Traditions Begin Anew In Woodbury

Traditions. At most high schools they’re already in place.

That’s not the case at in Woodbury. And the first graduating class in the school’s short history takes the responsibility of establishing those traditions seriously.

“Instead of following traditions, we have to set them,” said senior Bailee Meyer, an 18-year-old from Woodbury. “It’s exciting and a little bit stressful. We know what we set will be followed, and we want to do it right.”

East Ridge held its senior awards program Wednesday night, when top students were honored, awards and scholarships were announced, and a year of new traditions continued.

Brianna Schuler, a 17-year-old from Woodbury, has attended East Ridge since it opened a few years ago.

“I just love it. The atmosphere here is really fun,” she said. “Everybody’s friendly with each other. It’s like a family.”

As a member of the first graduating class, Schuler talked about the importance of setting the tone for future students.

“We’re starting a legacy that will be followed for hundreds of years,” said Schuler, who plans to attend the University of North Dakota and study nursing.

Serving as treasurer for the ERHS Student Council, Dylan Eike, 17, has been able to help mold the pep fests, spirit week and other events that will shape how future seniors celebrate East Ridge.

Eike, of Woodbury, said students in different grades cheer against each other during pep fests at most high schools. That’s not the case at East Ridge, he said.

“We really cheer for each other,” said Eike, who plans to attend Elon University in North Carolina. “It’s more unity.”

Aileen Scheibner, 18, agreed, and said she will remember a soccer victory over rival and the enthusiasm of spirit week as graduation draws near.

“It’s just a really cool experience that we were able to set the traditions,” said Scheibner, who plans to Hamline University and possibly study pre-med.

Christine Fredin, 18, of Woodbury, said it was interesting being the part of the first senior class at ERHS because “we had to go through it out own way.” Underclassmen looked to this year’s seniors to set the tone for the school, she said.

During Wednesday’s event, scholarships that local groups and businesses gave to ERHS students were announced, and the hundreds of parents and students in attendance got the chance to honor the first seniors at the new high school.

Principal Aaron Harper lauded the students, but also thanked their parents, and referenced the old adage about a village raising a child. And in a way, the inaugural graduating class at East Ridge has helped foster an environment of caring for Woodbury’s youth for generations to come.

For a photo gallery from the event, click here.