Lodi Academy’s Class of 2018 is ready and waiting to take on the world
Buzzing with nervous excitement, the 20 graduating high school seniors of Lodi Academy’s class of 2018 filed into their auditorium on Sunday morning greeted by the smiles of proud parents, family and friends for their final ceremony of the weekend, commencement. Continuing a new tradition from last year’s commencement, each family and graduate was armed with large confetti cannons for the explosive finale.
This was the 110th commencement ceremony for the school, where students received honors for their musical talents and scholarships, prayed, honored school staff, heard words of wisdom to take with them on their future journeys, and of course received their diplomas.
Following words of prayer, Pastor Janeen Little recounted several stories from her youth that represented lessons she hoped the graduates could take with them into their adult lives, including contending with the potential for failure.
In her address to students, Little talked to them about feeling mixed emotions at the age of 9 during an emergency drill in school, afraid that maybe if it were real, her new colored pencils might not be OK back in the classroom. She quoted Helen Keller: “Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.”
Little also told of a time she noticed a strange green glow at home and had her thoughts turn to the return of Jesus, not knowing how to feel if that were to be the reason for the strange glow. But she set outside to find the source of the light. It turned out to be a wonderful display outside of the Aurora Borealis. She talked about living in the present and not missing out on the spectacular.
“Class of 2018, if you hunker down, afraid to take on the unknown, you will be incapacitated by your fears,” Little said. “This is the time to stand up and take on the world.”
In keeping with tradition, Lodi Academy again named a teacher of the year at commencement, honoring Don Brassington for his commitment to students and the way he makes everyone smile and laugh. Brassington offered to share his award with his fellow staff members noting that it is a team effort making the school what it is.
Lodi Academy Board Chairman Carl Rosich also honored Principal Tim Kubrock, who is leaving the school, having sent off the last graduating class of his tenure this year.
Musical presentations featured senior students Danielle Smith and Adan Quezada, who performed a song called “The Prayer” on saxophones and closed the ceremonies with the song “Falling Slowly,” with vocals and bass by Smith, guitar by Quezada and piano accompaniment by Nathanael Narbarte.
Finally, students took their big walk across the stage, to receive their diplomas and have each tassel turned, while cheers erupted from the audience at the sound of their graduates’ names.
The former high school seniors were proud of what they achieved on this day with all of them heading off to college, many of them bringing several thousands of dollars in scholarships.
“I feel accomplished. It was an amazing experience in these 18 years of my life, and now I’m here,” said Andrew Chankuo, who plans to stay with family for a bit before heading off to Pacific Union College. His field of study will be emergency medical services.
Another graduate, who was talking with former school staff and taking photos with friends and family, was looking to the future in her last moments in high school.
“I’m excited. I’m going to miss this place. It’s my home, but adventure has to come and I have to move forward,” said Raven Leonardini, who plans to study theology at Walla Walla University.