McFarland High School held its commencement ceremony at the school, where administrators and faculty presented diplomas to the Class of 2025 after the principal recommended the class be recognized for meeting district requirements.

The ceremony highlighted student achievements across academics, arts and athletics and included presentation of the Spartan award, a school honor decided through student nomination followed by a staff vote.

Principal Brett Jacobson recommended that “each of the students of the class of 2025 … be recognized with the presentation of their escape room certificates in the form of a high school diploma,” and the diplomas were presented with the assistance of Dana Shamer, Beth Canfield, Superintendent Aaron Tarnitzer and school board president Megan Fessler. The principal also summarized team and individual accomplishments the school recorded this year, noting musical productions, conference championships and state-level athletic appearances.

The Spartan award presentation was described during the ceremony as a two-step selection process. First, students who met academic and disciplinary eligibility were identified and then fellow students voted; the top student vote-getters were presented to staff for a final decision. The presenter described the winner, Sophie Olson, as having combined academic achievement, leadership roles and commitment to service.

Graduates’ names were read aloud during the ceremony and the final tradition — the moving of tassels — closed the event.

The ceremony also included multiple student and staff speakers who framed commencement themes around community, resilience and future responsibility.