Ten graduates celebrate survival of their rural high school on Finnish matriculation day

Around 26,500 Finnish students donned the traditional white cap on Saturday to mark their high school graduation, but for ten graduates of Ylistaro Upper Secondary School in Seinäjoki, the celebration carried extra weight—they had spent the winter fighting to keep their school open.

The city of Seinäjoki had planned to close the school, located 30 kilometers from the city center, as part of cost-cutting measures amid declining student numbers. But a campaign led by the student council, including Jasmin Nivukoski, its former chair, persuaded officials to reverse the decision.

“It’s amazing to leave knowing the school will stay open for others,” Nivukoski said after the graduation ceremony, where she and her classmates were reminded in speeches to “dare to dream and be boldly yourself.”

The school’s principal, Minna Lyyski, confirmed that about 60 students attended this year, with roughly 20 new first-years expected in the autumn. “The student council did incredible work,” Lyyski said. “We’re grateful for this peace to continue.”

For Nivukoski, the day was also personal—she followed two older brothers as the family’s third graduate, while her younger sister finished basic education the same day. At home, pink decorations joined the traditional black, white, and gold, and a guestbook invited well-wishers to share practical advice, like recipes or life tips, for the future.

Friends since middle school, Nivukoski and Sara Aila—who delivered the graduate’s speech, thanking the school for its flexibility—planned to meet classmates later for a summer evening gathering in Seinäjoki. Aila, who aims to become a primary school teacher, starts a seasonal job on Monday.

Nivukoski, described by family as determined and hands-on, spent the spring doing metalwork on her family’s farm. “My parents never taught us that some jobs were for men or women,” she said. “They showed us we could do anything.”