charlie Puth:]It’s been a long day without you, my friend
And I’ll tell you all about it when I see you againWe’ve come a long way from where we beganOh, I’ll tell you all about it when I see you again
When I see you again(Hey)
[Wiz Khalifa:]Damn, who knew?
All the planes we flewGood things we’ve been through
That I’ll be standing right here talking to you‘Bout another path
I know we loved to hit the road and laughBut something told me that it wouldn’t last
Had to switch upLook at things different, see the bigger picture
Those were the daysHard work forever pays
Now I see you in a better place (see you in a bet-ter place)
UhHow can we not talk about family when family’s
all that we got?Everything I went through you were standing
there by my sideAnd now you gon’ be with me for the last ride
[Charlie Puth:]It’s been a long day without you, my friend
And I’ll tell you all about it when I see you again (I see you again)
We’ve come a long way (yeah, we came a long way) from where we began (you know we started)
Oh, I’ll tell you all about it when I see you again (let me tell you)
When I see you again
(Aah oh, aah ohWooooh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh)
Yeah
[Wiz Khalifa:]First you both go out your wayAnd the vibe is feeling strong
And what’s small turn to a friendshipA friendship turn to a bond
And that bond will never be brokenThe love will never get lost (and the love will
never get lost)And when brotherhood come first
Then the line will never be crossedEstablished it on our own
When that line had to be drawnAnd that line is what we reach
So remember me when I’m gone (remember me when I’m gone)
How can we not talk about family when family’s all that we got?
Everything I went through you were standing there by my side
And now you gon’ be with me for the last ride
[Charlie Puth:]So let the light guide your way, yeah
Hold every memory as you goAnd every road you take, will always lead you
home, home
It’s been a long day without you, my friendAnd I’ll tell you all about it when I see you againWe’ve come a long way from where we beganOh, I’ll tell you all about it when I see you again
When I see you again
BY ALEXUS REDDICK & ZACHARY STRUSS
Pine River-Backus Salutatorians
Welcome parents, family, friends, teachers and community members. Thank you for joining us today, because without you, we would have no one to deliver our speech to. We are here to speak on behalf of the Class of 2016.
From the moment we knew that we tied for salutatorian, we weren’t exactly sure how we were going to go about our speech. We thought about having a rap battle, but I knew that I would easily win, so we threw that idea out.
Then, we were going to throw togeth-er a musical number, but our star singer has a sore throat.
After much thought, we finally decid-ed that we would stay in the spirit of high school and just wing it.
So here goes nothing. A lot of you have already probably heard many speeches like this. Ones where the ner-vous boy or girl stands up here at the podium hoping he/she doesn’t slip up and say the wrong thing or stutter. Speeches where no one understands the humor and the audience has to force a laugh. Speeches that are complete and utter flops, maybe something like this one, but you know what?
That’s OK. Regardless of what we do, we know that the people here will love us. We are so grateful for the true com-munity here at PR-B.
Remember when we had track and field day in elementary? It was always one day of the year that we looked for-ward to. We all got together and not only competed against each other, but also worked as a team. I don’t know about you, but the tug-of-war was always one of my favorite events.
As classmates, we worked together and leaned on each other to reach suc-cess. Coming from a small school, we can sometimes take this for granted. We don’t realize that not everyone gets the chance to have such a strong bond with their peers. They don’t get to know their classmates on such a personal level, or even know the names of everyone in their graduating class.
That is only one of the special things about PR-B.
We all know that one teacher or coach who has made the biggest impact on our lives.They are very understand-ing, caring, and maybe even push us to our limits sometimes, but we know that they will always have our back. They want to see us succeed.
I think that every student behind us, or even former students from PR-B can think of that one teacher that has made a difference in their lives. The teachers and coaches that we have here at Pine River-Backus are ones that you won’t be able to find anywhere else.
Our parents have also made a huge
impact on our lives. We’re not just talk-ing about our biological parents, but also adults in our community who are giving us support and love. We know that no matter what, you will always love us the same, even if we don’t always make the best choices. At the end of the day, we know that you are always there for us.
Sometimes around the time of gradu-ation, we focus too much on who we are becoming and where we are going, and forget to remember where we came from and the people who have made us who we are.
Without the people of PR-B, we wouldn’t have all of the opportunities that we have now. We just wanted to take this time to truly thank the place and the people that have made this all possible.
We will miss you all. There absolute-ly will be times where we will long to have this place back, but I think that’s just what happens when you love some-thing.
When you’re going to class every day, as cliche as it is, you don’t realize that. You’re too busy moaning and groaning about that test coming up or that assign-ment you missed. You don’t realize that these teachers have become more than just teachers and your classmates are not just another average acquaintance.
They really are like family. And I will carry this family with me forever.
Pine River-Backus co-salutatorians Alexus Reddick and Zachary Struss talk about Struss being “a star singer with a sore throat” during their speech Friday, May 27, at the graduation ceremony.
PHOTO BY NANCY VOGT
The Pine River-Backus High School senior choir members sing “Omnia Sol” at their graduation ceremony. PHOTO BY NANCY VOGT
Pine River-Backus senior Kyle Renwick poses after receiving his diploma.
PHOTO BY NANCY VOGT
We’ve come a long way from where we beganOh, I’ll tell you all about it when I see you again
When I see you againWhen I see you again
one, but you know what? That’s OK. Regardless of what we do,
we know that the people here will love us. We are so grateful for the true com-munity here at PR-B.
The Pine River-Backus High School senior choir members sing “Omnia Sol” at their graduation ceremony. The Pine River-Backus High School senior choir members sing “Omnia Sol” at their graduation ceremony.
Pine River-Backus senior Kyle Renwick poses after receiving his diploma.
PHOTO BY NANCY VOGT
June 2, 2016 S9Graduation
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Congratulations2016 Graduates!
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Monday-Saturday 8am - 5pm • Dave & Jan Schmid 218-947-4960218-947-4220 ~ www.backuslocker.com
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JASON DAY Owner
Backus, MNDAY’S SewerService
218-947-3139 toll free 888-370-3010
SEPTIC MAINTENANCE
CLASS OF 2016!
Terry Alecksonand Denny Aleckson
587-25581361 St 84 SW, Pine River
DOUBLE AAUTOMOTIVEDOUBLE A
AUTOMOTIVE
WAY TO GO GRADUATES!
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Backus, MN 56435www.scamptrailers.com
218-947-4932
CONGRATS GRADS!
Congratulations GraduatesClass of 2016!
692-54479:30am-5pm Mon.-Sat. Crosslake Town Square
www.lakesareagallery.com001429373r1
LakeView Tree Co LLC
Tree RemovalTree TrimmingStump Grinding
Lot ClearingLandscaping
JASON PREBLEPine River, MN
CELL 218-838-779818 Years Experience • Fully Insured • Quality Work At Reasonable Prices
Good Luck Grads!
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31039 Cty Rd 112 Pequot • 218-568-5550
CongratulationsGraduates!
Great Gourmet Foods Selection, Quick & Easy Dip Mixes And So Much More.
Of course -- Great Coffee, Lattes, and Frappes!!
Fresh Baked Goodies as well.
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Stonemark Land Surveying, Inc. | 30176 Old Hwy 371, Suite 2 | Pequot Lakes, MN
Toll free: 888-866-4940 | Offi ce: 218-568-4940 | stonemarksurvey.com
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New or Used I have a solution for You! Easy, Honest & Fun!
Tim Sweet218-587-5050218-820-3159 Cell
Tim Sweet218-587-5050
112 Front St. N. Pine River, MN
Good Luck Grads!
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218-587-2043CHARLIE SWENSON
Wherever you go, go with all
your heart.
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Class of 2016!
Jenna UrsethLaura Squires Julia Teich Quinten Thrun Christofer TranaCandyce Spielman Aaron TreesBrooke Swenson Christofer TranaChristofer TranaChristofer TranaJulia Teich Quinten ThrunQuinten Thrun Christofer TranaChristofer TranaQuinten ThrunQuinten ThrunBrooke SwensonBrooke SwensonBrooke SwensonLaura SquiresLaura SquiresLaura SquiresCandyce Spielman Brooke SwensonBrooke Swenson Jenna UrsethAaron TreesAaron Trees
Griffin WolfZachary Vanlue Cody Walton Brady WickhamRichard Welliver Haley Wiebolt
Class Song
BY GREEN DAY
Another turning point, a fork stuck in the roadTime grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go
So make the best of this test and don’t ask why
It’s not a question but a lesson learned in timeIt’s something unpredictable but in the end is right
I hope you had the time of your lifeSo take the photographs and still frames in your mind
Hang it on a shelf in good health and good timeTattoos of memories and dead skin on trial
For what it’s worth, it was worth all the while
It’s something unpredictable but in the end is rightI hope you had the time of your life
It’s something unpredictable but in the end is rightI hope you had the time of your life
It’s something unpredictable but in the end is rightI hope you had the time of your life
Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)
“Mighty and Mean, So Fresh and So Clean, We’re the Class of Twenty Sixteen”
Angela PedersonAlexis OrthGretta Norton Anthony Pederson
Baxter 218.828.9545TOLL FREE 877.338.3937
StaplesTOLL FREE 866.894.5455
Congrats Graduates!
001426489r1
30503 State Highway 371 • 218-568-5001 • www.pequotlakessupervalu.com
We can help you with all your
Graduation Party Needs!
Congratulations Class of 2016!
001416923r1
HVAC - Residential/CommercialRoofi ng - Commercial/Industrial
CongratulationsClass of 2016!
218-829-14911717 13th St. SE • Brainerd, MN
www.thelenheating.com 001414349r1
001419639r1
866-602-8727 Toll Free • 218-824-8727 Brainerd Area 218-587-8727 Pine River Area • 218-692-8727 Crosslake Area
See us at: www.wastepartnersinc.com
Residential Garbage Collection & Commercial Waste Collection
Congratulations!
Conveniently Located 1 Mile East of Hwy. 371 on the North Side of Hwy. 210, on Baxter Drive218.828.1668 • www.thewestgatemall.com
Everything you need. So close to home.
CONGRATULATIONSClass of 2016
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Merry Christmas
from Beau & Bud!
CongratsGraduates!
from Beau & Bud!
GARDINER’S HARDWARE &
FURNITURE587-2585
Downtown Pine River
001419554r1
Congratulations Graduates!
22 assisted living apartments13 specialty/memory care suites
16631 East Shore Rd | Crosslake, MN | 218-692-6650
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2020 S. 6th St., Brainerd829-1335Co
ngra
ts Gra
duat
es!
2016
Great NorthernO P T I C I A N S
CongratulationsClass of 2016!
Auto Repair, Tires, AlignmentsOpen Monday - Friday
B&LAUTOMOTIVE SERVICE of Backus
218-947-4911 • Located in Backus
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Foreign & Domestic • Engines • Transmissions Brakes • Tires • Air Conditioning
Best Wishes Seniors
Class of 2016
Pine River » 218-587-2232
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Crosslake 692-4800
Congratulations to all area graduates!
Catering Available
S10 June 2, 2016 Graduation
Summer MerrittStephanie Malecha Austin McAllister
Christopher Haman Sky KukukTroy Fetter Jennifer HolmKaitlyn HansonBrady HamiltonChristopher Geschwill
Christopher Lefebvre
Allison AndersonNathaniel Adkins Nikoa CooperDexter BricenoJeremy BielefeldElijah Albrecht Jauss Egberts
AuctionsYour source forEcholand-Piper Shopper & the Echo Journal Farm • Gun • Estate
Ashley Anderson
Anthony Pederson
Lefebvre
Samantha Peterson
301 N.W. 6th St. • Brainerd218-829-4721
Congrats 2016
Graduates!!
001414394r1
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On 371 & the Paul Bunyan Trail a mile south of the light in Pine RiverMon-Tue-Wed-Thur Open at 11 am, Open Fri-Sat-Sun at 6:30am • 218-587-2564
Serving Dinner at 4:00 pm
White Board Specials, Thu-Fri-SatServing Breakfast Fri-Sat-Sun
6:30am - 11amSunday Brunch 11-2pm
Serving Prime Rib - Thu-Fri-Sat
$6 Lunch Specials Mon-FriHappy Hour 4-6 pm Mon-Fri
“A Lakes Area Top Ten Restaurant”
— Midwest Weekends.com
$6 Lunch Specials
Stop In and Enjoy Our
New Outdoor Patio’s!
Congratulations Class of 2016!
“A Lakes Area
Congratulations Class of 2016!
Congratulations Class of 2016!
Congratulations
Downtown Pine River • 218-587-3100
BOWL ‘EM OVERCLASS OF 2016!
PINE RIVER COMMUNITYCOMMUNITY
Bowl
• Homemade Pizza • Cosmic Bowling• Group Rates • Automatic Scoring
001419491r1
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www.pineriverfamilymarket.com
GASRewardsGASGASGASGASRewardsRewardsRewardsRewardsRewardsGASRewardsGASGASRewardsGASRewards
HWY 371 SOUTHPINE RIVER, MN 56474
218-587-2488
Congratulations…TO ALL THE
GRADUATES!
Backus, MN218-947-4032
Congrats 2016 Grads!
Bill, Tyler & Justin Sawyer
001422152r1
Hackensack Lumber & HardwareHackensack, MN
218-675-6188
Backus Lumber & SupplyBackus, MN
218-947-3456
HARDWARE & LUMBER
a salute to the class of
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201620162016Chris Hanneken, Agent
Competitive Rates • Superior ServicePine River Community Resource Center
218-587-2722
Congratulations
Class of 2016
Competitive Rates • Superior Service
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218-829-4759•7669 College Road, Baxterwww.holdenelectr ic.com
CLASS OF 2016CLASS OF 2016
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CONGRATULATIONS Pine River-Backus Class of 2012CONGRATULATIONS Pine River-Backus Class of 2016CONGRATULATIONS Pine River-Backus Class of 2016
218-818-4419 • www.houstonford.com
May God Be With You On Your Journey
DOWNTOWN PINE RIVER(218) 587-3373
Hours: Mon.- Fri. 10 am - 5 pmSat. 10 am - 2 pm
Member of MN and NationalPawn Brokers’ Association
LOCALLY LICENSED
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Kentucky Fried ChickenCONGRATS &
BEST WISHES GRADUATES
Hwy. 371 NorthBaxter, MN
829-1345
522 C StreetBrainerd, MN
855-06800
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Traditional & Cremation Services
Pine River 587-2067 | Pequot Lakes 568-7353www.klinefuneralhome.com
Best of Luck in the Future!
June 2, 2016 S11Graduation
Eric Winch Samantha ZollnerMicheal Titman Taina WilliamsHunter TulenchikKyle Tschida
Nathan Shetka Cheyenne SwensonZachary Semmler Zachary StrussSophia StewartDillon SilcoxCedar Shamp Jesse Sympson
Benjamin Remington
Nicholas ScheldeJulia SchaeferKade RenwickAlexus Reddick Nicholas ScheldeAlexus ReddickJorden Phillipson Henry Raph Brittany Schmid
15175 Edgewood Dr.Baxter, MN 56425218-828-1971
512 C Street, Unit BBrainerd, MN 56401218-454-7267
www.fantasticsams.com
Haircut & Shampoo
$10.99
7 FoilHighlight
$19.99Additional foils & colors extra
BrowWax
$5.99
Partial Foils
Fantastic Sam's of Brainerd512 C Street NE218-454-7267
Monday - Friday 9 AM to 8 PMSaturday 9 AM to 5 PMSunday 11 AM to 4 PM
Fantastic Sams of Baxter15175 Edgewood Dr
218-828-1971M - F 9am - 8pmSat. 9am - 5pm
Sun. 11am - 4pm
Adult Haircut ChelatingTreatment
Includes Shampoo,Conditioning & Blow Dry Partial Highlight Conditioning Treatment
Not valid with any other offer. Not valid with any other offer. Not valid with any other offer.
$11.99 $29.99 $9.99
Most salons independently owned and operated. ©2014 Fantastic Sams Franchise Corporation www.FantasticSams.com
Not valid with any other offers or coupons. Expires: 6/30/16
Not valid with any other offers or coupons. 6/30/16
Not valid with any other offers or coupons. 6/30/16
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Grads areimportant
members of our cooperativecooperative
members of our
001414354r1
Baxter Super One Foods7895 Excelsior Rd.
Baxter MN. 56425 (218) 828-2160
Walker Super One Foods 701 Michigan Ave.
Walker, MN 56484 (218) 547-1624
Congratulations Class
of 2016!
001428572r1
Congrats!!Best of Luck!
WWW.HYTECCONSTRUCTION.COM(218) 829-8529 • BRAINERD
001414408r2
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Call For Appointment 218-587-2290Open: Mon. - Fri. 8 am to 5 pm
Hwy 371 S. (1 mi. So. of Pine River)
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Best of Luck Graduates!
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Best of Luck Graduates!Best of Luck Graduates!
Pequot Lakes: 30960 Government Dr.568-5555
Mon.-Fri. 9am-5pm
Congratulations Pequot Lakes and Pine River Graduates!
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3r1Crosslake: 35280 County Rd 3
692-4700Mon.-Thurs. 9am-5pm
Congratulations to the PLHS Graduates of 2016!
Best of luck in your future!
Congratulations to theGraduates of 2016!
Best of luck in your future!
218-568-829530957 Old Highway 371 Pequot Lakes, MN
www.pequotlakesdentalcenter.com
Wishing you success,Graduates of 2016!
Mark Sherman, DDS and Matthew Rindal, DDS
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36184 County #66, Suite 211 Across from Zorbaz in Crosslake
(218) 692-2411 or cell (218) 830-9475 (can text too!)
Congratulations Graduates!
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218-568-8448PO Box 396
29279 State Hwy 371Pequot Lakes, MN 56472
CONGRATS GRADS!
www.mikehamadupholstery.com
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S12 June 2, 2016 Graduation
were you klicked?
pineandlakes.mycapture.com
Pequot Lakes High School senior Barbara Miller flips the tassel on Levi Palmer’s cap after Palmer received his diploma Friday, May 27.
PHOTO BY DAN DETERMAN
Michael Mathis, left, and Jack Harguth pose for a selfie after the Pequot Lakes High School graduation ceremony Friday, May 27.
PHOTO BY DAN DETERMAN
Pequot Lakes High School one-act play, “Any Suspicious
PAMDA Penguin Plunge, noon, Birch Lake, Hackensack
• 8 p.m.: Fireworks display.• 6-8 p.m.: Meat raffle and food specials
at Crosslake/Fifty Lakes American Legion.• 8 p.m.: Live comedy, “Peter Hefty &
Friends,” at Pine Peaks Retreat and Event Center. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with Maucieri’s food buffet.
• 8-10 p.m.: Trivia contest at Zorbaz.• 10 p.m.: Close DJ “JP” of
PremierPartyEntertainment.com at Moonlite Bay Family Restaurant.
Saturday, Feb. 2• 7:30 a.m.-noon: Crosslake Firefighters
Pancake Breakfast at Crosslake Lutheran Church.
• 9 a.m.-4 p.m.: Trivia contest at Andy’s Liquor, Bar and Restaurant.
PTA preparing for March 1 carnival; donations sought for silent auction; button sales start Feb. 1
Schools PTA Spring Carnival.
Elementary School will transform into an “Under the Sea” adventure. The PTA is working hard to make a big splash for the entire family to enjoy a full night of games, crafts, food, raffle baskets, face painting, crazy hair, silent auction and the entertainment corner.
Childhood Family Education group for the school of little fish.
door. They are being sold at Lakes Latté (Pequot Lakes), Super America (Pequot Lakes), Little People Learning Center (Breezy Point) or Eagle View Elementary School/ECFE.
opportunity to win a free book, participate in
Pequot Lakes High School one-act play, “Any Suspicious
PAMDA Penguin Plunge, noon, Birch Lake, Hackensack
When the medallion is found, the winner should bring the medallion to Lake Country Crafts and Cones on County Road 66 in
-dreds from these merchants; 66 Marine North, BlackRidge Bank, Crosslake Community School, Crosslake Drug, Crosslake Goodwill, Crosslake/Fifty Lakes American Legion, Judy’s House of Gifts, Lake Country Crafts & Cones, Lakes Area Gallery & Frame Shoppe, Manhattan’s, Maucieri’s, Moonlite Bay, Moonlite Square, Riverside Inn, Seaberg Motorsports, Whitefish Lodge and Suites, Zorbaz and
Crosslake WinterFest will also feature a Kids Coloring Contest. Participants may
• 8 p.m.: Fireworks display.• 6-8 p.m.: Meat raffle and food specials
at Crosslake/Fifty Lakes American Legion.• 8 p.m.: Live comedy, “Peter Hefty &
Friends,” at Pine Peaks Retreat and Event Center. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with Maucieri’s food buffet.
• 8-10 p.m.: Trivia contest at Zorbaz.• 10 p.m.: Close DJ “JP” of
PremierPartyEntertainment.com at Moonlite Bay Family Restaurant.
• 7:30 a.m.-noon: Crosslake Firefighters Pancake Breakfast at Crosslake Lutheran Church.
• 9 a.m.-4 p.m.: Trivia contest at Andy’s Liquor, Bar and Restaurant.
• 6-8 p.m.: Meat raffle and food specials at Crosslake/Fifty Lakes American Legion.
• 8 p.m.: Live comedy, “Peter Hefty & Friends,” at Pine Peaks Retreat and Event Center. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with
• 8-10 p.m.: Trivia contest at Zorbaz.• 10 p.m.: Close DJ “JP” of
PremierPartyEntertainment.com at Moonlite
• 7:30 a.m.-noon: Crosslake Firefighters Pancake Breakfast at Crosslake Lutheran
• 9 a.m.-4 p.m.: Trivia contest at Andy’s
PTA preparing for March 1 carnival; donations sought for silent auction; button sales start Feb. 1
Schools PTA Spring Carnival.
Elementary School will transform into an “Under the Sea” adventure. The PTA is working hard to make a big splash for the entire family to enjoy a full night of games, crafts, food, raffle baskets, face painting, crazy hair, silent auction and the entertainment corner.
Childhood Family Education group for the school
door. They are being sold at Lakes Latté (Pequot Lakes), Super America (Pequot Lakes), Little People Learning Center (Breezy Point) or Eagle View Elementary School/ECFE.
opportunity to win a free book, participate in
resignation from the Library Board and appointed David Anderson and John Longnecker for three-year terms to that board to expire • Appointed Cheri Seils,
Mark Hallan and Jim Oraskovich to the Planning Commission.Akerson said Hallan had served previously and he preferred to appoint Seils, Oraskovich and Steven Allen to keep diversity.Mayor Nancy Adams said Hallan brings an engi
commission with Hallan and his input was valuable.Akerson opposed the appointments.• Reappointed Mark Jurchen to the Economic Development Commission through Dec. 31, 2015.• Appointed Cathy Malecha and Craig Nagel to three-year terms on the Park Commission through Dec. 31, 2015, and accepted Patti Bonicatto’s resignation from that commission. Pete
middle school/high school additions and renovations project, and the board approved $1,284,868.37 in a routine construction bond disburse-ment.
In other business Monday, the board:
• Agreed to meet at a future date
Hirsch for GLAPA.• Approved the contract for Teri Peterson, speech pathologist, due to student need; and the contract for Carl Borleis, Adult Basic Education teacher, for up to four hour per week with additional hours based on need and funding.
• Hired Courtney Barnett, paraFrom Page 3ACOVERING
THE NEWS OFCROSSLAKE, BREEZY
POINT & PEQUOT LAKES
JanuaryPequot Lakes High School one-act play, “Any Suspicious Activity,” 7 p.m., PLHS auditorium
Back to Hack, HackensackPAMDA Penguin Plunge, noon, Birch Lake, Hackensack
When the medallion is found, the winner should bring the medallion to Lake Country Crafts and Cones on County Road 66 in Crosslake for a prize package worth hun-dreds from these merchants; 66 Marine North, BlackRidge Bank, Crosslake Community School, Crosslake Drug, Crosslake Goodwill, Crosslake/Fifty Lakes American Legion, Judy’s House of Gifts, Lake Country Crafts & Cones, Lakes Area Gallery & Frame Shoppe, Manhattan’s, Maucieri’s, Moonlite Bay, Moonlite Square, Riverside Inn, Seaberg Motorsports, Whitefish Lodge and Suites, Zorbaz and
Crosslake WinterFest will also feature a Kids Coloring Contest. Participants may
and reached its financial budget in 2012. More important
for our readers and advertisers, Echo Publishing was
able to maintain its standard as a small-town newspaper
operation that represents our lakes area communities.
Echo Publishing has made some key changes in
recent years with an eye on the future. In 2006, we
consolidated the distribution of our products with the
Dispatch. Although it was a challenging conversion, the
circulation complaints per thousand are now at an
admirable rate. It also helped Echo Publishing become
more diverse with its distribution between mail, carrier
delivery and store dealer copies.
We also created a “Minnesota Hub” in 2009 by
combining the Echo and Dispatch graphic arts
departments. The goal was to save local jobs while
many newspapers were taking similar work to design
hubs in other parts of the country.
Following is an update for key departments at Echo
Publishing that affect our readers and advertisers:
the consolidation project. The Echo and Dispatch media
consultants will soon be adjusting their account lists to
promote industry specialization and become more
efficient in territory coverage. The Echo and Dispatch
sales staffs will be cross-selling both print and online
products. The combined staffs will work together as DE
Media (Dispatch/Echo).
We have expanded marketing services to offer with
our newly designed pineandlakes.com website and total
media consulting services. Our traditional products
continue to be successful, especially the popular
Echoland-Piper Shopper that reaches an average of
21,000 homes each week.
OnlineThe redesign of our pineandlakes.com website was
recently completed. The update allows for improvement
in editorial coverage, especially breaking news updates.
employees.
As publisher, I thank the dedicated staffs at both the
Echo and Dispatch for the sacrifices made with the
consolidation. Although Echo Publishing’s staff is about
half the size it was just seven years ago, we still
continue to produce quality publications each week.
As a longtime journalist and member of the
Minnesota Newspaper Association board of directors, I
support all the newspaper operations around the state. I
couldn’t imagine life without community newspapers.
Who would report on government activities, feature
area personalities and provide coverage for community
events and local athletic teams?
Winter camping: it's worth it
Winter camping doesn’t sound like fun. It sounds
cold, snowy, miserable and, I’ll say it again, cold.
But with the right gear, winter camping is an absolute
The stillness of a cold, crisp night on the ice is
unmatched. Somehow, the sky just seems clearer and
the stars shine brighter. Bundled up in a warm sleeping
bag with a cold nose, listening to the ice shift and sing,
is a sort of peace I’ve never felt anywhere else.
Winter camping isn’t something I ever thought I
would do, and it took a lot of convincing before I gave it
a go. My first night winter camping was in a four-season
tent on Mille Lacs, and we slept with our ears not far
from the ice.
We had the option of going inside that night, but we
didn’t need to. The next day I found out temperatures
had dropped to 8 below zero, but I slept warm and cozy
all night. I was surprised at how much heat the tent held in.
But, if you want to go a step up from a four-season tent,
hot tents are great. Generally these have canvas walls
and a wood stove. It can be frigid outside, but with the
stove cranking it can be a sauna inside.
A warm wood stove will also bring life back into a
group of weary winter campers.
Snowtrekker is perhaps the most popular brand of
hot tent, but they’re not the only ones out there. There’s
also the option of sewing your own and purchasing the
stove. To enjoy yourself, perhaps the most important piece
of gear is a sleeping bag that’s rated for very low
temperatures, coupled with a really good sleeping pad
(or maybe a couple). In my opinion, it’s good to get a
sleeping bag that’s rated for a temperature at least 20
degrees colder than what you’ll be sleeping in. My
experience is that if the bag is rated for 0 degrees, I’ll
be comfortable at 20 degrees and higher.
The sleeping pad (or pads) will give you some
insulation between the snow and your bag. If you’re
using a simple air mattress (as opposed to one filled
with foam or down), add another half-inch foam pad
below it. It’ll make a big difference when it comes to
warmth.I’ve only been cold once while winter camping, and
that was when I was working hard and sweating before
bed. The chill stuck with me, and despite my exhaustion
I lay awake for a long time before falling asleep.
There’s technique to staying warm that I should have
used in that situation. I should have changed all my
clothes again to ensure they were completely dry; they
were only just barely damp. I’ve also heard that eating
some snacks, like peanuts, can help to stay warm
through the night.
The one night of cold was well worth the many other
nights I’ve enjoyed camping on the snow or ice.
If you have good gear (and getting the right stuff can
take some research), winter camping is special. It’s
unlike anything you’ve ever done. I can nearly guarantee
that you will see or experience something you never
have before.
Bundle up, pack up the car and get out there. Don’t
let the cold stop you.
PERKOLATIONS
Kate Perkins • Staff Writer
Dan Determan
