The Stanley County School District is proud to announce that retired educator Shirley Swanson will deliver the keynote address at the 2025 Stanley County High School Commencement Ceremony. Swanson, who retired in 2023 after an extraordinary 45-year career in education, will take the stage to inspire the graduating class as they embark on their next chapter.
A graduate of the University of South Dakota, she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Elementary Education. Swanson's first teaching job was in Okreek Country School in Todd County. She joined Stanley County Schools in 1979, where she spent over four decades teaching middle school reading, English, math, social studies, and high school German, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students.
Beyond the classroom, Swanson played a vital role in numerous school activities, serving as the Student Council Advisor and Assistant Theater Director, overseeing programs such as Accelerated Math and Reading, and arranging student participation in events like Freshman Impact and the National Geography Bee. She was also deeply engaged in community and state projects, including historical preservation efforts and education advocacy through her leadership in the South Dakota Education Association. She currently serves on the Stanley County Schools Board of Education.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to education and the Stanley County community, Swanson was honored by the South Dakota Legislature for her decades of dedication. Though she retired in 2023, her influence continues to be felt, and her speech at this year’s commencement ceremony is sure to be a heartfelt and inspiring message for graduates, families, and the entire school community.
The Stanley County High School Graduation Ceremony will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at noon in Parkview Auditorium.