I remember the excitement one June night a few years ago when I—and several hundred classmates—gathered on the football field to bring our high school journey to a close.
It was a thrilling time in our lives. Some of us—such as myself—were planning to start our collegiate career in a few months. Some students were on their way to serve our country in the armed forces. Some students were transitioning to the trade school apprenticeship programs. And others were on their way to start their journey in the workforce.
Every year, that scene plays out over and over again at schools across the country, even in Swanville, Minnesota.
Earlier this summer, the school’s 24 graduates took to the football field for their graduation ceremony. Of those students, 21 had applied for a community scholarship; all 21 applicants would receive one.
The community of Swanville will have given these students $108,000 in scholarships by the time the ceremony is complete. The average received by each student is just over $5,000.
The tradition caught the attention of a local TV station, which brought the world the story of the Tiny Minnesota town gives $108,000 to its graduating seniors.
It is this kind of community unity that makes our country great—coming together to uplift and support each other. To encourage our young people as they make their way through life, and to enable them to pursue their dreams.
It seems like everywhere we turn, people want to focus on our differences. But let’s not forget the strength and power that can come from uniting together and supporting one another.
PHOTO CREDIT: Swanville High School seniors at commencement about to learn their scholarship amounts on June 23, 2025. (Chad Nelson, KARE)
