Alumni News
Scholarship Recipients (09-10)
• Emily Fahndrich ‘11 • Isaac Hess ‘12 • Eddie Peterson ‘11 • Calla Stinson ‘12 • Eli Velazquez ‘12 O.D. Kropf Scholarship ($250) • R.J. Polivka ‘11
School Calendar (see more events online) November 12-13, 18-20 Winter Drama 24 No Classes December 2 14 15 16
Grandparent’s Day MS Christmas Concert 7 pm Choirs at the Capitol HS Christmas Concert 7 pm
School Board - Merlin Aeschliman (Secretary) - Cheeri Barnhart - Beth Bontrager - Ron Litwiller (Chair) - Stan Oyer - Kevin Rediger - Lee Snyder - Delvin Zook
Know of a student who would benefit from WMS? Contact Cheryl Mayo at 503-363-2000 or at cmayo@ westernmennoniteschool. org. Also go to www. westernmennoniteschool. org/admissions for more information. 3
Fall 2010
Grateful for Opportunity to Attend WMS Anonymous High School Male ‘13 “Some of my goals for this school year are to become closer to God by growing in my faith, and the place that I feel like I can do that the best is at Western. I also want to grow in my character. I do this by allowing the teachers to challenge me and by building my knowledge and understanding in the topic or subject being taught or presented in chapel. I would also like to get involved in the school more by participating in school events, and also by representing it well outside of school through my actions everywhere I go.”
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Christianity: Is it Real or Not? First WMS International Salutatorian Michael Cheong’s discoveries about a new religion
in the search for the university’s new president. Last year, Lacey tutored math and English at Chemeketa as a part of Willamette’s federal work-study program, and plans to do so again this fall. This summer, she toured Greece and Istanbul on a post-session classical rhetoric course.
everyone’s reasonable call. Also, when Christians are willing to follow God’s words in daily life instead of being a hypocritical person in religion, they will be rewarded in a way God thinks will fit for them. I think Christianity is real because it has undergone so much in history. If it is not real, it would not have so many supporters to worship God together wholeheartedly. Moreover, I think Christianity is real because even though I can’t see, I know God is always with me when I am
Lacey Polvi in Europe, where she studied in Greece and Turkey.
Class Reunions
1950-1960 - 50-60 Years
1950 - 60 Years By John Miller
In July, WMS alumni from the classes of 1950 through 1960 gathered for an evening to celebrate the 50-60 years since their graduation. Over 30 alumni responded to this invitation. The former library was set up for a banquet – hors d’oeuvres, white tablecloths, flower decorations, special lights, fine dishes and silverware – indeed a special occasion. The catered dinner was prepared and served by alumnus Julie Ropp Miller ’73 and her husband, Mark ‘71. Her daughter, Wendi Miller F/S, currently a teacher at WMS, also helped. Michael Cheong, Western’s first international student Salutatorian, speaking at his graduation last June.
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Class Reunions By Pat Hershberger ‘57
If WMS international student Michael Cheong ’10 did not come to Western, he would not have learned about Christianity. Because he did come to Western, Michael has come to know Christianity to be true. While he does not claim to be a Christian, he continues to search based on what he has learned during high school. “As I have finished my final year at Western Mennonite School, and walk into a brand new college life, I would not have a better chance to know more about Christianity because my choice of college has no religion. However, I will keep my spiritual life I have learned at Western in my mind, so that later in my life, when others who have never had a chance to get in touch with Christianity ask me about it, I will have a general answer for them. I would tell them that Christianity is about worshipping the trinity for a spiritual guidance. When Christians put their faith into the one and only Son, His father will give his help to solve
On October 4, 2010, Lacey Polvi ‘09 was inducted into the Willamette Chapter of The National Society of Collegiate Scholars. She finished her freshman year at Willamette University with a 3.88 GPA, is majoring in classical studies, and will be involved in leadership positions with Pi Beta Phi and Campus Ambassadors this fall. Also, she was a candidate for Student Representative to the Board of Trustees
2009
Faculty/Staff Scholarships ($230)
Lacey Polvi
There was no lack of conversation in learning the stories of friends’ lives to this point. Out of state alumni were two sisters, Pearly Mae (Craft) Mast ‘54 from Delaware, and Ellen (Craft) Overman ‘57 from Idaho. A big thank you to Charlene Schultz ’80 F/S, WMS Alumni Relations Coordinator, for initiating this event and treating everyone wonderfully.
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Four of five living members of WMS’s first graduating class, 1950, gathered at the home of Pauline (Lind) ‘50 and Leo King in Salem on July 21. Ruth (Miller) Baugher ’50 was unable to attend.
WMS graduating class of 1950 at their 60th class reunion.
The group spent the day reflecting on their life journeys that have included involvement in pastoral and teaching ministries, cross-cultural missions, and various kinds of leadership in the church and community. Also, they talked about their continuing opportunities as (mostly or nearly) 80-year-olds completing life’s journey. Due to aging voices, they decided not to sing their class song composed by Lois based on the Class Motto: “Meet for the Master’s Use.” The Class of 1950 keeps in contact by a circle letter.
WMS graduating classes of 1950 through 1960 at their reunion.
Attending were: Freda (Roth) Schmidt ’50 – Towner, CO (husband Carl unable to attend); Rosana Roth ’50 – Hubbard, OR; and John Miller ‘50 and wife Doris – Leola, PA. Eldon Shetler FF/S, widower of [Lois (Roth) ‘50], and wife Helen also attended. Edwin, son of early teachers [Ernest FF/S] and Ida Bontrager FF/S, joined the group in the afternoon. The Kings provided hospitality and meals for the day with the help of daughter Joan (King) Troyer ‘73.
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Fall 2010
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