On a beautiful Friday evening, the Class of 2023 bid farewell to their high school years and embraced the promising future that awaits them. The Baraboo High School graduation ceremony was a joyous occasion filled with pride, excitement, and a touch of nostalgia.
Amidst a sea of blue caps and gowns, Mr. Glenn Bildsten delivered his final inspiring commencement address as principal of BHS. Mr. Bildsten urged the graduates to have gratitude for all who have supported them through their education. “Your graduation is a matter of immense happiness for all of us and it’s an especially proud and emotional time for me as I preside over my last time as principal of Baraboo High School,” he exclaimed. “I am so privileged for having had the opportunity to watch all of you grow and mature… Enjoy the achievement but remember it’s only just the beginning.”
Class of 2023 Speaker Leisha Marie Hallis’ speech “The Wonders of the Unknown” resonated deeply with her peers. "The next few years are a fresh start for everyone. Now, it is your turn to decide who you want to be, what you want to do, and how you want to convey yourself. Now, we finally have the freedom to explore the world and ourselves to figure out who we are, and what matter to us" she declared with confidence.
Class of 2023 President Julia Xie Tse reflected on their high school journey. Before presenting the class gift to Principal Bildsen, she shared, "Tonight is the culmination of the hard work, dedication, and ambitions…On behalf of the Class of 2023, I would like to thank all of the faculty of Baraboo High School who have supported us this far…I am excited to announce that our senior class gift will be the construction of a workspace located by the Math Department…We hope that our new study space will allow students to better collaborate on group projects and complete work without disruptions.”
The atmosphere was filled with a mix of emotions as graduates tossed their caps into the air, symbolizing the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. As the Class of 2023 exited the ceremony, the future looked bright and full of endless possibilities.
Congratulations to the Baraboo High School graduates of 2023!