62 graduate from WMC on Friday night

Mon, Jun 9, 2008    to del.icio.us

MUSKEGON — The class of 2008 at Western Michigan Christian High School received their diplomas Friday night in what will likely be the final graduation ceremony at the school's former home on Kingsley Street in Muskegon.

A full gym watched valedictorian Matt Vermaire and salutatorian Ashley Drew each give speeches to their class on following God as they grow into the people they will become. The speakers also reminded their classmates to treasure the memories they made over the past four years.

The 62 graduates' future plans are spread out across the country. Keynote speaker Pastor Robert Johnson encouraged the class to find God's will for their lives and to "bloom" wherever they are planted.

Also during commencement, Doug Tjapkes and Nan Joslyn received the 2008 Western Michigan Christian Distinguished Alumni Awards.

Tjapkes, who graduated from WMC in 1954, was selected for his achievements as a broadcast journalist, radio station owner and leadership in music ministry. He also founded Innocent, now called Humanity For Prisoners, a nonprofit organization devoted to raising public awareness for the wrongly convicted.

Joslyn was selected for her volunteer work on behalf of the high school. School officials said she has been known to tackle any job, no matter the size.