Over the next few weeks, many Iowa high schools will hold their graduation ceremonies and for a few schools, it will be their last. Commencement was held in the Hamilton County community of Blairsburg on Sunday afternoon as Northeast Hamilton High School held its final graduation.

Principal Mike Kruger told the 14 graduating seniors this is a time of change for them. “I believe these graduates are ready to face the next challenges of their lives,” Kruger says. “All of your family and friends, all of your teachers you’ve have over the past 13 years, have prepared you for this moment. Change is not only inevitable, it can also be scary and exciting.”

Northeast Hamilton is one of a number of Iowa high schools closing its doors at end of this school year. The school was started in the 1962-63 school year, merging schools previously located in the Hamilton County towns of Blairsburg, Kamrar and Williams. Next year, middle and high schoolers will attend classes in nearby Webster City.

(Reporting by Pat Powers, KQWC, Webster City)