Students Maryssa Girard and Nicholas Wojda were the two members of Pied Piper’s Class of 2025.

The Pied Piper gymnasium was filled with friends, family members, and fellow Pied Piper students.

Pied Piper Principal Lauren Grulke and Alpena Alcona Montmorency Educational Service District (AMA ESD) Superintendent Justin Gluesing addressed the graduates and all who came to support them.

“Thank you for joining us on this special day,” Grulke said. “We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to AMA board members, APS board members, AMA and local administrators, our dedicated AMA staff, and most importantly, the parents, families, and friends of our graduates for being here today. Your support, encouragement, and love have been vital in helping our students reach big milestones.”

News Photo by Reagan Voetberg Nicholas Wojda receives his diploma from Pied Piper Principal Lauren Grulke at the Pied Piper graduation ceremony on Friday afternoon.

At the conclusion of Grulke’s welcome, everyone stood up to say the Pledge of Allegiance, led by the Pied Piper transition students. Transition students are ages 18 to 26 years old.

Gluesing was welcomed to the podium to say a few words. He recognized the Alpena Public Schools board members, AMA board members, and APS staff in the room.

Gluesing reflected on last year’s graduation and the work that Pied Piper staff put into removing everything from the building to begin a multi-million dollar renovation project.

Gluesing pointed out some of the changes that had taken place, including the new colors on the walls of the gymnasium.

“We were planning over a 36-hour period to empty the entire contents, and wasn’t I surprised that we were done with the entire project in about six hours,” Gluesing said.

Gluesing tied that story into the idea that when we work together, what once seemed heavy becomes light.

“To our graduates, wherever your path leads, remember that there are many hands and hearts ready to help,” he concluded.

Director of Special Education for the AMA ESD, Mary Zann, also spoke to those gathered in the Pied Piper gymnasium.

“Graduation is always a meaningful milestone, but here at Pied Piper, it carries a unique depth,” Zann said. “… Whether you were learning to use your voice, mastering a new skill, or just showing up with a smile, you made this school a better place simply by being you. You’ve taught us more than we could ever teach you. You reminded us that progress doesn’t always look the same for everyone, but it always matters, and it’s always worth celebrating.”

Grulke returned to the stage again to encourage the graduates in their steps ahead.

“As you walk across the stage shortly, you’ll walk into your future with confidence and the love of your community behind you and with the knowledge that you can build a full and meaningful life,” Grulke said.

Loud cheers erupted from the Pied Piper students in attendance as Transition Teacher Karla Kowalski took the stage to address the graduates. Kowalski shared a personal message to both Wojda and Girard.

“You have grown in ways that go beyond words,” Kowalski said to Wojda. “You have faced challenges with strength and determination, and your smile is bright many days. As you move into this new chapter, we know you will continue to inspire everyone around you, just as you inspired us.

“Maryssa, you were one of my high school students, and now we’re back together,” Kowalski said to Girard. “What a fantastic journey it has been. You’ve made tremendous gains, shown maturity, and truly found your voice. Watching your growth has been one of the greatest joys in my time as a teacher.”

Finally, the moment came for the graduates to cross the stage. Gerard and Wojda went up one by one to receive their diplomas, pausing for pictures from the audience. As the ceremony ended, the graduates received a standing ovation from the crowd for all their accomplishments.