Commencement 2026
Matt Hillmann, Ed.D., Superintendent

Let’s hear it again for our newest Northfield High School alumni, the Class of 2026!

Congratulations, alumni! You will be missed. You have brought us pride with your academic achievements, joy with your artistic prowess, and elated us with your accomplishments in athletics. Our district vision is to prepare every student for lifelong success by developing critical thinkers who are curious and ready to engage in society. After watching you grow over the last 13 years, I am confident that you are prepared, are curious, will think critically, and are well on your way to becoming productive members of our society.

You have a gift in front of you. It is the gift of being a beginner again. After today, you all begin a new pathway forward in life. There is an excitement to being a beginner again. It is also a bit frightening. Embrace all of it. I’ve learned that as adults, we sometimes prioritize comfort over growth. I encourage you to seek opportunities to “become a beginner again” throughout your life. It will challenge you, to be sure. But it will also help you realize your full potential as a human being.

I also encourage you to live life with a grateful heart. Be kind and generous — to yourself and those around you. As Paul Wellstone said, “we all do better when we all do better.” And all of us have a role in making that true.

You are all amazing. You are all special. You will all make a difference in this world. I am proud of you. Your family is proud of you. Your community is proud of you. Congratulations and best wishes as you become a beginner again.