RHS Class of 2025 bids farewell as Hodag Dome returns

When the Hodag Dome was damaged, deflated and temporarily closed following an end-of March ice storm, the Rhinelander community faced plenty of questions and uncertainty. 

How long would the district and the community be without one of its largest assets? How would the individuals and teams who utilize the facility adapt and overcome in its absence? How would the community grow and be better from the experience? 

School District of Rhinelander superintendent Eric Burke delivers an address during the Rhinelander High School 2025 commencement exercises in the Hodag Dome Sunday, June 1.
(Photo by Bob Mainhardt for the River News)

In a way, the Class of 2025 can relate as it leaves the halls of Rhinelander High School and embarks to make its mark on the world. Those uncertainties can be overcome by an unwavering belief in oneself, belief in one’s community and belief that adversity will only make one stronger. 

Those were the main themes Sunday when RHS held its commencement exercises. While the Class of 2025 was the star of the ceremony, its venue undoubtedly could earn an award for best supporting actor. 

The Hodag Dome was back. Two months and two days after the air was let out of the building and the membrane fell to the ground, the structure had risen and played host to its first public event since the March 30 incident. 

Very little was mentioned about the dome’s return in Sunday’s remarks by either the district facility or by the seniors who spoke. However, its presence was undoubtedly felt by all who stepped inside the dome — many for the first time since its deflation.

“The fact that we’re up in two months, we’re able to have graduation is that was always a goal. Let’s get it up by graduation. And we did. So, we’re very thankful,” SDR superintendent Eric Burke told the River News prior to Sunday’s ceremony. “It sure is a celebration, and we’re going to talk about all the greatness of this class today — all the fantastic kids, athletics, activities and academics. But the dome is a big part of this community, and two months ago, when it went down, it impacted our community, and we had to figure out a way to get it back up and it truly was a team effort.” 

Burke ensured the focus was on the graduates Sunday, taking time during his remarks to highlight and recognize the class on the broad spectrum of achievements it had at RHS — from those who scored 28 or better on the ACT exam or racked up more than 1,000 college credits this year, to those who excelled in the arts and activities, to those who volunteered, to those who helped in the trades.

“We definitely wanted to focus to be on the class and all the great things that they have done and will do in the future,” Burke told the River News. “It’s a great class. I guess that’s to begin with. I was fortunate to be able to work with this class as a Key Club advisor and get to know a lot of the kids.” 

While Sunday graduation was far more about those receiving their diplomas than where they received them, the theme of the dome’s return — responding to and prevailing over adversity — was a common theme among the speakers. 

Valedictorian Katherine Ripple reminded her peers how they entered RHS as intimidated freshmen in 2021 and, through their experiences, blossomed into young adults. She said those lessons will serve the class well is it prepares for its next chapter.

“The experiences we will have and the lessons we will learn in the next several years, will be just as impactful as the experiences we had in high school,” she said. “And just like we’ve all grown over the past four years, we will continue to grow in the future through all of the changes that come our way.”

Those were sentiments echoed by RHS student council president Callie Hoerchler.

“Each of us has faced our own challenges and triumphs, and together, we create memories that will last a lifetime,” she said. “I am grateful for the laughter, for the late-night study sessions, and the support we’ve shown in one another. As we stand on the brink of new adventures, let’s remember the bonds we formed and the lessons we’ve learned. Today marks not just an ending, but a new beginning. Let’s embrace the future with open hearts and minds and carry the spirit of our school with us wherever we go.” 

Valedictorian Kate Ripple addresses her classmates and those attending the Rhinelander High School 2025 commencement exercises in the Hodag Dome Sunday, June 1.
(Photo by Bob Mainhardt/River News)

Some graduates had larger barriers to overcome than others, such as speaker Emma Mankus, who has Cerebral Palsy and underwent brain surgery at the age of 12. She credited her parents for treating her like any other child growing up, and thanked the RHS staff for constantly pushing this year’s class to never stop improving.

“We owe so much to our teachers,” she said. “They have challenged us, pointed the way to new opportunities, and taught us we are never done learning. They have led by example. Most importantly, they have strived to teach us how to be good human beings. As we leave behind all those familiar things and begin our adult lives, we need to pick up the torch our teachers lit for us and do good in the world. We all have the ability to change things for the better, including those with us with disabilities.” 

For others, the barriers were cultural. That was the case for Italian exchange student Margherita Tibaldeschi. When she arrived in Rhinelander last summer, she hardly had any comprehension of American football, let alone what Rhinelander’s mythical Hodag was. Her fears of fitting in with a new culture were quickly put to rest by a welcoming community which she said now feels like a second home.

“Before coming here, I had never heard of a Hodag. Honestly, I still don’t understand what it is, but I’ve learned that it is something strong, unique, and full of spirit,” she said. “And after a year at Rhinelander High School, I think I’ve become a Hodag too.”

Brody Kowieski, one of the top 10 students in this year’s class, spoke of “character building days” — a codeword he and his cross country teammates would for use for their longest and most arduous of workouts. He said those days only strengthened his confidence and resolve. 

“As we graduate today and into our futures, we will be faced with many character building days,” he said. “May we remember that with the purposeful community, these days can be used for our betterment.”

RHS principal Shane Dornfeld said while this year’s class has plenty of achievements that garnered praise and attention, some of its best work was done away from the spotlight. 

“You gave your best, even when it was hard, and especially when no one was watching,” he said. “That’s the heart of true work ethic. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about pushing through when it would be easier to quit. That discipline, that grit, that’s what success is built on.”

RHS social studies teacher, and Rhinelander City Council alderperson, Steven Jopek served as the faculty speaker for the ceremony. He challenged the class to do its part to change the world for the better —however significant or insignificant that change may feel.

“It won’t be easy, but let the act of doing the next right thing be the blueprint for the change you wish to see in the world,” he said. 

In that vein, Burke recounted a scene from the “Dead Poet Society,” and asked the graduates “what will your verse be?”

“The question reminds us that life is a grand, ever-evolving story, and each of us contributes a unique verse to it,” he said. “Your verse, your contribution to the world, doesn’t have to be earth-shattering or world-renowned to matter deeply. It only needs to be authentic and true to you. So as you move forward, I encourage you to seek your passion relentlessly, discover what sets your soul on fire and fills your life with purpose.”

Senior class president, and top 10 member, Brynn Teter said she and her classmates do not leave Rhinelander with all the answers, but rather the tools to help uncover them as they progress throughout life.

“I urge you all to stop focusing on understanding everything in your life, and instead to seek meaning out of it,” she said. “Act with intention, integrity, and empathy toward each other — even if you do not understand. Mystery and curiosity bait desire to understand, and I’ve discovered that education never extinguishes the mystery of meaning. It reveals it in every little moment.” 

In the final words of her valedictory address, Ripple said regardless of where the individual paths of this year’s class go, a common thread remains.

“As you all embark on the next chapter of your lives, remember that although we are going our separate ways, we will always be united by our roots as Rhinelander Hodags,” she said. “And that even though it may be difficult, every change is an opportunity to grow. I am so proud of all of the ways we’ve grown and supported each other on this journey, and as it comes to an end, I hope you all look forward to all that you will learn and accomplish in this next chapter.

“Congratulations, Class of 2025!” 

Jeremy Mayo may be reached at [email protected].