Sixty-one seniors at Ripon Christian High received their diplomas along with the traditional Bibles.

Many of these graduates will pursue higher education.

Forty members from the Class of 2024 will be attending various colleges and universities – 22 different schools from 13 different states.

Valedictorian Jacob Camper and salutatorian Madelyn (Maddie) Yonker are among the elite group.

Camper will soon be moving to the East Coast to attend Princeton University. He was told that he’s the first RC product to be accepted into an Ivy League school – he’s planning to major in History while leaning towards pre-law.

Jacob Camper, who earned top academic honors with his 4.2 GPA, is the son of Tom and Marina Camper, and is an RC lifer, having been part of the local faith-based school since kindergarten.

“I’ll miss the teachers here – they became great friends,” he said.

Camper played volleyball and ran cross country for the Knights. He was also in charge of the school newspaper and was a member of the History Club.

Maddie Yonker is the daughter of Matt and Stacey Yonker. She, too, had a 4.2 GPA and will be attending the University of Kentucky in the fall.

“My father is from Kentucky and my sister (Sydney) was a freshman (at the University of Kentucky) this year,” Maddie Yonker said.

She’s looking to study Biology, with plans of going into pre-med.

At RC, Yonker played basketball and volleyball all four years for the Knights. She found track and field to her liking, exceling in the triple jump. “This was the first year (of track) at RC,” Yonker said.

As for graduation, Pastor Randy Beumer opened up Friday’s 79th commencement exercises by delivering the invocation and devotions.

Classmate Porter Cheney had the honor of presenting the class gift and introduce the speaker.

Camper provided the message form the Class of 2024 while Yonker gave the farewell speech and said the closing prayer.

Upper School Principal Joe Venema presented the new graduates to the families, friends, and special guests in attendance.