Graduation 2020: Ripon Christian High – Words from students, principal
School Name: Ripon Christian High School
Number of graduates: 50
Senior Class Gift: Financial contribution to the school
Valedictorian: Tina Tazelaar
Words from senior Tina Tazelaar: “What will I miss most about senior year? So many of the things that first come to mind for me are the what-would-have-beens, not things that actually happened. But the more I think, the more I’m reminded of the memories I made during senior year. I’ll always remember being a part of Singin’ in the Rain and the joys of being in a cast with so many great friends. I’ll miss Spanish class and the inside jokes we shared, and Calculus class, with how “friendly” everyone was to me. I’ll miss the heart and tie game, when boys would finally try to talk to me. I will always remember my teachers and how they encouraged us students in our walks with the Lord – Mrs. Magnussen somehow easily connecting math concepts to God, Sr. Dusty doing verse of the day in Spanish, Heyboer giving us Biblical principles for government, and of course Mr. H educating us on our faith! Overall, it is not the big events that I will remember most, but the jokes shared and memories made in the day-to-day with my classmates and teachers.”
Words from Principal Joe Venema: “Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.” The events of this past year have demonstrated the folly of relying on our own wisdom and understanding. Who could have possibly predicted a senior year where the last in-person class would take place in March, where the “perks” of school like class trips, proms, awards banquets, and other enjoyable traditions would be canceled? With many colleges making announcements about the fall semesters beginning online and with youth unemployment spiking, there continues to be great uneasiness about the future as well. In these times of uncertainty, my encouragement to young people is to fix their eyes firmly on Jesus Christ, who is a constant in a constantly changing world. Looking to Christ will also help us to focus on truly loving our neighbors, many of whom need support and encouragement in these challenging times.”
