Commencement 2021

“The complexity of the world is increasing, so it is important to know what you believe and have rules to live out those beliefs.” Dr. Daniel Nafziger gave a message of faith and work in his address to the class of 2021 at Bethany Christian High School’s 67th commencement on May 30.

Dr. Nafziger, Chief Medical Officer at Goshen Health and a specialist in infectious diseases, described ten rules that guided him in his work over the past year. He told the graduates, “It helps to know your values in uncertain times and an uncertain future. Knowing your values as you choose your life’s work can make your work a joy and not a chore.”

“Hopefully because of the last year when so many social relationships have been disrupted, you have a clearer understanding of the importance of those relationships,” said Dr. Nafziger

A limited number of family and friends gathered for the in-person commencement in the high school gym, while sitting socially distanced and masked due to local COVID-19 practices. Fortunately, extended family and friends were able to join via live-stream.

Senior class speakers Naomi Lapp Klassen and Kameron Branum reflected on their past four years in high school and recognized their class was not perfect but was “jam packed with creativity, determination, and joy.” The speakers thanked each classmate for their rich, diverse and authentic contribution to their community. Naomi ended by saying, “We’re not perfect, but we’re trying. And whatever the future holds — we

will never forget the foundation and community Bethany has provided us.

Here’s to imperfection! …

Let’s go change the world.”

Class officers presented the class gift to Board Chair Rex Hochstedler: money to be used towards landscaping the new athletic complex that is now underway. To end the ceremony class sponsors Elizabeth FranksNorth and Aaron Johnson handed each graduate a ceramic mug made by retiring art teacher Eric Kaufmann.

Of the 35 graduates, 21 plan to attend Christian colleges (16 Mennonite), 11 plan to attend public/private colleges/universities. One is planning a 9 month mission trip with World Race and two are undecided or planning to work.