Merrill High School Class of 2025 graduation ceremony

On Friday evening, May 23, 2025, the Merrill High School (MHS) Fieldhouse was alive with the sounds of the MHS Band as MHS Principal Trisha Detert and Merrill Area Public Schools (MAPS) Superintendent Shannon Murray led the procession of staff and then this year’s Seniors coming in two-by-two to their graduation ceremony. The students who made up the MHS Class of 2025 were all smiles, waving to classmates, family, and friends as they processed to their places.
Principal Detert served as the Master of Ceremonies, the MHS Vocal Jayz performed the National Anthem, recognition of achievements were noted, and retiring teachers were recognized. Kevin Blake gave the message from the MAPS Board of Education, the MHS Choirs performed “You’ll Be In My Heart,” and graduating Senior Maya Paulus told her fellow classmates to “Embrace the Chaos” in her message to the Senior Class. The now-traditional Senior slideshow was followed by the MHS Wind Ensemble performance of “How to Train Your Dragon,” and Elizabeth Barker introduced this year’s keynote speaker, Mrs. Alison Natzke, MHS Social Studies Teacher, who spoke about “Planting Roots and Growing Futures.” Superintendent Murray certified the Class of 2025, and then it was time for the main event. Graduating Seniors received their diplomas and a flower, amid handshakes and hugs, and lots of photos were snapped to commemorate the occasion.
Janna Jacobson led fellow classmates in the movement of the tassels, then Merin Yates, Madison McCoy, Alexzavier Green, and Amelia White led students and MHS alumni in singing MHS’s alma mater, “Hail to the Blue.” Detert gave closing remarks and the Class of 2025 processed out of the Fieldhouse and into new lives as official graduates, their 12+ years of education culminating in this achievement, and into wherever their coming life choices will take them—whether that may be additional education, entering the workforce, starting their own businesses, beginning an apprenticeship, traveling, marrying and starting a family, or each Graduate’s own unique combination of many of these choices.
Congratulations to the MHS Class of 2025! The Merrill community wishes you great success and fulfillment as you build your life on your educational foundation.