Congratulations to our SMHS graduates!

Congratulations to the Class of 2016! This Friday, you will achieve something you will value for the rest of your lives - a Staples-Motley High School diploma. 

It has been a joy to watch this senior class during my first year at Staples-Motley. Even with the days of “senioritis,” these students have been a great group to get to know. I will miss their creativity, their smiles and their sense of humor.

The path to a high school diploma has changed dramatically in recent years. Some of our students have already received their AA degree or enough college credits transferring from online and Staples-Motley classes to enter a post-secondary institution as a sophomore or junior. Some graduates hardly attended Staples-Motley High School during their junior and senior years. They chose to attend colleges in other parts of the state. Still other students split their day between the high school and either M State Community and Technical College in Wadena or Central Lakes College in Staples or Brainerd. 

The opportunities afforded to our high school students today are impressive. Thank you to all our parents and our entire high school staff for the work you do to help students plan their educational options carefully and thoughtfully to prepare them for their future!

As a community, you can feel good about our schools and the education we offer to all our students. Congratulate our graduating seniors and wish them well in their future endeavors. Let them know just how proud of them we are!