Principal – Sonja Ortman
Dean of Students – Scott Boomgaarden
Administrative Assistant: Kathryn Baker
- Grades 9-12
- 327 students
- Students earn credits on a semester-based seven-period day.
- All students have opportunities to reach high levels of learning through our diverse curriculum and specialized learning through our learning center.
- College and career-ready opportunities in the areas of Industrial Technology, Ag, Business, FACS, Art, and Mass Communications.
- Spanish & French offered as foreign languages.
- Students have access to Chromebooks through the district’s one-to-one device initiative.
- Full-service media center and accessible ITV options.
- Nationally certified as a PLTW pre-engineering program.
- PSEO Options with colleges such as MN West
- Licensed Teacher to Student Ratio 15:1
- Teaching staff: 21
- Teaching staff with masters: 38%
- Counseling services for academic and career guidance
- Gymnasium that seats 1775
- 200-seat auxiliary gym
- 630 seat auditorium
- 2025-2026 MSHS Handbook
- 2025-2026 Manual MSHS Espanol
- 2025-2026 Back to School Health Checklist
Senior Class of 2026
Class Flower – Rose
Class Colors – Blush, Raspberry, Citron
Motto: No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world – Robin Williams
Important Dates to Remember
| May 13, 2026 | Mandatory Meeting – 9:00 AM Senior Breakfast and distribution of caps, tassels, and stoles in the commons. Students have already received their graduation gowns; please ensure they are hung up to prevent wrinkling. |
| May 19, 2026 | Last day of School for Seniors/Countdown at 3:00 PM |
| May 20, 2026 | Baccalaureate – 7:30PM @ Christ the King. Arrive at 7:10 PM for practice and to get ready |
| May 22, 2026 | Mandatory – Senior Recognition @ 8:30 AM in auditorium, elementary walk through after. Graduation practice in the gym to follow. |
| May 24, 2026 | GRADUATION – Class of 2026 2:00. Doors open for guests at 1:30PM. Graduates to arrive at 1:15PM. |
Graduation Information
Sunday, May 24, 2026
Graduation Ceremony
The graduation ceremony is at 2:00 PM on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
It’s located in the gym at the High School. Doors open at 1:30. Length is approximately 45-70 minutes. The graduation ceremony does not require a ticket or purchase of any kind to attend. Parents will receive an email and mailed letter communicating about graduation. Please ensure your email address is correct in ParentVUE.
Disability Accessibility
If you or a friend/family member uses a wheelchair or other mobility-assistive device, you will be able to request accommodations starting mid-May. The first row of each set of bleachers on the west side of the gym with be reserved for handicap accessibility. Please email Jennifer Yost or call 507-562-6076.
Cap and Gown Assigning
PAS now owns graduation gowns free of charge to every senior student. After each graduation, the gown will be collected, steam cleaned, and pressed, ready for next year’s graduates.
*If you would like to purchase a standard gown to keep, they are available through National Recognition Products. 1-800-858-0611.
Diploma
Graduates will receive their diplomas after the ceremony in the high school gymnasium. Diplomas will not be distributed until the graduate returns and checks in their graduation gown. To receive a diploma, students must meet the educational program as prescribed by the State of Minnesota, the Board of Education of District #2689, Pipestone Area High School, or a prescribed I.E.P.
Regalia
Graduate caps, tassels, and stoles are for the students to keep.
Graduation Honors
The Laude Latin model will be used to recognize academic excellence.
Summa Cum Laude “with highest distinction” – Cumulative GPA average of 3.9 – 4.0
Magna Cum Laude “with great distinction” – Cumulative GPA average of 3.75 – 3.89
Cum Laude “with distinction” – Cumulative GPA average of 3.50 – 3.74
Ceremony Attendance
The graduation ceremony is an optional ceremony. Students wishing to participate are required to wear a cap, gown, stole, and tassel according to school procedures. Graduating seniors must report to the HS gymnasium @ 1:15 PM on the day of the ceremony.
Baccalaureate
Wednesday, May 20, 2026 7:30PM
This ceremony will be held at Christ the King and is planned by the ministerial association and senior class committee. This is a meaningful, faith-based event of support and celebration. We encourage you to attend with your parents, and families. Graduates will wear graduation gowns but not caps. Please note this is a new location.
Senior Recognition and Graduation Rehearsal
Friday, May 22, 2026 at 8:30 AM
The Senior Recognition Program will be held in the High School Auditorium. Graduating seniors will receive their GPA and Attendance chords along with any awarded scholarships.
Mandatory graduation rehearsal in the high school gymnasium will follow the program for seniors who have met the High School Graduation Requirements. All seniors are expected to participate in this rehearsal to ensure a well-prepared ceremony for Sunday.
