Perpich Arts High School Graduation 2024

May 24, 2024

The Perpich Arts High School Class of 2024 graduated on May 24 in a ceremony at Ted Mann Auditorium on the University of Minnesota campus. The ceremony was also livestreamed on Facebook. Perpich is proud to announce that 100% of the Class of 2024 graduated. Aiyana Beaulieu (Visual Arts 2024) and LaReina Alexander (Visual Arts 2024) served as Student Speakers and Social Studies & Math Instructor, Mike Hodapp, gave the faculty speech. The audience, both in-person and virtual, was treated to presentations by each art area.

During their opening speech, Beaulieu and Alexander contemplated the Perpich community. “As artists and performers, we understand that behind every creation, whether it be a song, a film, a painting, a play, a poem, a dance performance, and beyond – there is a genius artist who has put their energy into creating something for the world to see,” said Beaulieu. “With courage and with intentionality, an individual or team can take emotion and turn it into an expressive form for others to interpret and relate to. Perpich has offered us a space to grow into who we are at this moment. But know that through our growth, we will continue to transform and shape who we are as time goes on.”

Graduation Student Speakers Aiyana Beaulieu (Visual Arts 2024) and LaReina Alexander (Visual Arts 2024)

Alexander added, “As we move forward after today and perhaps ponder the somewhat finite feeling of graduating, there’s also a great sense of excitement in knowing what endeavors the future holds. As well as what opportunities there will be to connect beyond this community. Don’t be afraid to say hello. What may start out as a small [silly] ice breaker could turn into a lasting friendship. Wherever you go after this, let yourself cherish the connections made. Continue to be in the moment, be curious, and never [ever] stop dreaming – for this commencement, is also a beginning.”

In his first year teaching at Perpich, Mike Hodapp has been inspired and moved all year. “I’ve seen students’ creativity leak out in the forms of inspired costumes, impromptu skits, films for classroom projects, drawings on the whiteboards, social experiments, improvised songs, and little poems,” said Hodapp. “Spending time with you has been to witness art as a creative force – literally the force that creates in this world, that manifests imagination, that questions and reconstructs reality.”

(L to R) Perpich Executive Director Dr. Charles Rick, Assistant Principal George Terry Jr., Principal Rebecca Bullen

During her closing remarks, Principal Rebecca Bullen reflected on the high school careers of the Class of 2024. “Your high school education has been disrupted by school closures, hybrid attempts at learning, mask-wearing, illness, isolation and loss,” said Bullen. “You were faced with the social unrest after the killing of George Floyd, and it has been months…. years… of figuring out how to navigate grief and anger over lost opportunities and loved ones. I suspect you are still navigating this. And two years ago, a year for some, you found Perpich. You made the choice to attend an arts school for 11th and 12th graders from across the state of Minnesota. You chose to leave your friends and families and invest in your artistic voice and new connections. It was a huge step in not letting the environment dictate you, rather you took a chance on yourself and new growth. You can’t always control the environment but you can shift how you navigate it. I’m glad those choices brought you here.”

“Over the last two years I have been witness to your growth. You navigating what it means to be in the world, to be an artist, a creative thinker, an empathetic human. I have seen you step into your leadership and share your voice. I see that in your movement, your voice, your images, paintings, animation, music, books, words and more. I see it in your academics and your presence in the hallways. I see it in your friendships. I see you and the gift you bring to Perpich and will bring forth into this next adventure. Another beginning.”

Special thanks to the Graduation Committee for all their work to make this year’s ceremony a memorable one!