![Students in blue graduation gowns toss their caps at a ceremony in a stadium with a jumbotron in the background]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1780694966/minnetonka/jh594pfpfecva5aniooh/Graduation2026.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1780694966/minnetonka/jh594pfpfecva5aniooh/Graduation2026.png","width":400}])
On Thursday, June 4, the Minnetonka High School Class of 2026 celebrated its commencement at US Bank Stadium.
The program opened with “Pomp and Circumstance” played by the MHS band and orchestra while nearly 900 graduates entered the stadium, followed by a greeting from student emcees Henry Helsdingen and Phoebe Marshall. The band and orchestra then played the National Anthem.
Superintendent David Law welcomed graduates and their families to the ceremony. “Our wish for you is that your education with us has provided you with the opportunities to explore your unique interests and passions—and that each school you attended in our system made you feel part of the community, connected to staff and your peers,” Superintendent Law said in his address.
The audience enjoyed a live musical performance from students Hazel Avery, Saige Butitta, Elle Grassel, Logan Harrington, Garrett Hultgren, Miley Lewin, Sam Mandell and Marcus Soltau who sang “And So It Goes” by Billy Joel, arranged by Bob Chilcott.
The Class of 2026 then heard remarks from student speaker Connor Cox and student-chosen faculty speaker Jared King.
Listen to their addresses here:
Between Cox and King’s addresses, seniors Ty Gaffney, Henry Homa, Zach Seper, Joe Stellmacher and Sadie Stillman performed “Don’t Look Back in Anger” by Oasis.
The concert choir, directed by Aaron Kohrs, sang “True Colors” by Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly, arranged by Matthew Brown. The symphony orchestra and wind ensemble then joined together to perform “1812 Overture” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, directed by Sarah Finn-Sommerfeld and Kevin Kleindl.
Minnetonka High School Principal Jeff Erickson reflected on the growth the class experienced throughout their four years of high school and shared his gratitude for the Class of 2026, encouraging them as they pursue their next opportunities before formally recommending the class for graduation.
Congratulations, Class of 2026!
A recorded livestream of the full commencement program is available here. Event photos from the graduation ceremony may be found here, with more to be added in the coming days.