FEATURE
A sunny and pleasant Sunday greeted the graduates and guests of Hillcrest’s 5th graduation ceremony in the Student Activities Center on the Hillcrest campus. Family and friends filled the auditorium to honor the 35 seniors graduating as the Class of 2009. In addition, the HLA Golden Alumni of the Class of 1959 received their recognition pins. Twentynine Danielsen students received HLA Certificates of Completion for their one-year educational experience. The commencement address was given by Mr. Lars Danielsen, Rector of the Danielsen School of Bergen, Norway, in celebration of the 20 year school relationship between the Danielsen School and Hillcrest Lutheran Academy. Weekend festivities included various class reunion gatherings which brought alumni from all over the nation. Guests enjoyed a Friday evening Concert featuring the HLA Band, Jazz Ensemble, Choir, and Vocalise Ensemble. The Hillcrest Alumni Brunch
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was held Saturday morning, and a Senior Honors Program and Banquet later that afternoon. At the Senior Class Night on Saturday evening, Hans Brue gave the Valedictory address, and John Choi gave the Salutatory address. Special appeals were made throughout the weekend to invest in the future of Hillcrest Lutheran Academy through the Giving Clubs, with positive responses received. Many thanks also to the parents and grandparents who participated in a special gift honoring the 2009 graduates! God’s rich blessings to the Class of 2009! First Row – Kori Mathison-Minneapolis, MN, Soo Jin Chang-Kyeongki-do, S. Korea, Kaitlyn Kraakmo-Edmonds, WA, Maria Ferkingstad-Woodway, WA, Bonae Twedt-Fergus Falls, MN, Kirsten Miller-Mount Bethel, PA, Mary Christenson-Mount Bethel, PA, Bethany Olson-Shoreline, WA, Nicole OlsoeSeattle, WA, Tristyn Roe-Succasunna, NJ, Allison Murphy-Fergus Falls, MN. Second Row – Hwan Hee Jeong-Chungcheongnam, S. Korea, Greta Tungseth-Fergus Falls, MN, Abby Corbett-Eagan, MN, Caitlyn BowersDresser, WI, Ye Lynn Shin-Kyeong Ki-do, S. Korea, Brita Endrud-Buxton, ND, Hilary Ouse-Rothsay, MN, Jessica Schmidt-Fergus Falls, MN, Mary HoffbeckBarnesville, MN. Third Row – Michael Christenson-Fergus Falls, MN, James StedjanHuntington, NY, Tyler Lacey -Wendell, MN, Hans Brue -Bloomington, MN, Nehemiah Choi -Shaanxi, China, Steven Fawcett -Mount Bethel, PA, Yi Chu -Hudien City, Taiwan. Fourth Row – Andrew Crowser -Fergus Falls, MN, Cody Gonzalez Bangor, PA, Kurtis Vestol -Dunellen, NJ, Joshua Johnson -Fergus Falls, MN, Dae Hyun Lee -Qingdao, China, Tae Hyun Kim -Gwacheon City, S. Korea, Nolan Erickson -Fergus Falls, MN. Not pictured – Kayla Castro -Airmont, NY