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Graduation set at Vermilion School year comes to an end with ceremonies on Wednesday
As spring arrives in Ely, the school year at Vermilion Community College is coming to a close.
Graduation ceremonies are set for Wednesday on the Vermilion campus of the newly-created Minnesota North, and a special guest is slated to deliver the keynote address.
Jessica Holmes, a Vermilion graduate and current area wildlife manager and natural resources pilot for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, will speak to graduates and others who gather in the school gymnasium for the 7 p.m. event.
The gymnasium is likely to be packed for the public event as graduates celebrate with family members together with school officials, teachers and staff.
Vermilion will recognize 142 students who earned associate in arts, science or applied science degrees.
Another 80 have earned certificates marking graduation from one of the school’s degree programs.
It’s the third straight year Vermilion has held in-person ceremonies after conducting virtual commencements in both 2020 and 2021, because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Following recent tradition, Vermilion will turn to a recent graduate to speak to the outgoing class.
Holmes was a student at Vermilion before moving on to her position with the Minnesota DNR.
The commencement speech heads a full program.
Minnesota North President Michael Raich will confer degrees and offer remarks as well, joining Bart Johnson, vice president for academic and student affairs, and Chris Koivisto, who serves as academic dean and heads campus operations in Ely.
Student Senate President Dylan Helman will speak on behalf of the class, while faculty president Reed Petersen will announce the names of each graduate as they cross the stage.
Entertainment prior to the ceremony will be provided by Van and the Free Candies, with Vermilion student vocalist Marissa Ronning singing “Crowded Table.” The processional and recessional will be led by the Ely High School brass ensemble, directed by Karl Kubiak and including student musicians Izzy Schiltz, Oliver Hohenstein, Leo Stalmer and Morgan Lassi.
A reception to honor the Vermilion grads will be held in the school’s cafeteria following the ceremony.
