If you are not one who likes saying goodbye, being a high school principal at this time of year may not be for you. The area’s eight school districts started their goodbyes to their seniors last week when Luxemburg-Casco hosted its commencement exercises. By Friday, Southern Door, Algoma, and Kewaunee will have joined them, and Sturgeon Bay (May 31st), Gibraltar (June 1st), Washington Island (June 6th), and Sevastopol (June 8th) are just days away from their own graduation ceremonies. 

Luxemburg-Casco Principal Tyson Tlachac wrapped up his first year as principal at his alma mater, marveling at how students can do so much with the opportunities given to them, such as earning college credits and participating in the youth apprenticeship (YA) program. “It’s unbelievable how many opportunities there are for students to be set up for success after they leave here,” he said. "Students are proud of their college credits during high school. Beyond their tuition savings, it allows them to find out what they like and don’t like. YA, which a large number of our students participate in, adds to that.” 

Sturgeon Bay High School Principal Keith Nerby is celebrating his fourth year on the job with the students who started as freshmen when he took on the role. He pointed out some parallels he shares with this year’s graduating class that grew up in the building alongside him.

Nerby will have plenty of opportunities to say his goodbyes before the week is out. In addition to their class celebration on Thursday, Sturgeon Bay is keeping with its pandemic-born tradition of a boat parade on the bay to honor its seniors following the commencement ceremony.