Spring 2012 - Lancaster Mennonite School

Brenda BareGrace Jemison (right) poses with friends aftergiving her senior presentation.Grace JemisonI have always been slightly wary ofthe idea of senior presentations. WhileI support the effort to reflect and tothank the people who have helped youalong the way, I abhor the idea of justtalking about myself for a half hour.Still, as I prepared, I began getting excitedto share parts of my life with thepeople I care about.The atmosphere at school was mixed,full of the nerves of the presenters andthe pride of the parents. As I began mypresentation, my own nervousness subsidedas I realized my duty was not toboast of my achievements, but to honorall those who have given me so much tohelp me reach the point where I am inlife, mere weeks away from graduationand the future beyond.I found looking back at my earlyeducation at the New Danville Campusespecially meaningful. I reflected aboutthe cliques that were evident there, andhow I regret many of the ways that Ibehaved. I moved into my awkwardmiddle school years, and thought aboutmany of the teachers there who made alasting impression on me.The other part of the presentation thatwas especially meaningful was when Ilooked into my future. I recognized thenumerous unknowns that are awaitingme, from choosing a college majorto the role that the church will play inmy life. But as I looked into the eyes ofthose who were sitting before me — myparents, grandmother, boyfriend, closefriends and educators — I realized thatI am in good hands, even with the mysteriesof the future. Just as I have beenable to reach where I am only with thesupport, conversation and hugs fromthe people who were there and others,I will be able to face the future with thecontinued encouragement from theseimportant people.Amanda ForteChoosing Lancaster Mennonite forhigh school was one of the best decisionsI ever made. I’ve been active inmany activities throughout my highschool experience. Coming in as afreshmen, I wasn’t sure how I wanted toget involved. Playing guitar and singingwas all I really wanted to do, so when Itook voice class my sophomore year, Ifound my niche.Everything took off from there. I becamefriends with a lot of other peoplewho shared my same interest and mymusic took off with the help of thosearound me, including my musicteacher Mrs. Hostetler.Amanda Forte, shown withparents Joseph and Dawn,played her guitar duringher senior presentation.Brenda BareGoing into my senior year, I had thehonor of being the president of SeniorClass Committee. I learned how towork with others and made friends thatI didn’t have prior to my senior year. Ialso discovered that becoming a leaderbegins by being a follower.I also participated in Campus Choraleand took a music theory class. I’ll admitmy music ability was pushed and atsome points stretched to the point oftearing. But it strengthened me andI loved it. Mrs. Hostetler has becomemy music mom. She is someone whois there to help and is willing to workwith you whenever you’re willing tolearn. She helped me see that I can doit, even when it’s tough, and I found herpatience to be extraordinary.As I look back and say good bye toLancaster Mennonite, I’m confidentin saying that the Lord has been withme through it all and continues toguide me into my future plans. Aftervolunteering last summer at Aaron’sAcres, working with children who havedisabilities, I truly believe God has aplan for me working in this field.(continued on page 6)