While most of his classmates will be attending colleges, near and afar, Willem Vermeulen is taking a different career path.
He's chosen to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Vermeulen mentioned that prior to Friday's 73rd Commencement of Ripon Christian High School.
"I've always wanted to serve my country," he said.
LIke many of his classmates — most he knew since kindergarten at RC schools — Vermeulen, who played football and volleyball for the Knights, was swirling with a range of emotion on this special day.
He credited RC for helping further instill his faith while moving forward. "I'm excited to leave," said Vermeulen, who wants to be part of the infantry.
RC graduated 48 seniors on this day. Of that, Brittany Bloemhof, Levi De Vries, Nicolle Driesen, Willem Hoekstra, Joshua Tatton, Jadon Vander Molen and Paige Vos will be attending Dordt College in Iowa in the fall.
Dominic Darretta, who is Modesto Junior College-bound, also has plans of going to Dordt.
Valedictorian Marika Bos, who will be going to nearby University of the Pacific in Stockton, delivered the message from the Class of 2018 during the graduation ceremony.
Colorado Christian University-bound Heidi Tazelaar and Bloemhof made the presentation of the class gift.
Superintendent and Principal Eric Segaar introduced the graduating class, with RC board members Ian Koetsier, Arland Vander Woude, Chris Van Groningen, and Rick Van Vliet having the honors of awarding the diplomas and bibles.
Salutatorian Alysia Templeman, who will be going to William Jessup University in Rocklin, delivered the closing prayer.
Sydney McMurray, in addition, provided the audience song. She'll soon be attending Sonoma State.
Finally, Kelly Engel, who will be going to Azusa Pacific University, concluded the commencement exercises by playing the class song.
He's chosen to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Vermeulen mentioned that prior to Friday's 73rd Commencement of Ripon Christian High School.
"I've always wanted to serve my country," he said.
LIke many of his classmates — most he knew since kindergarten at RC schools — Vermeulen, who played football and volleyball for the Knights, was swirling with a range of emotion on this special day.
He credited RC for helping further instill his faith while moving forward. "I'm excited to leave," said Vermeulen, who wants to be part of the infantry.
RC graduated 48 seniors on this day. Of that, Brittany Bloemhof, Levi De Vries, Nicolle Driesen, Willem Hoekstra, Joshua Tatton, Jadon Vander Molen and Paige Vos will be attending Dordt College in Iowa in the fall.
Dominic Darretta, who is Modesto Junior College-bound, also has plans of going to Dordt.
Valedictorian Marika Bos, who will be going to nearby University of the Pacific in Stockton, delivered the message from the Class of 2018 during the graduation ceremony.
Colorado Christian University-bound Heidi Tazelaar and Bloemhof made the presentation of the class gift.
Superintendent and Principal Eric Segaar introduced the graduating class, with RC board members Ian Koetsier, Arland Vander Woude, Chris Van Groningen, and Rick Van Vliet having the honors of awarding the diplomas and bibles.
Salutatorian Alysia Templeman, who will be going to William Jessup University in Rocklin, delivered the closing prayer.
Sydney McMurray, in addition, provided the audience song. She'll soon be attending Sonoma State.
Finally, Kelly Engel, who will be going to Azusa Pacific University, concluded the commencement exercises by playing the class song.
