Anderson to speak at 2023 graduation ceremony May 13

Nine years have passed since Heather Anderson addressed the Minneota High School graduating class.
Anderson was a high school English teacher here at that time.
A lot has happened since then, including the pandemic, the election of two U.S. presidents, the killing of Osama bin Laden, and Apple releasing the world’s first iPad.
Even Anderson’s life has changed. She became the principal at Lincoln Elementary School in Ivanhoe for the 2018-19 school year before accepting the high school principal position at Minneota for the 2022-23 school year.
“It made me excited,” said Anderson, when asked what it meant to be chosen as this year’s graduation speaker in her first year as principal. “Being principal and not in a classroom, I don’t get to see the kids every day. I see them in the hallway, but it’s not the same. I try to make sure to be visible in the building so I can build relationships with the students. So, It makes me feel really good that I was even considered (to speak).”
Anderson will address the 43 graduating seniors during commencement exercises at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 13 in the high school gymnasium.
The Class of 2023 has chosen “Life is a Highway” by Rascal Flatts as their class song, Tahitian Rose as the class flower, and pink & yellow as the class colors. There will be no class motto this year.
At last year’s graduation, those in attendance applauded the students’ voice-overs in which they thanked their families for all they have done during their journey to this point. That will again be done at this year’s commencement.
“This year’s class has been amazing,” Anderson said. “They have done so many good things and so many kids have been taking on more than one thing. They have been successful in not only athletics, but FFA, FCCLA, speech, band, choir and many other things.”
Anderson revealed a portion of the speech she will give to the senior class.
“I’m going to provide some advice,” she said. “I will be tailoring my speech around working hard, staying hungry and always going after their dream.”
When asked how her first year as high school principal went, Anderson was quick to respond.
“Wonderful,” she said. “It was overwhelming at times, but it went better than I could have ever expected.”