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Jim Elliot students unite for graduation

By Julie Z. Giese
News-Sentinel staff writer

Anita Wulff, 18, began Jim Elliot Christian High School two years ago after being homeschooled.

Wulff was among 22 seniors who made up the Class of 2001, each transferring at varying times to the Lodi school since it opened three years ago.

Anita Wulff receives the Jim Elliot award Saturday from Principle Tom Truka. (Click on the photo to view a larger version.)

The students were somewhat splintered at the start of school, according to Wulff.

“The class really developed and came together toward the end of this year,” she said.

Wulff credits weekly prayer during the last few months to bringing cohesion to the Class of 2001.

“It just started to unite us,” she said.

The Jim Elliot students banded together for the last time as seniors at Saturday’s graduation.

Donning forest green caps and gowns, they marched into the school’s auditorium before a standing-room-only crowd of 700 family and friends.

Many seniors rejoiced at achieving the milestone.

Frankie Raya, 18, was one such student.

Raya, who transferred more than a year ago from Stockton’s Stagg High School, was one of a few in his family to earn a high school diploma.

“It was an emotional experience for me,” he said.

Raya is now looking to attend either Vanguard University or Bethany College to study business and marketing.

Valedictorian Ryan McGladdery spoke of letting God guide future plans.

He told the seniors to follow God’s will in life rather than chasing dreams which could lead them off the righteous path.

Kellee Thompson, 17, reflected on the bonds the seniors had created through prayer.

Thompson, who was the class’ salutatorian, said only six graduates had started their junior year at the school.

“Prayer really helped to join us together,” she said.

The graduates took part in one last ritual as a group by taking communion during Saturday’s graduation.

School officials recognized two students with special school awards. Wulff received the Jim Elliot Award for upholding the school’s ideals. Jonathan Koehler was awarded the Christian Character Award.

The commencement speech was given by Bill Kallenberg, a student leadership development director from Atlanta, who encouraged the graduates to let God work in their life.

Also at the graduation, Megan Freed sang “If This World” and Jesse Blythe and his mother, Brenda, sang “Remember Me.”

Graduate Sara Reilly, 17, said she’ll miss the close friendships made in the last year and a half at the school.

Reilly considers graduation just another beginning in her life, she said. She’s looking to make the new start at Azusa Pacific University in the fall.

Wulff is also continuing her education.

She plans on attending Calvary Bible College in Kansas City, Mo. to eventually become a missionary.

Wulff’s career aspirations developed from a mission trip to Haiti last March.

“I saw how God uses different people for different things,” she said. “I felt it was where God was calling me.”

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