Jim Elliot High School nudges eagles from the nest
Their theme is “To Soar for Christ,” and seniors from Jim Elliot Christian High were nudged out of their school nest and into the world on a windy Saturday during commencement ceremonies at Temple Baptist Church in Lodi.
Forty-four green-robed students strode confidently into the standing-room-only auditorium, waiting for the moment they could turn their tassels and head out on the road to their next adventures.
Following opening prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, Medallion Scholars — students graduating with a 4.0+ grade point average — each had a turn to briefly address the audience. Medallion Scholars included Carolee Lerma, Daniel Howen and Emily Levy.
Each kept their speech brief, while providing attendees and fellow classmates food for thought, such as speaker Daniel Howen. Howen reminded his classmates to focus all of their energy on the tasks they choose to undertake and to put their hearts into it.
“I’m sure not too many of you have heard about this guy by the name of Jim Elliot,” joked Howen. “Jim Elliot once said, ‘Wherever you are, be all there.’ ” Another speaker, Class Salutatorian Ashley Reitz, encouraged her classmates to make a contribution to society. Quoting Albert Einstein, Reitz said, “Try not to become a success, but become a person of value.”
Following the Salutatorian’s speech, senior class president Kelly Martens made the presentation of the senior class gift to Jim Elliot Board President David Payne. The class of 2005 presented engraved offering plates and communion plates to Payne.
Class Valedictorian, Jessica Monroe, recalled how she applied for Jim Elliot Christian High and how she felt is was a miracle that she was accepted to the school.
Monroe reminded her classmates of the Biblical story of three Jewish slaves by the names of Shadrack, Meshack and Abendigo, and how they refused to bow down to King Nebuchadnezzar. The three were eventually tossed into a fiery furnace for standing up for what they believed.
“We will all face trials,” said Monroe, “But with God, we can walk through the fire. This class will do great things, because if God is for us, who can be against us?”
Following Monroe’s speech, the Class of 2005 recognized the teachers and staff of Jim Elliot. As the teachers and staff stood, the Class of ‘05 offered them a standing ovation.
The Jim Elliot Award, which includes a $500 scholarship, was then presented to Stephanie Cline, and was then followed by a special, sign-language performance of the song, “Time to Say Goodbye,” which was presented by Cline and director, Juna Stayner.
Following the song, graduating students were led in communion by Dan Lamdin.
Then, it was suddenly time for the big reward. Seniors could, after four years of study, finally receive their hard-earned diplomas.
No longer restrained bystanders, family and friends let loose with boisterous hoots and hollers of approval and encouragement as tassels were turned and their favorite graduates were handed the precious parchment.
After the ceremony, Kelly Martens said she was leaving the school with no regrets.
“I’m looking forward to the future and what’s in store,” she said. “I’m leaving here (Jim Elliot) with a stronger relationship with God and a love for my friends and family.
Honor student Dan Howen echoed Martens’ sentiments. “I’m going to miss my friends and teachers, but I’m excited to go on to other things. Jim Elliot’s been a great experience. I’ve received a great Christian education, and I’ve developed socially and spiritually,” Howen said.