For most graduating seniors the decision of where to go to college weighs heavily on the mind. The question of where to go to college, what field to major in, and perhaps most importantly, how to pay for these future opportunities overshadow the final months of their high school careers. These questions are not unique to Rehoboth students, but many of our students face additional challenges on the path to college.
Deirdre Bia comes from a family of 9 children so it goes without saying that paying for college was not going to be an easy feat. This burden was relieved by the Daniel’s Fund scholarship which will cover any expense after federal, state, institutional financial aid and scholarships. While at Rehoboth, Deirdre participated in soccer, basketball, track, and choir while also challenging herself with AP classes. In the fall she plans on attending Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Il to study Nursing and hopes play soccer there, too.
Kyle Harvey joined Rehoboth his junior year and quickly adapted to the program by participating in cross country, basketball, the 30 hour famine, and challenging himself with difficult classes. He is thankful to his teachers for challenging him and holding him accountable. His hardworking in high school paid off as he received the Daniel’s Fund scholarship and will be attending the University of Arizona in Tuscon, AZ to study Footwear Engineering. In the future, Kyle would like to work with Nike’s N7 program, an Native American initiative to promote more scholarships for Native youth.
Jessica Platero has attended Rehoboth since 4th grade during which she was involved in the drama program, tennis, volleyball management, and Phonathon. The highlight of her career at Rehoboth was her internship with the Gallup Police Department which inspired and encouraged her to major in Criminal Justice and Computer Science next year at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City, NY. With her degree, Jessica hopes to pursues a law enforcement career and eventually work for the FBI.
Kenneth Briggs is headed to The University of Arizona next year to study English, a choice made possible by his earning the prestigious Gates Millennium scholarship. This scholarship will cover the cost of Kenny’s education through a PhD if he so chooses. Given to minority students from all different backgrounds, the Gates Millennium Scholarship was set up to provide exceptional students with an opportunity to attend college where it may have otherwise seemed impossible. Kenny was a strong leader in the high school and will be missed on the soccer field, in choir, and on the climbing wall.
Three students, Gina Kamps, Mekaile Belone, and Aaron Johnson, were honored for attending Rehoboth every year since Kindergarten.
Mike and Gail DeYoung were recognized for 35 years of teaching and service at Rehoboth.
Rehoboth sponsors Fred Witteveen and John and Judi Versluys were recognized for being in attendance as sponsors of two graduating seniors.
Former classmate, Renzo Fowler, who was killed in a horse accident during his 7th grade year was remembered.
Lastly, parents of the graduates were recognized and thanked with a lily, the class flower, for their years of sacrifice.
A very special member of the greater Rehoboth community delivered the customary address to the graduates. Rev. Keith Bulthuis faithfully served the congregation of Bethany CRC in Gallup, NM for 28 years before retiring in January. He and his wife have since moved to Logan, Utah, but Superintendent, Carol Bremer-Bennett could not resist asking him to speak to the Rehoboth community one more time. Rev. Bulthuis spoke to the graduates about their identity as God’s children, stressing that they should live in the knowledge that we are His.
The class Valedictorian, Jeremy Ang, and Salutatorian, Alex Govorov delivered a message to their classmates using the acronym, YOLO, meaning You Only Live Once. Ang and Govorov encouraged their classmates to seize their opportunities rather than let them slip by. Mr. Bob Ippel followed up their speech emphasizing that they have a choice of what direction to take in life, the way to self and the way to the Lord’s service.
The overall message of the day spoke to the unlimited potential held within the class of 2012 waiting to be opened up to the world. As these students leave Rehoboth, we place our faith in God that He has prepared them for what lies ahead. Only through His grace will these students be able to live out their dreams and reach the heights of what He has planned for their lives.
Bob Ippel as Rehoboth Christian School’s new Executive Director!
The NMAA Names Rehoboth Athletic Director, Adrian Pete, Director of the Year for Class 3A!