Dr. Michael Thomas begins tenure as superintendent of Hopkins Schools
Hopkins Public Schools is excited to welcome Dr. Michael Thomas, who began his tenure as superintendent on July 1. Thomas comes to Hopkins from Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools. He looks forward to listening, learning and partnering with the Hopkins community in the months ahead.
On June 10, nearly 500 students crossed the stage at Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul to celebrate their graduation and the culmination of their high school journey.
Construction underway on improvements made possible by referendum
Construction began in June on a multi-sport dome at Hopkins High School, the first project funded by the successful bond referendum. Projects at North Middle School, Gatewood Elementary and Eisenhower Elementary will also begin in the 2026-27 school year.
The ceremony featured performances from the band, orchestra and choir. There were also inspiring remarks from student speakers Anna Jaeger and Ryeley Middleton, while Ezra Wolfe served as master of ceremonies. Hopkins High School Co-Principal Gene Ward Jr. delivered the senior class address, and Superintendent Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed shared words of encouragement and celebration. Jaeger reflected on the connections, memories and sense of community she experienced at Hopkins. She encouraged graduates to carry compassion into their future.
“Chase your goals,” Jaeger said. “Tell your people that you love them. Be brave with it, and be unconditional with it. There are many more amazing and beautiful memories waiting for us after we walk out of this arena.”
Middleton spoke about the importance of being true to oneself, encouraging graduates to approach life with openness and courage.
“Our emotions, our vulnerability, our so-called weakness is actually our superpower,” Middleton said. “I challenge you to lean into and learn from vulnerability every day for the rest of your life.”
Standing before the Class of 2026, Ward said he saw scholars full of passion, perseverance, purpose and possibility.
“Your diploma is not simply a piece of paper,” Ward said. “Your diploma is a key. A key that opens visible and invisible doors. Doors of opportunity and doors of responsibility.”
Ward encouraged graduates to remember four guiding principles as they begin their next chapter: know their purpose, elevate others, trust in their abilities and serve something greater than themselves.
“Your diploma is not merely a symbol of what you completed,” Ward said. “It is a declaration of what is possible.”
See Class of 2026 inside
Playground Nights
Join us for a fun evening of play. Meet other families and school staff before the start of the school year. HopkinsSchools.org/kinder
Free summer meals for youth! Free breakfasts and lunches are available at three school locations for scholars age 18 and under. Visit our website for locations, menu and adult prices. HopkinsSchools.org/nutrition
The Class of 2026 includes nearly 500 scholars, each bringing unique experiences, perspectives, talents and aspirations. As they step into the next stage of their lives, they will pursue a wide range of opportunities and pathways. Here is a glimpse into the stories and future plans of a few members of the graduating class.
Carol Dimond developed her passion for culinary arts at Hopkins, building skills in the kitchen and gaining global experience through a culinary study abroad trip to Spain. She plans to move to Duluth and begin her career in the culinary field.
Juan Suarez found teachers and programs at Hopkins High School that helped guide his path toward aviation. This fall, he heads to the University of North Dakota to study commercial aviation and take the next step toward becoming a pilot.
Ruby Furlong, a VirtualEDU graduate, balanced her health while exploring interests in medicine, art and caregiving. She plans to pursue opportunities that allow her to help others.
Chase Radel's interest in sports and mathematics played a key role in his college decision. The skills he gained through band and student leadership roles in Hopkins have prepared him for success at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he will pursue a degree in actuarial science.
Kemani Williams discovered a passion for both music and helping others. Her experiences in the band program, along with the support and guidance of Hopkins staff, inspired her to pursue music therapy at Augsburg University this fall.
Sarah Yahia’s curiosity about the world has been shaped by her multilingual background, global travel and experiences in AP history courses at Hopkins. She will attend Northwestern University to study international studies and political science before pursuing a career in diplomacy.
Amaya Warren built her high school experience around creativity, communication and music through her involvement in band and social media management at Hopkins. She will attend Florida A&M University to major in public relations and continue performing in the university marching band.
Ezra Wolfe turned his passion for business and creativity into action through DECA, the ProPEL program and by launching his own blanket business. He will attend Babson College to study entrepreneurship or marketing.
Lilly Wagner's passion for nursing was sparked by a personal healthcare experience and grew through her studies in AP Biology and Anatomy & Kinesiology. She will attend the University of Minnesota to pursue nursing, with the goal of providing compassionate care to others.
Shiya Murphy explored his interest in sustainability and gained leadership experience in DECA, Philosophy Club and National Honor Society. He will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he plans to major in environmental studies and economics.
VirtualEDU celebrated its graduates with a ceremony and reception on June 5. Students, families, caregivers and staff gathered in person and online to recognize the important milestone. VirtualEDU graduates also had the opportunity to walk across the stage at Roy Wilkins Auditorium during the larger graduation ceremony on June 10.
Hopkins Public Schools Native Group hosted an Eagle Feather and Blanket Ceremony to honor three individuals on June 3. Gabrielle Battles, an Ojibwe student, was celebrated for graduating high school. Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed and Annie Huberty, former American Indian Education coordinator, were recognized for their lasting contributions to the program.
Transition Plus honored 11 graduates during a ceremony held in June at Eisenhower Community Center, marking the completion of the program. Teachers recognized each graduate and shared their future plans, highlighting the unique paths they will take next.
In June, North Middle School students rolled up their sleeves for a hands-on lesson in lawn mower maintenance. They learned to clean air filters, change oil and sharpen blades. With the knowledge and experience they gained, they can help keep lawns looking their best all summer long.
This year’s class of retirees represents 291 years of service to Hopkins. Their dedication, care and commitment have made a lasting impact on generations of students, families and Hopkins staff. They were honored with a special reception and recognition at a school board meeting on June 2.
Students celebrated the last days of school with yearbook signings, hugs, high-fives and more. They reflected on the end of the year with the friends, teachers and staff who made their year in Hopkins special. We can't wait to see what next year brings!
The Hopkins Class of 2026 tells the story of persistence, growth and possibility. The statistics below highlight the accomplishments of these students and the many directions they will take as they leave Hopkins.
181 scholars graduated with honors
13 summa cum laude (cumulative GPA of 4.0)
101 magna cum laude (cumulative GPA of 3.75-3.99)
Most applied-to-school: University of Minnesota
Other popular destinations: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Michigan State University, University of Iowa, St. Olaf College, College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University and Loyola University Chicago
67 cum laude (cumulative GPA of 3.5-3.74) in scholarships awarded to the Class of 2026 $12 million+
37
65 Bilingual Seals earned
Seniors
