Christian Heritage honors four graduates
Each graduate given a character trait
Last updated 6/1/2023 at 9:29am
EDWALL - The four members of Christian Heritage School's Class of 2023 were recognized at their graduation by family, teachers, friends and community members during a ceremony in the high school gym Saturday, June 27 .
After flag bearers Amy Colvin and Zach Colvin entered the gym, all eyes turned to the back door as Pomp and Circumstance played. With measured steps, Rebekah Headrick, Kaylee Klein, Kiernan Michael and Austin Vaughn walked down the center aisle and took their seats on the stage, their royal blue gowns casting a bright sheen from the lights.
School principal Marty Klein welcomed those in attendance, Kaylee Klein read the class history and Rebekah Headrick gave the salutatorian address.
Becky Oehlwein called the graduates up individually and recognized each with a specific character trait.
Headrick was recognized for her courage.
"Rebekah will take on challenges and tasks that would intimidate most of us," Oehlwein said. "This year she took AP Statistics and online classes through Oral Roberts University. She set up a service project to go to the Union Gospel Mission to serve the homeless a meal."
Headrick received a $500 scholarship from Highline Grain Growers, the PEO-Star Scholarship of $2,500 and a $20,000 scholarship from Oral Roberts University.
Oehlwein selected wisdom as Klein's character trait.
"Kaylee can see and respond to life situations from God's frame of reference," Oehlwein said. "Besides having a quiet wisdom, her joy is deep and is seen by everyone."
Klein was awarded a $500 scholarship from Highline Grain Growers, a $10,000 Federal Beneficial Association Legacy Scholarship, the $10,000 Midway Presidential Scholarship and a $4,000 athletic scholarship.
Michael was recognized for having endurance by "continuing through to its completion any trial that God might bring to bear with the proper inner response."
Oehlwein valued the time she spent with Michael while she worked in her independent film study class.
"Kiery taught me about technology, teen slang and how to be an internet influencer," Oehlwein quipped. "Her smile is infectious and fills my heart with joy."
Oehlwein recognized Vaughn for his confidence.
"Austin's confidence is evident from his conversation with his friends, classroom discussions or while he is making business decisions on the phone," Oehlwein said. "More recently, I have heard him speak of his confidence in God."
Whitworth University awarded Vaughn a $27,000 scholarship. The G.I. Bill, Yellow Ribbon Scholarship, will pay the rest of his tuition.
Vaughn then gave the valedictorian address.
"Graduates, I hope you will continue to be joyful, to be grateful, to be generous and to stand beside those who need you," he said. "Be a champion for Christ and make a profound and positive difference in the world."
Following Vaughn's speech, each graduate was featured in a slideshow presentation and called forward to receive their diplomas from Mr. Klein and Mr. Chad Michael.
After tossing their mortarboards into the air, the graduates celebrated at a reception on the school's front lawn.
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