14 original Elliot Christian students graduate with Class of 2002

Jim Elliot High School seniors stand for the Pledge of Allegiance during their graduation ceremony Saturday at Temple Baptist Church in Lodi. (Mary Min Vincent/News-Sentinel)

By Julie Z. Giese
News-Sentinel staff writer

Brandon Hibler sat nervously waiting to line up and march in Jim Elliot Christian High School’s graduation ceremony.

“I’m excited. It’s a major stepping stone in my life,” the 18-year-old said, wearing a forest green cap and gown.

Along with 30 other seniors, Hibler was greeted by several hundred people who packed Temple Baptist Church’s Worship Center on Saturday afternoon.

Principal Thomas Truka told the students to savor the moments while they celebrated their milestone.

The Class of 2002 earned a special distinction in Elliot’s history.

School officials recognized 14 students who attended the private school since its opening in the fall of 1998.

During the ceremony, senior Kimberly Cooper was given a special eagle figurine as the first student enrolled in the school.

The school had another first to put in its history book: Two seniors tied for the school’s top honor of valedictorian.

Valedictorians Grace Koehler and Elisabeth Ryan both challenged their classmates to stay true to their Christian faith as they moved forward in life. “It’s our job to change the world and not be changed by the world,” Ryan said.

Ryan concluded by giving her peers a question to ponder. “Will you be a conduit for the King’s message?” she asked.

Jason Harper, associate pastor of Capital

Christian Center in Sacramento, echoed the valedictorians’ sentiments as the ceremony’s commencement speaker.

Harper said most students who attended private Christian schools give up their Christian beliefs after moving on to college.

He encouraged the students to live a Christ-centered life as they venture out into the world. Harper also told the teens to set goals, keep focused on them and discover their God-given talents.

Also at the graduation, six seniors from Juna Stayner’s sign language class gracefully performed “Time to Say Goodbye” with the teacher, using hand signs set to the music.

School officials presented Marie Henry with the Jim Elliot Award for upholding the school’s ideals.

For Hibler, graduation brought mixed emotions. “I’m going to miss high school,” he said.

Hibler plans to attend San Joaquin Delta College in the fall and later transfer to a four-year university.

The college won’t offer the same kind of closeness he’s experienced at the small Christian school.

“We’re like one big family here at Jim Elliot,” he said.