It would be nice if next year and in future years Albert Lea High School found a speaker for commencement exercises from outside the school district.

Why not shoot for a well-known name from southern Minnesota? Glen Taylor, Tim Walz, Gil Gutknecht, Steve Sviggum and Tim Penny are five initial ideas.

How about John Noseworthy, the CEO of Mayo Clinic? Or Judith A. Ramaley, the president of Winona State University? Or Jeffrey M. Ettinger, the CEO of Hormel Foods?

There are good leaders right here in Albert Lea, too. Pam Sander of Zumbro River Brand. Mike Larson of Innovance. Brad Arends of Alliance Benefit Group. Nancy Skophammer of Farmers State Bank. Alan Oliver of Mrs. Gerry’s Kitchen. Ron Langrell of Riverland Community College. Peggy Havener of the Albert Lea Public Library. There are many we could list.

These are among the many leaders in the city and across the region who employ Albert Lea High School graduates.

The speaker could even be someone such as humorist Al Batt, who every year pens a column for graduates (it appeared Wednesday). Or Craig Dahl, a graduate of 1971 who went on to be the hockey coach at St. Cloud State and then into private business.

Most years are like this year, where Albert Lea High has school leaders (administrators or school board members) and students speak. We like that the students vote on the student speakers. Keep that, of course, but bring in someone to inspire these students as they go out into the world. Only a few years ago, famous actress Marion Ross spoke to the graduating class. That was good. Let’s make a tradition.

We spoke with Albert Lea High School Principal Al Root, and he said he is open to the idea in future years.

Good!

In many districts where outside speakers come, the announcement itself of who the speaker will be often creates excitement throughout the district — for all residents, not merely parents and students. That sense of pride and accomplishment that comes with the graduation season begins to stir districtwide.