128 Students Graduate from Hampton-Dumont-CAL High School

A total of 128 students graduated from Hampton-Dumont-CAL High School on Sunday, May 18. 

The commencement ceremony began at 2:30 p.m. and took place in the high school gymnasium, starting with an introductory statement from Class President Jaxson Rew, in which he reminded his fellow graduates to enjoy the journey. 

“My fellow graduates: today marks an extraordinary milestone in our lives, and I am truly proud to stand here before you to celebrate the hard work, perseverance, and growth we have made together,” Rew said. “Graduation is not just about crossing the stage and accepting a diploma. It is a reflection of everything—everything—that has brought us here. From the early mornings and late nights, to the laughter and the tears, the endless studying, and yes, even those frantic last-minute submissions before 11:59 PM. Today is about acknowledging the people, experiences, and lessons that have shaped us over the last twelve years. The challenges we faced and the triumphs we achieved. It’s about the journey that has made us who we are today, not just the one of the destinations we are about to reach. As we stand here today, some of us eager and some of us afraid, I challenge each of you to take a moment to reflect on the people who made this day possible. Think about someone—whether family, friend, teacher or mentor—who played a role in your journey. Because none of us could have made it here alone.”

Rew finished his speech by thanking his classmates. 

 “Whether we agreed or disagreed, laughed or argued, we made it here together,” he said. “As we step into the future, let’s carry with us the lessons we’ve learned, the memories we’ve made, and the people who helped us get here. Wherever you are going, whether that is the workforce, armed forces, trade school, or college, each and every single one of us are going to make our mark on the world, and I have no doubt that each of us will leave a lasting impression. Best of luck to you all, as you embark on the next chapter of your journey.”

Next, H-D-CAL Principal Matthew Trosky took to the podium to recognize the following students: those who received the Biliteracy Certification from the State of Iowa, those who had completed more than 300 hours of community service throughout their high school career, those who were receiving academic honors and those who had obtained honor diplomas. 

After this, H-D-CAL Superintendent Aaron Becker shared a few words with the students. 

“I want to say how proud I am of you and to tell you thanks for representing this school and community with pride,” he said. “I’ve had fun being a small part of your journey and I wish you the best.”

Becker then introduced the graduation speaker for the ceremony, Nicole Nelson, who’s been teaching art at the high school for the last four years. 

Nelson started her speech by sharing life habits from Harvard’s “Project Zero,” which she uses to plan her lessons and grade projects: 1) Observe. Slow down and look around. 2) Develop your craft. Learn the techniques and then practice. 3) Envision. Look ahead and imagine. 4) Engage and persist. You can’t finish something you don’t start. 5) Express. No one knows what is going through your mind or what is happening unless you share. 6) Reflect and refine. Look at both the good and the bad and then improve. 7) Stretch and explore. Be endlessly curious and ask questions. 8) Understand the world. Learn from others and their experiences. 

Beyond these habits, she reminded the graduates to be mindful of how they treat others and to always remain grateful. 

“There are a million reasons to be thankful each day,” she said. “Sometimes it’s just being glad there are enough squares left on the toilet paper roll, getting fresh hot fries at McDonalds, and sometimes it is just getting to lay down at the end of the day to sleep.” 

The school choir sang several songs for the commencement ceremony, including “Journey On,” by Derrick Fox and “Loyalty/Battle Hymn of the Republic,” by Phelan Arr. Wilhousky. 

The ceremony ended with Principal Trosky presenting the class of 2025, before diplomas were handed out. 

“Seniors, I’m proud to send off another class of Bulldogs and to watch you on your journey,” he said. “Enjoy the moment. Reflect on what you’ve done and be excited about where you are going. As you leave, remember a few things … Make time for that phone call or text from your family. Home is never too far away. Find your circle. That group of people that will always be there with you. Those that aren’t afraid to tell you what you might not want to hear and those that will celebrate even your smallest accomplishments. And find your front porch, the place where you stop and reflect and take in all of life. The place where you smile as the sun sets and remember how blessed you really are. We are all proud of you and look forward to seeing you grow into the best version of yourself.”