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6 | SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 2026 ELK RIVER STAR NEWS
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over its obstacles since you stepped into this world. And you’ ve proved time and time again that you can endure,” Gulickson said.“ Whether you have fought hard to make high school the best years of your life or you’ ve barely survived through the worst years of your life, you are resilient enough to
conquer whatever life has for you next.”
High Honors student Evan Sutherland started his speech with a parody of graduation speeches, proclaiming he had the perfect advice for“ how to totally ruin your life.”
“ So if your dream is a long, completely miserable existence, get out a pen and some paper because I’ m about to blow your mind!” Sutherland joked.
He extolled the virtues of never doing anything hard, never trying something you might fail at, cutting people off and constantly comparing yourself to others, treating their wins as their losses. When he concluded, he continued the joke by urging the graduates to not clap for the first half of his speech. He then went through all of the positive, affirming versions of his points.
“ Class of 2026— you will never be the kind of people who ruin their lives! Instead, you will be the kind who build incredible ones,” Sutherland said.
After their speeches, the choir, once again led by Walters, performed“ I’ ll Be There for You.”
Angie Bickman, who was selected by the class to speak at the ceremony, recalled how the last time she spoke to a graduating class was at her own graduation in 2008— the year a lot of the graduates at the ceremony were born.
“ I said, WHAT? Oh my gosh … time,” Bickman said.“ I’ ve been thinking a lot about time lately... because graduation has us look backward and forward at the same time.”
She recounted fond memories from this year and mentioned how talking with the students is her favorite part of teaching.
“ But mostly, it’ s the moments and conversations that had nothing to do with school and everything to do with you, because that’ s the reason we remember each other,” Bickman said.“ The reason Zimmerman High School is so special is because relationships are part of our core culture... Our connections are special, and belongs to all of you.”
She then spoke about how the graduates have a metaphorical toolbox, each tool earned through a relationship with someone or by overcoming a challenge or living through an experience.
“ And some tools probably don’ t belong there anymore... The“ not good enough” tool,” Bickman said.“ I’ m a firm believer that we all do the best we can with the tools we have. But growing up means realizing you
get to choose what tools stay and which get thrown out.”
Zimmerman High School Assistant Principal Kurran Sagan led the presentation of the graduates.
“ I’ m officially here to confirm this is it! You did it!” Sagan said.
After the diplomas were handed out, the graduates marked the occasion with the tossing of their mortarboards into the air and a roaring cheer.
ERIK JACOBSON
Angie Bickman, who was selected by the students to be the keynote speaker, gave her“ Time, Talk, and Tools” speech Tuesday, June 2, 2026, during graduation ceremony for the Class of 2026.
ERIK JACOBSON
The Zimmerman High School Band performs Tuesday, June 2, 2026, during graduation ceremony for the Class of 2026.
ERIK JACOBSON
The Zimmerman football field scoreboard celebrated the Class of 2026 graduation ceremony on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
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