Todd Field filled with energy and emotion on the evening of June 7, 2025, as nearly 300 members of the Hastings Raiders Class of 2025 took their final steps as high school students. Family, friends, and staff filled the stands in support of a class that experienced its fair share of challenges and triumphs. The ceremony featured music from the Hastings High School Band, moving tributes, and powerful speeches by students and school leaders. The event also marked several milestones, including the final graduation ceremony for Superintendent Dr. Tammy Champa, who will soon begin her new role in Owatonna.
Opening the night: Barker sets the tone
The ceremony began with a burst of charisma from student speaker Nathan Barker, who welcomed the crowd with an exuberant, “Good morning,” reminding everyone that each day is a fresh start. Known for his deep involvement in the school’s performing arts, Barker infused humor, honesty, and encouragement into his message. He reflected on the Class of 2025’s journey, including a pandemic-disrupted middle school and the fast-paced blur of high school life. “Chase your dreams so you don’t regret when you are 66 for not trying in the first place,” he urged.
Barker highlighted the shared experiences across Hastings High School’s three academic pods and three floors, drawing laughter with references to always-locked bathrooms and missed flash mobs. He concluded with a reminder that while graduation marks an ending, it also signals a new beginning: “What will you do to make yourself proud?”
Principal Doran welcomes the crowd
Following Barker’s speech, Principal Scott Doran took the mic. “Thank you, Nathan, great job as always,” he said before formally opening the ceremony. Doran, who began his role the same year this class entered high school, acknowledged how closely tied his own journey has been with theirs.
Doran invited the audience to stand as the Hastings High School Band, directed by Emily Chandler, performed the national anthem. Chandler and fellow music teacher Jim Jacobson were thanked for their leadership and contributions to the night’s music.
Honoring a lifetime of teaching
Doran then led a heartfelt tribute to retiring math teacher Jean Lindberg, a 1985 graduate of Hastings High School herself. After 35 years in education—including time spent in South Washington County Schools, Hastings Middle School, and HHS—Lindberg’s legacy of mentorship, leadership, and commitment was celebrated with a standing ovation. “Her career is a testament to the impact one dedicated teacher can have, not just on minds, but on lives,” Doran said.
Recognizing academic excellence
Superintendent Dr. Tammy Champa followed with the formal recognition of academic honors, celebrating three tiers of achievement:
Honors (GPA 3.867+): Jack Bauer, Charlie Brantner, Jack Burke, Rylie Carlson, Molly Hrncir, Elsie Jacobs, Bree Kimmes, Milo Kivi, Elena Knoll, Mia Lindner, Tanner Mattila, Ella Meyer, Dylan Sowden, Kiara Story.
High Honors (GPA 3.935+): Rayah Brasher, Bennett Brockman, Cashawn Brooks, Jed Carlson, Erica Endres, Ava Foster, Madison Haines, Gavyn Hanson, Reese Kuglin, Josephine Larson, Wendy Liu, Audrey McNamara, Lauren Meyer, Ozzie O’Rourke, Kasey Plank, Molly Reynolds, Ethan Ries, Ethan Schaak, Keshav Sitaram, Haley Strain, Ava Vedders.
Highest Honors (GPA 4.0): Eleanor Brand, Lukas Foss, Olyvia Hanson Ann Hartman, Rylie Kimmes, Delaina Kurtz, Alexa Loritz, Sienna McCoy, Rachel Notch, Daphne Pugh, Jacob Reuter, Julia Rotty, Katherine Ruder, Weston Schult, Victoria Steinke, Lauren Whitfield.
“These students have demonstrated consistent excellence,” Champa said. “Their dedication sets a powerful example.”
Leadership, service, and patriotism
Principal Doran returned to recognize several other groups. He welcomed global exchange students Talea Kummer and Elena Montejo Majadas, calling them valued members of Raider Nation. He also recognized the senior Student Council members, praising their work on everything from homecoming to a drone-lit prom. “This group exemplifies what it means to be servant leaders,” Doran said.
To honor the 81st anniversary of D-Day, Doran asked all veterans and military members in the crowd to stand, followed by seniors entering the military. The audience offered loud applause in appreciation.
Molly Reynolds Reflects on Perseverance and Pride
Student speaker Molly Reynolds delivered a powerful and personal address centered on community, perseverance, and growth. “Growing up in a town like Hastings is a unique experience,” she said. “We live in a town that is the definition of a tight-knit community.”
Reynolds recounted moments of laughter, heartbreak, long nights of studying, and hallway memories. She reminded classmates that high school wasn’t a Disney movie, but the connections made were real and lasting. “Even though ‘25’ will be replaced by new constants in our lives,” she said, “the Class of 2025 will always have a piece of our hearts.”
A Principal’s challenge to be bold
Doran then gave his personal farewell to the class, recalling how he started at HHS the same day they did. He drew inspiration from Fleetwood Mac’s Landslide, urging students not to fear change and to embrace self-discovery.
“Be open to change and bold with your growth,” he said. “We will definitely miss you, but are even more excited to see how far you can fly.”
Official confirmation and encouragement
Doran invited School Board Chair Carrie Tate and Superintendent Champa to the stage to confirm the class’s eligibility. Tate, herself a 1996 HHS graduate, congratulated the class and reminded them that life’s detours are often the most transformative. “Don’t shy away from the unexpected,” she said. “Embrace it.”
She encouraged students to thank those who supported them and to define success on their own terms. “Once a Raider, always a Raider,” she concluded.
Roll call of graduates and a final salute
With the stage set, Activities Director and Assistant Principal Trent Hanson began reading the names of all 300 graduates in attendance. The list began with a solemn tribute to Tegan Johnson, a classmate who passed away during the 2019–2020 school year, represented symbolically by a center-stage floral arrangement from his family.
After the final name was read, Doran returned one last time to offer a bit of advice: don’t look up too long when tossing your hat. “Those hats are pointy,” he joked, earning laughter from students and parents.
With tassels shifted left, Doran gave the cue. “One, two, three,” he counted, and hundreds of caps soared into the sky as the Class of 2025 roared in celebration.
Congratulations to the Class of 2025! We at the Hastings Journal would like to thank you for everything these last four years and we wish you all nothing but the best for your future. You will be missed.