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Ely Memorial High School held its graduation ceremony last week at Washington Auditorium.
Not only was that an accomplishment and a milestone for the 49 members of the class of 2025, it was a sign of Ely’s continued support of education.
That was among the points driven home during the May 30 event by commencement speaker Tom Coombe.
Coombe, the longtime editor of the Ely Echo and area baseball coach, as well as the school’s athletic director since 2015, looked back and ahead during his speech to the graduates.
Coombe cited the 100-year history of the school and noted that Ely Memorial High School and the Ely Timberwolves carry forward when many neighboring schools have fallen victim to consolidation.
“The Babbitt Knights, Tower Soudan Golden Eagles, Biwabik Braves, Cook Little Gophers, Aurora-Hoyt Lakes Blackhawks, Gilbert Buccaneers, and even the Eveleth Golden Bears and Virginia Blue Devils,” said Coombe. “ Those names are now just part of history, while Ely High School and the Ely Timberwolves live on. When other communities fell to consolidation, the Ely area has stepped up to the plate and made sure this school is well-equipped for another century of history.”
And as the graduates move on to their next phase in life, Coombe reminded them to “remember where you came from.”
“Ely is unique and special and committed to its young people and education. Many have supported you on this journey, ” he said. “You have joined the ranks of alumni, and when you get the opportunity, remember to pay it forward and give back when and if you can.”
Coombe also used a word association game with the graduates, pointing out that graduation weekend in Ely is known for graduation parties, and he used the word PARTY in a final message.”
“P is for passion,” said Coombe. “I guarantee you all have a passion for something. Find that passion, and even better, see if you can turn it into your life’s work.” The project is aimed at meeting housing needs in the region, and officials have both a housing study that backs their claims that housing is needed to attract and retain jobs.
Hopes to move forward last year were crushed when Ely’s request for $4.5 million in MHFA funds was not approved.
City officials went back to the drawing board this year, with the IRRRB reducing the gap and Ely making a renewed attempt, with legislative support, to secure MHFA funds.
The city, through its HRA, is working with private development company D.W. Jones, Inc., which has completed numerous housing projects across the state.
Once the project is completed, the apartment building will be owned by the Ely HRA.
Plans call for a mix of studio, one bedroom, two bedroom and three bedroom units, ranging from a little as 447 square feet of living space to better than 1,200 square feet.
After design and infrastructure work are completed, the construction phase, expected to last a year, would be next.
“We would anticipate a year ”of construction starting sometime in mid-2026,” said Langowski.
