Archive for category Student Life

The LAST day …

Since today was the LAST school day for the senior class, they celebrated in a lasting way.

Seniors took their last high school exams; they reminisced in their last chapel with a wonderful slide show of their four years at IMS (prepared by Mischa De Jesus); we surrounded them, laid hands on them in a traditional sending prayer, and sang a last blessing to them at the end of chapel; they organized and prepared their last school lunch by grilling together as a class at noon; they cleaned out their lockers for the last time; but did NOT say their last goodbyes. We look forward to welcoming class members back to campus throughout their lives.

Blessings to the class of 2012 as they become our newest alumni!

Luna Blu Sopra Venezia

Junior class

Senior class

The Junior class hosted the Junior-Senior Banquet on Saturday evening, April 21st,  Luna Blu Sopra Venezia (Blue Moon over Venice). Guests arrived to shops and sidewalk cafes nestled among flowers and candles floating down the canal. The dinner was served under the stars in view of the clock tower of Venice.

The menu featured Italian vinaigrette salad, bread and dipping oil, chicken parmesan, pesto rotini, green beans and tiramisu – all delicious! Entertainment included a class prophecy, a video tour of Venice, the family feud which involved IMS students divided into two teams, “the sopranos vs. the pinnocchios” answering Italian trivia, and there were special visits from famous science and art professionals. Hosted by Italian Randall Ney, a great time was had by all – Ciao, Baby.

The After Banquet party was held at Colonial Lanes in Iowa City followed by breakfast at First Mennonite Church.

Student Volunteer – life outside IMS

Sophomore Katie Bender volunteers at the Wellman Food Pantry one Saturday each month along with her advocate from Wellman Mennonite Church, Bethany Shetler.  They sort groceries by date, (they cannot distribute items past the expiration date), stock the shelves and help carry groceries to peoples’ vehicles.

Katie also uses her hobby of crocheting to help others.  Since the beginning of the year she has made 20 scarves.  It takes about four days to make one scarf.  She said she purchases the yarn at a store or Goodwill.  A friend takes the scarves to work in Iowa City and gives them to people there who do not have one.  Her scarves have also been given to the Salvation Army. Katie said, “It just feels good to help others.”

Student volunteer – life outside IMS

Ting Davidson is among those serving lunch at the Wesley House.

Senior Ting Davidson volunteers bi-monthly to serve Free Lunch at the Wesley Foundation House in Iowa City. She helps prepare and serve the lunches to anyone who comes into the doors. On an average, approximately 100 people are served.

Ting learned about this program at West Union Mennnonite Church where she attends. Groups and organizations take turns serving meals and Ting decided to become a part of her church’s group. Ting explained, “I believe it is important to be involved in the community. This program provides one such opportunity and works well for people with busy schedules. Serving lunches allows you to meet and learn from people you may otherwise have never met.”

Ting recommends this service project to others. She says, “It’s a great opportunity to work with others and to serve the community.”

Jacey Dehogues learns to knit!

Senior Jacey Dehogues who is learning to knit in a Special Projects class just completed her first project. Librarian Jane Widmer Yoder is her knitting instructor.

Carpooling is nothing new at IMS

Jameson Lammer and Grant Schlabaugh drive from Kalona.

Nathan Peterson, Amanda Bartel and Criz Lopez drive from Iowa City.

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Arriving at IMS each morning means many miles driven. Students travel from Iowa City, Frytown, Homestead, Kalona, Marengo, North English, Parnell, Wayland, Washington, Wellman, and many places in between.

Many students and several teachers carpool to school– which not only saves on gas expenses, and may cause you to leave a bit earlier than traveling on your own — but also proves to be a fun time for most students.

Demi Brezina, Breana Stout, Jacayla Litwiller, & Elysia Stastny drive from the Washington area.

Breana Stout – “I get dropped off at Jacayla’s (Litwiller) house between 7:25-7:30. We may watch TV or just talk a bit before we leave for school. Sometimes we stop for gas or coffee.” When asked what type of topics they discuss she said, “Well, we talk about LOTS of stuff. We have really random conversations! We sing and dance and do tons more!  There’s pretty much nothing that we haven’t talked about! Animals, school, God . . . we’ve talked about it all.” 

Breana continued, “One of the most unusual things we did was find six puppies on the side of the road; picked them up and brought them to school with us. We found them all good caring homes.”

Grant Schlabaugh & Jameson Lammer – “We listen to the radio and talk about sports and the cold!”

Tommy Rhodes and Cameron Gingerich drive from the "Stringtown" area.

Tommy Rhodes and Cameron Gingerich – “We listen to music and talk about stuff that happened at school like basketball, homework, and funny things that happened during the day!”

Stasia Majerick, Olivia Yutzy & Hannah Gingerich – Listen to music and talk about school, sports, music, and anything else random.

Jane Widmer Yoder – We often discuss the weather and “who is driving tomorrow”.

Elizabeth Yoder & Jacey Dehogues usually talk about life or sing enroute to IMS.

Stops at Central Discount for some discounted snacks, group orthodontic appointments, after ball practice rides home or going to ballgames provide plenty of carpooling opportunities!