Senior Spotlight is a Lantern feature on selected seniors from the graduating year of 2026. Each senior has their own unique aspirations and goals for the future; the spotlight allows readers to see what each senior was involved with in high school and their future plans. As each senior has worked incredibly hard to make it this far, it’s important to recognize each individual and congratulate them for their dedication and hardwork.
Senior Spotlight
Grady Meyers
Grady Meyers is a senior at Cannon Falls High School. While attending Cannon Falls, Grady was involved in football, baseball, basketball, MHS, and FCA. Grady is planning to attend Iowa State University, where he will major in civil engineering. Grady chose Iowa State University because “They have a good program and I received great scholarship money.” Congratulations Grady!
Micah Nelson
Micah Nelson is a senior at Cannon Falls High School. Throughout his high school years at Cannon Falls, he was involved in baseball and soccer. As for college, Micah will be attending UW-La Crosse, where he will major in Biology and will be following a Pre-Physician Assistant track. Micah added, “I chose La Crosse because of their great PA program.” Congratulations Micah!
Sophia Nerison
Sophia Nerison is a senior at Cannon Falls High School. Sophia was involved in extracurriculars like Tennis, Softball, Yearbook, and she was the Student Council Secretary. She is planning to attend The College of St. Scholastica, where she will pursue a degree in nursing. She will also be playing tennis for the Saints. Sophia stated, “I chose this college because of the highly ranked nursing program that I knew would help me reach the goals I have for the future. Another reason is that the amazing tennis coaches and the team were so welcoming to me.” Congratulations Sophia!
Ally Pagel
Ally Pagel is a senior at Cannon Falls High School. Ally has been involved in various activities throughout her time at Cannon Falls. She was in MHS, SADD, and Interact clubs. She also played softball throughout her entire high school career. She is planning to attend college at NDSU, where she will major in information systems. She added, “I want to be in some sort of club, but I don’t know what I want to do exactly, so I’m just going to see where the year takes me.” Ally chose NDSU because it is close enough to home while being far enough away that she can’t come home every weekend. Additionally, NDSU has a great College of Business while still being at a reasonable cost. Congratulations Ally!
Calissa Rickert
Calissa Rickert is a senior at Cannon Falls High School. Throughout high school, Calissa was involved in extracurriculars such as MHS, Math League(captain senior year), PSEO at Inver Hills, getting an AA degree, and was a Varsity soccer player and team manager. Calissa is planning to attend the University of MN Duluth, where she will major in business and hopefully will be a member of the school’s honor society. She chose the University of MN Duluth because “It’s one of the top business schools in the Midwest, it’s in-state, and it offers many outdoor programs and activities, and I love the Cold!” Congratulations Calissa!
Josie Sjoquist
Josie Sjoquist is a senior at Cannon Falls High School. Josie has been involved in many extracurriculars such as student council, Interact, Minnesota Honor Society, Basketball, Softball, and Tennis throughout high school. Josie is planning to attend Wartburg College, where she will major in business administration while also playing tennis. Josie added, “I chose Wartburg because it felt like such a close-knit community with tons of support and also aligned with my academics. Congratulations Josie!
Katherine Stay
Katherine Stay is a senior at Cannon Falls High School. Katherine was involved in extracurriculars like Soccer and Softball. Katherine is planning to go to college at UW-Stout, where she will major in physical therapy and potentially play in their club hockey. Katherine stated, “I chose it because it is a hands-on college and quite close to home.” She also added that the campus is located in a nice town. Congratulations Katherine!
Noelle Swenson
Noelle Swenson is a senior at Cannon Falls High School. Noelle was involved in extracurriculars like Tennis, The Lantern, and MHS. Noelle is planning to attend Iowa State University, where she will major in architecture. She stated, “I chose Iowa State University because the College of Design was very impressive and their architecture program offers a study abroad for a semester in Rome. Congratulations Noelle!
