Class of 2013 become alumni





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 |