Wayland Academy Commencement to be held Saturday, May 23

Head of School Jason Warnick will preside over the ceremony, with remarks from several students, including Class of 2026 Valedictorian Lilith S. Reusch of Madison Wis., Salutatorian Mandukhai M. Ritman of Jülich, Germany, and Student Council President Luca P. Roetter Gresback of Hayward, Wis.

Valedictorian Lilith Reusch is a four-year senior at Wayland and is the daughter of Dr. Josh Reusch and Dr. Laine Reusch. Currently, Lilith is the co-president of Math Club, Student Library Director, and participates in fencing and rowing. Her biggest takeaway from her time at Wayland Academy is that “everyone around you can teach you something.”

Lilith’s mentor, Mrs. Triscia Ladron, noted that, “Lilith has always pushed herself with her courses, truly enjoying insightful and discovery-driven conversations with faculty,” and added that “she is always willing to help those in need, which has encouraged her growth in our community.”

Lilith plans to study Environmental Sociology at University of Wisconsin—Madison in the fall.

Salutatorian Mandukhai Ritman is a two-year senior and the daughter of Dr. Urnaa Ritman and Dr. James Ritman `84. She’s been involved in rowing, serves as co-president of Math Club, and participates in Science Olympiad. Reflecting on her connections at Wayland, Mandukhai shared, “My friends come from all around the world, from just around the corner, and from very different backgrounds. Listening to their stories feels like peeking through a window into another world.  They have truly opened my eyes and made me realize that there are far more possibilities in the world than I once imagined. Every conversation leaves me more curious.”

Upon graduating, Mandukhai plans to study Chemistry at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.

This year’s Commencement Speaker is Dr. Victoria N. Folse, President of Ripon College. Dr. Folse was named Ripon’s 14th president and began her tenure on July 1, 2022, becoming the first woman formally inducted to the role. She has more than 30 years of experience in higher education, along with 15 years in healthcare administration.

Prior to Ripon, Dr. Folse served at Illinois Wesleyan University in a variety of leadership roles, including tenured full professor, director of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, executive director of health and counseling, and interim director of the School of Music. She holds a Ph.D. in nursing with a concentration in research from Saint Louis University, as well as graduate and undergraduate degrees in nursing. A clinical nurse specialist in adult psychiatric nursing, she is also an advanced practice registered nurse and licensed clinical professional counselor.

Dr. Folse plays a key role in the Ripon–Wayland connection, making her a meaningful choice to address the Class of 2026 as they prepare to take their next steps.

Commencement weekend begins Thursday, May 21, with Senior Chapel, a student-led celebration full of reflection, humor, and heartfelt performances. Despite its name, Senior Chapel is not a religious ceremony, but rather a beloved tradition that brings the Wayland community together to honor the graduating class.

Other milestone events include the Senior Dinner, Baccalaureate, and the Senior Recital, culminating in the Commencement Ceremony at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 23, in Lindsay Auditorium. During the ceremony, awards will be presented for academic excellence, athletic achievement, and personal character.

As the Victory Bell rings throughout the week, we invite the community to join in the jubilant celebration by cheering or honking their horns in recognition of our graduates' remarkable accomplishments.

This year’s graduating seniors come to Beaver Dam from 16 countries and one U.S. territory, including: Bangladesh, China, Costa Rica, Germany, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Mexico, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Turkey, United States, and Vietnam.

Wayland’s class of 2026 will head off to colleges and universities across the U.S. and around the world, including Boston University, Carroll University, Carthage College, Clarkson University, Connecticut College, Cornell University, Emory University, Fordham University, George Washington University, Lafayette College, Lawrence University, Luther College, Madison Area Technical College, Marquette University, Northeastern University, Northwestern University, Pitzer College, Purdue University, Ripon College, Rochester Institute of Technology, San Diego State University, Sierra College, St. Olaf College, Trine University, University of California—Irvine, University of South Florida, University of Washington—Seattle, University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, University of Wisconsin–Madison, University of Wisconsin–Platteville, University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, and Wichita State University.

Wayland also elected three junior marshals to lead faculty and seniors in the commencement procession. Selected based on the same criteria used for valedictorian and salutatorian honors, the Class of 2027 marshals are Daniel Brunstad of Eagle River, Wis.; Mary Whittier of Beaver Dam, Wis.; and Uliana Zabolotna of Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine.