MLC Graduation Speaker Linette Walzak’s message to Class of 2016
The final message from Linette Walzak’s Graduation Address to the Mountain Lake Christian (MLC) graduating seniors stressed that, “It’s not what you do – but who you are.”
Before she reached that conclusion, however, she passed on to the students three keys in which to respond in order to recognize the truth in that message.
Those three keys were: “First, know who you are in Christ. Two, why it is important that you know. And three, how to live out your life identifying in Christ.”
Walzak, a friend of the class who has known the seniors during their days at MLC, at church, youth group and as serving as a chaperone on this year’s Senior Trip, told them, “I have seen you growing up, and you are awesome.”
For each of the graduates, Walzak extolled their positive aspects as she recognized them: “Melissa, you have a God-given gift of leadership. Josh, you are a good listener and unselfish. Dustin, I notice your respectfulness and politeness. Annalee, you exude compassion. Jackson, you are loyal, respectful, with leadership qualities. James is a GPS guy with a sound mind who loves discussing theology. And Lizzy, you are cheerful and adaptable, with a sense of adventure.
“This is a good day to remember.”
The traditional “Pomp and Circumstance” welcomed the seven members of the Mountain Lake Christian (MLC) Class of 2016 into the Alliance Missionary Church gymnasium on Saturday, May 28, as the Commencement Ceremony began.
Praise and Worship were led by Aaron Petersen, MLC Vocal and Instrumental Music Teacher, along with his wife, Nikki Petersen.
MLC Administrator Dr. Michael James followed by providing the Welcome and Prayer.
The MLC High School Choir, under the direction of Petersen, shared the selection, “Sea of Crimson.”
Dr. James returned to the podium on the dais to present Staff Recognition and Student Honors.
He honored three staff members for their more than three decades of service to the school. These included Ardith Simon, secretary and financial manager, with 33 years in those positions; Scott Raabe, who teaches Bible, History and Literature in the high school, and who sports 30 years as a faculty member, beginning with Bethany and continuing today and Karin Stoesz, currently a Cedar (Grades 5 and 6) teacher, but who has held many capacities in the elementary school, also with 30 years or service.
Dr. James also listed the seniors who had received scholarships for higher education. Pastor Daniel Strutz of Community Bible Church awarded the Sam and Florence Peters Memorial Scholarship (presented to a member of a MLC graduating class or a member of Community Bible Church) to Melissa Lohrenz. Wade Nelson, MLC High School Upper Level Science Teacher, representing the Mountain Lake Area Scholarship Program, presented a scholarship to Josh Raabe.
Also noted by Dr. James were the two students graduating with the Highest Honors – Class Valedictorian Melissa Lohrenz and Class Salutatorian Josh Raabe. Also graduating with High Honors was Annalee Toutges, with James Hamm and Dustin Klassen recognized with Honors.
Josh Raabe and Melissa Lohrenz reflected on their class over the years – from elementary to high school – during Student Reflections.
As a video about the seniors played, the graduating seniors presented their parents with flowers and a sweet treat in the course of Parent Appreciation
The Presentation of Diplomas was completed by Cheryl Dick, MLC Vice-Chair, along with Dr. James.
To close the ceremony, MLC Elementary Teacher Karin Stoesz presented a Prayer of Dedication.
Class Favorites include Deuteronomy 31:8 (The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid;do not be discouraged.) as the Class Verse and the Gerbera Daisy as the Class Flower.
