Graduation, grad Parties, grad cards, we all have them hanging on our fridge this time of year.

Lead secretary Erin Jensen and the Class of 2026 are winding down on the school year, and the Traditional Graduation of the New Ulm High School is happening on Friday, May 29.

The Tuesday before is when graduation preparation begins. The Custodians will begin setting up chairs and the stage, and Erin will bring in the flowers and other decorations at graduation.

“The music, caps, gowns, everything is super traditional,” said Erin Jensen, the director and organizer of the graduation ceremony. “It’s a sad and emotional time of year. It makes me emotional, thinking it was my kids too (referring to her son who graduated in 2024), and watching all these kids grow, the distractions of setting up helped a bit. No matter what, if it wasn’t my kid or not, it’s still a great accomplishment.”

There have been some issues with graduation, especially with a graduating class of 190. “Limited gym space for chairs, only so many tickets for students, shifting where the spectators watched, and limiting people who are on the stage,” Erin said.

But overall, this is a joyful time of year, and “it’s always exciting seeing the caps fly into the air as the big celebration at the end.”

The ceremony begins at 7:00 on Friday evening and is not open to the public. Congratulations to all seniors. “And, as always,” to quote Science Nelson, “go Eagles!”