Summer 2009 - Lancaster Mennonite School

PHOTO: GEOFF GROFFhockey, PALS, planning for FridayMorning Bible Study, and NationalHonor Society. I also have variousinvolvements at my church with music,leading Bible studies, helping in thenursery, and mission trips. My volunteerinvolvement at Landis Homes inthe dementia unit has showed me thejoy of giving of myself to other people.All of this to say, I am extremelygrateful to the Lord for giving me theopportunity to be involved with thesethings as well as to my parents forsending me to Lancaster Mennonite.As I press on toward next year atCedarville University and the years tofollow, I want to continually be availableto the Lord but not forget the wayshe has so richly blessed me in my past.Darshika KirubaaharanThe last three years at LMH have beena wonderful experience. I definitelylearned more about the Mennonitefaith—which I never heard of untilI came to the U.S.—and have beenchallenged to think more about whatI believe in.In the years at LMH, I have beeninvolved with the art department, paintcrew, and FBLA (Future BusinessLeaders of America). I have made greatconnections and learned amazing lifeskills through these different groups,and FBLA has definitely been thebiggest involvement. I was part of theorganization for my junior and senioryears and served as treasurer my secondyear. During this experience I becamemore comfortable being in a leadershiprole.LMH is more than just an institutionthat provides amazing opportunities tomany different people, it is my home.I’ve lived in the dorm since the secondsemester of my junior year, and I’vemet wonderful people who have beenbest friends, family, and mentors. I’velearned a lot through the different culturesrepresented and have also grownspiritually.Dorm adviser Stephanie Ross hasbeen a great influence, friend, sister,and authority to me. She has alwaysbeen there when I needed her, whetherit was just to hang out or learn aboutGod. She has given me great adviceand has stood by me through the entirespiritual journey I’ve gone through thisschool year.Overall, my high school experiencehas shaped me and strengthened me inmany ways—physically, mentally andspiritually. I’ve learned and grown a lotthrough LMH and the people involvedin it.Jordan KeenerIf I were to summarize my 13 years ofMennonite schooling into one word, itwould most definitely be “enriching.”From my very first day of kindergartenat Kraybill until my last days at LMH,my mind has been challenged, my characterhas developed, and my relationshipswith God and people have grown.At Kraybill, I formed close friendshipsthat last to this day. The teachers therehelped me to grow toward maturityacademically, as well as spiritually.At LMH, the variety of activities Iparticipated in allowed me to learn lifelessons that I will always hold on to.Basketball helped me develop teamworkskills, confidence and persistence.PALS allowed me to develop communicationand interpersonal skills that Iwill use all my life. Academically, theTop right: Jordan Keener. Above: BleneHailu. Top left: Darshika Kirubaaharan isflanked by Wilmer and Doris Nolt, friendsfrom Mellinger Mennonite Church whoattended her presentation.variety of classes provided me a mix offun and challenging courses that willprepare me for the next step. I haveenjoyed my experience in Mennoniteschooling and am grateful to Kraybilland LMH for all the opportunities Ihave been given.Blene HailuAfter being born in Washington, D.C.,growing up in Ethiopia till I was 12,living in United Arab Emirates till theage of 17, and finally residing in Lancaster,Pa., for one year, I’ve seen significantlydifferent cultures.Moving to Lancaster MennoniteHigh School for my senior year hasbeen a great experience. Now that I’vegraduated, I look back and realize thatLMH offered me so many opportunitiesin the one short year I attended the highschool. The faculty of LMH is one ofthe best parts of the school. The teacherstruly try to make sure we find ourContinued on page 4PHOTO: GEOFF GROFFBRIDGES • SUMMER 2009 3