May 21
Class of 2013 become alumni
Perry Miller
Cameron Gingerich
Hannah Gingerich
Joyce Bontrager Lehman
Principal Tony Miller announcing that Laura Hochstetler was the class salutatorian and Naomi Miller was the valedictorian.
Excitement filled Celebration Hall over the weekend of our 66th annual graduation exercises. Beginning Saturday night at six, 18 seniors filed into the hall to the processional played by juniors Nicole Roetlin and Casey Perez. Following an invocation by Lori Miller, mother of Cody, the gathered sang Wonderful Grace of Jesus, led by music instructor Josh Tyson. The combined Chorale and Touring Choir then presented two pieces: For the Beauty of the Earth and This Little Light of Mine, accompanied by Susan See. Perry Miller, father of Jordan and pastor at Fairview Mennonite Church, spoke about “Purpose in Your Heart”, using texts from Daniel and others. Senior Cameron Gingerich challenged his fellow classmates to shine like shooting stars and Hannah Gingerich extolled the gifts of each classmate, encouraging them to continue using their gifts to serve God in their student addresses. Following the singing of Be Thou My Vision, a benediction was offered by Bruce Hochstetler, father of Laura.
Commencement on Sunday evening began much the same way with the traditional processional to Pomp and Circumstance. After a welcome by principal Tony Miller, the congregation sang My Life Flows On, followed by the touring choir singing He Never Failed Me Yet and Bound for the Promised Land. Joyce Bontrager Lehman (’61) spoke to the graduates about “Home is What You Make It”. Diplomas were presented by Galen Graber, board president-elect, and the class was greeted by their sponsors, Marcus Miller, Bonnie Smith, and Darvin Yoder before presenting roses to their parents. Class president Laura Hochstetler presented the class gift of money for technology improvements, with an acceptance on behalf of the school board by Galen Graber. A benediction given by Holly Blosser Yoder, mother of Nicholas, preceded the congregational singing of Praise God From Whom. The tradition of greeting the class around the island outside continued and another group of God’s children headed into the world.
College Scholarship Recipients:
| Name | College/University | Scholarships |
| Justin Boller | Kirkwood Community College | Orval “Bill” & Jane T Sayers |
| Keilah Brokaw | Northwestern College | Academic Collegiate |
| Cameron Gingerich | Dordt College | Presidential |
| Baseball | ||
| Marek Trust Fund | ||
| Hannah Gingerich | University of Northern Iowa | Distinguished Scholar |
| Laura Hochstetler | Goshen College, Indiana | Grebel Honors |
| Music Achievement | ||
| Naomi Miller | University of Northern Iowa | Distinguished Scholar |
| Federation Bank | ||
| Camila Segar | Luther College | Diversity Enrichment |
| U of I Hospitals & Clinics Volunteer | ||
| Skola | ||
| Anya Slabaugh | Goshen College, Indiana | Kratz Honors |
| Nikhil Thacker | Luther College | Dean’s |
| Legacy | ||
| Diversity | ||
| Peyton Thompson | William Penn University | Basketball |
| Nicholas Yoder | Hesston College, Kansas | Dean’s |
May 21
Mediapolis wins in softball Monday evening
Laura Hochstetler
Demi Brezina
After four strong defensive innings from IMS, defending conference champion Mediapolis broke through in the fourth by scoring two runs to take a 2-0 lead. They added a third run in the seventh, making for a 3-0 final. IMS struggled to get the bats going against a solid Mediapolis defense which allowed just five hits on the night.
May 21
Drama Camp Filling Up
Our summer drama camp is filling up. Over half of the slots are taken. If you’ve been thinking about registering for this camp, now is the time to do it! It should be a fun-filled week for kids of all ages.
Iowa Mennonite School is holding a week-long theatre camp this summer July 8th -12th! Saddle up and join the cast of Calamity Jane and the Showdown at Dry Gulch.
WHO? Children ages 7 – 13 and 10th – 12th grade (7th-9th graders have Crooked Creek Christian Camp).
WHERE? Celebration Hall, Iowa Mennonite School, 1421 540th St SW, Kalona, IA.
WHEN? July 8-12 from 8:30 am – 12:30 pm, daily. Mid-morning snack will be provided. Final performance is July 12th at 7:00 pm
COST? $75 per child, $5.00 per child discount for more than 1 from same family. T-shirt included.
Camp Creamery: Calamity Jane and the Showdown at Dry Gulch is a week-long workshop for children interested in exploring the exciting world of theatre! The camp is designed to give children ages 7 and up the unique opportunity to work and perform with three professional actors from The Old Creamery Theatre while they rehearse and present a play. Calamity Jane and the Showdown at Dry Gulch is a brand new musical set in the Old West. Registration is first come, first served (up to 60 actors) and everyone that signs up will be cast in the show. A great way for boys and girls to have a theatrical adventure this summer!
Children must commit to attending all rehearsals and the final performance in order to participate in Camp Creamery. Questions? Call Candi at 319-656-2073. Get your registration form here: Camp Creamery Registration Form
May 21
Hymn Sing Hustle on Saturday, June 22nd
The Hymn Sing Hustle is in its fourth year as a fundraising event for Iowa Mennonite School. All proceeds go to IMS music students to help pay for musical festivals and trips. In the past few years, the Touring Choir has traveled to Lansdale, PA, Kidron, OH, and Puerto Rico; the Symphonic Band has traveled to Kidron, OH, and Goshen, IN. The Touring Choir is planning to travel to Sarasota, FL, next April.
The race begins at 8:00 AM on Saturday, June 22nd, but that is not the start of the day’s events! At 7:45, there will be a hymn sing for all participants at the start/finish line. All are welcome to join in the hymns, or to simply to enjoy the four-part a cappella singing that is a Mennonite trademark.
The course itself starts and ends at IMS and goes through rolling hills and a wooded trail area. Surfaces are mostly gravel and grass, and possibly muddy or standing water on wooded trail if it has rained. Think combination gravel road, chip-sealed road, and cross country. THE EVENT WILL HAPPEN RAIN OR SHINE! There will be refreshments and water available for runners, and following the races there will be awards and door prizes given. Hope you can join us!
- contact an IMS music student.
May 21
Mediapolis takes the win in baseball
IMS 4 Mediapolis 7
Cameron Gingerich
Tanner Leyden
Peyton Miller
Mediapolis jumped on top early scoring three runs in the top of the first inning before adding another run in the third to make the score 4-0. The IMS bats came alive in the bottom of the third inning scoring three runs on a two RBI single by Aaron Ockenfels followed by an RBI single from Reggie Hostetler. The Bulldogs came right back with three runs in the top of the fourth to move out in front 7-3. IMS pushed a run across in the 7th to make the final score 7-4.
Sophomore Jacob Bruns went one for two at the plate with a single in his first varsity start for IMS. Cameron Gingerich scored two runs for IMS and took the loss on the mound while striking out seven.
“Mediapolis’ pitcher did a good job of keeping our hitters off balance for most of the night. We did some good things tonight and we still have a lot of things to work on moving forward,” said Coach Danny Hershberger.
IMS falls to 0-1 on the season and will be in action again this Friday at home against Lone Tree.
May 17
Girls Soccer
Jenna Boller, Casey Perez
IMS shares a girls soccer program with Mid-Prairie. Jenna Boller, Anne Buckwalter, Renee Buckwalter, Cassidy Bontrager, Natalie Graber, and Casey Perez are on the team.
Cassidy Bontrager, Anne Buckwalter
Natalie Graber
Casey Perez
Jenna Boller, Renee Buckwalter
IMS Videos