Last week, Dec. 16, Moraine Park Technical College held its first annual winter commencement ceremony celebrating almost 180 graduates. Commencement was held at Moraine Park’s conference center on the Fond du Lac Campus. 

President Bonnie Baerwald presided over the ceremony and extended her congratulations to the graduates and gratitude to the commencement speakers, Moraine Park District Board, Moraine Park faculty, and the President’s Cabinet. 

“This evening we are gathered to honor the students of the graduating class of 2022–the students whose desire for learning and aspirations for a better life led them to Moraine Park,” President Baerwald said.

Paul Reetz, Owner of Integrity Saw and Tool, served as the keynote speaker; Wesley Kane, Moraine Park’s 2021-22 District Student Ambassador was the student speaker; and Stephanie Dahlke, a 2014 Moraine Park alumna served as the alumni speaker. 

“Grit is not the prettiest way to get through life, but it gets the job done,” Kane said. “Whether it was staying up for 36 hours to finish an operation or burning the midnight oil submitting that essay, grit has gotten me to where I am today–a Sergeant in the Marine Core, a homeowner, a dog dad, a graduate of Moraine Park, and a better human.” 

More photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAjvou.