The New Ulm High School Class of 2023 throw their mortarboards in the air, celebrating graduation.

NEW ULM — The class of 2023 at New Ulm High School faced unique challenges right from the start because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As freshmen, the students dealt with social distancing and wearing masks. They adapted and overcame all those challenges.

On Friday night, 153 graduates received their diplomas during the commencement ceremony inside the high school’s auditorium. That total is 10 more than the class of 2022.

Matthew Dennis was chosen by the senior class to be guest speaker. The science teacher and basketball coach started at New Ulm in 2019, the same year the senior class started high school. He touched on how he grew and adapted with them as he adjusted to Minnesota after moving from Michigan.

Dennis left three pieces of wisdom with the class seniors.

He encouraged students to look for good role models in their life.

“Continue to look for role models throughout your entire life. The right people will help mold you into the person you want to be.” Dennis said.

He asked students to be glass fillers. This is a mantra he used with his basketball team. It means to be a positive influence and add to whatever you do instead of taking away.

“However you want to label it,” Dennis said. “Pay it forward, lend a helping hand, have an attitude of gratitude, and leave the world better off. At times we’re surrounded by doom and gloom, the complaints and the negatives. We can join in and commiserate with those people or we can try a different approach.”

Finally, he told students that starting over is not the end of the world. It can lead to great things.

“Starting over is hard, but we have to realize that rolling on like everything is okay can be so much harder. Don’t be afraid to start over and 18, 22, or when you’re 39.” Dennis said.

Laura Bertrang gave the Senior class commencement address. She talked about how much everyone wanted to grow up from the time they were kindergarteners. She gave a recap of the teachers, activities, and experiences that molded and shaped the senior class into who they are today.

“Even though you’re full of dreams and disappointments, difficulties and successes, tears and laughter, we know that we still have a lot. And we are grateful for all the memories that have brought us here. And even more grateful for the memories that have gone to making the next chapter of our lives.” Bertrang said.

As the daughter of superintendent Jeff Bertrang, she made sure to include a special announcement in her final words.

“Never stop learning. Never stop growing. And most importantly, please never ask me about snow days again,” she said.

Principal Mark Bergmann thanked Dennis and Bertrang for the important life lessons and hope they put in their speeches.