By Olivia DeValk
STEVENS POINT – “The least High School Musical high school experience” came to a close in Stevens Point Area Senior High’s fieldhouse on May 31.

It was student speaker, Madelynn Raschka, who humorously contrasted the class of 2021’s experience to Disney’s “High School Musical,” in an acknowledgement of all that her class has missed out on due to the COVID pandemic.

“I’m sure I’m not the only one who spent too much time crying over what we’d lost,” Rashka said. “All I can say is that you should be proud of yourselves. COVID ruined so much for so many, but we are stronger than that. We are the SPASH graduates of 2021.”

Rashka also thanked the parents, teachers, and administrators whose efforts made the end of the year a memorable, and fun one for her class.

“Everyone’s hours of time spent planning these events to make us seniors feel special didn’t go unnoticed and our entire senior class thanks you,” Raschka said.

Raschka concluded her speech by pulling a digital camera out of her robe and taking one last picture with her and her 427 classmates.

In other cinematic moments, Superintendent Craig Gerlach began his address by tearing up his written notes and Txug Yang completed a backflip on stage before receiving his diploma.

The graduation celebration for the class of 2021 was a beautiful end to what was certainly a challenging year and what made it all the more joyous was that all 427 graduates got to experience the day together.