16 Austin High Seniors Commit to Minnesota National Guard

Signing ceremony celebrates students' choice to serve their community and country

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:39pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A high-contrast silkscreen print of a military dog tag repeated in a grid pattern, using bold neon colors and heavy black outlines to create a modern pop art style representation of military service.The vibrant signing ceremony celebrates Austin High School students' commitment to serving their community and country through the Minnesota National Guard.Austin Today

In a school-wide event, 16 seniors from Austin High School in Minnesota signed commitment letters to join the Minnesota National Guard. The ceremony was attended by Brig. Gen. Joseph Sharkey, who reflected on his own experience joining the Guard as a high school student. The students expressed a range of emotions, from fear to excitement, about taking on the new challenges ahead of them.

Why it matters

This signing ceremony highlights the continued commitment of young people in Austin to public service and supporting their local community, even in uncertain times. The large number of students choosing to join the National Guard from one high school reflects the values of pride, service, and helping neighbors that are important to the Austin community.

The details

During the ceremony in Knowlton Auditorium, each of the 16 Austin High School students signed documents committing to join the Minnesota National Guard. Brig. Gen. Joseph Sharkey, the commanding general of the 34th Infantry Division, stood with the students as they signed, reflecting on his own experience joining the Guard as a high school senior. The students expressed a range of emotions, from fear and anxiety to excitement, about the new challenges they will face.

  • The signing ceremony took place on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
  • Many of the students will head to basic training this summer, while others enlisted more than a year ago and completed basic training during their junior and senior years.

The players

Brig. Gen. Joseph Sharkey

The commanding general of the 34th Infantry Division, who reflected on his own experience joining the National Guard as a high school student.

Veronica Gibson

One of the Austin High School students who signed a commitment letter, motivated by a desire to do something for others rather than just herself.

Sgt. 1st Class Jennifer St. Amand

A press release spokesperson for the event, who praised the students' choice to "run toward the problem" and support their community.

Austin High School

The high school that hosted the signing ceremony, where 16 seniors committed to joining the Minnesota National Guard.

Minnesota National Guard

The military organization that the Austin High School students committed to joining during the ceremony.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“In a time when the world can seem uncertain, these individuals choose to run toward the problem in order to support us right here at home. Austin should be incredibly proud. This is what community looks like, and it reflects highly on the values that Austin High School and the Austin community here hold dear to our hearts. Pride, service and helping out our neighbors.”

— Sgt. 1st Class Jennifer St. Amand, Press release spokesperson

“This is real. It's been real. But everybody are witnesses. It's exciting. A lot of emotions.”

— Veronica Gibson, Austin High School student

“Every time I get a new teammate, especially coming out of high school, I'm so incredibly proud of them like they would be my own son and daughter. They are doing something that's greater than themselves. Every time I see that I get motivated. I feel pride not only in our nation, but really here in the State of Minnesota that we have young men and women who are willing to serve.”

— Brig. Gen. Joseph Sharkey, Commanding general, 34th Infantry Division

What’s next

Many of the students who signed commitment letters will head to basic training this summer, while others who enlisted more than a year ago have already completed their basic training during their junior and senior years. Their next step will be Advanced Individual Training to receive specialty military education.

The takeaway

This signing ceremony demonstrates the continued commitment of young people in Austin to public service and supporting their local community, even in uncertain times. The large number of students choosing to join the National Guard from one high school reflects the values of pride, service, and helping neighbors that are important to the Austin community.