LCCS Commissions 18th Class to Contend for Faith
By Emily Chesnic, Campus Communications and Volunteer Coordinator
A Portrait of a Lake Center Graduate
Lake Center has commissioned 51 graduates of the Class of 2024 to affect the world with Truth and compassion as they lean into God’s unique plan for their lives and continue to develop as lifelong learners and servants of Christ
A Lake Center graduate pursues knowledge in academic disciplines with purpose, honesty, and integrity. They biblically engage in reflective and independent thinking when interfacing with current culture. They use spiritual gifts to solve real-world problems, show love to all people, and apply Scripture as the authority for life.
Secondary Principal Mrs. Crystal Maarschalk said this year’s graduates, with their unique blend of talents and abilities, serve Christ in their churches, community, and abroad and lead others to follow Him.
“God has big plans for each class member as they go out into the world to impact His Kingdom,” she said.
Commitment to Christ
In their final days at Lake Center, the seniors, alongside their teachers and parents, spent time in jubilation, and in prayer, worship, and God’s Word, culminating in their graduation on May 25.
“As we leave LCCS behind and go on to do new things and meet new people, let your lifestyle display your belief in Jesus and your love for Him,” Valedictorian Abigail Klein encouraged her fellow graduates.
Salutatorian Micah Wright told the class, “By displaying Christ’s love in our actions, as we give Him our absolute best, we can plant the seed of the Gospel in many lives and use our lives as the strongest missionary force in the world.”
Commencement speaker and LCCS parent, Pastor Mr. Aaron Varner, also challenged the graduates to remain unwavering in their faith as they pursue wisdom and embark on their unique journeys. Some will attend a college, university, or trade school for vocational and ministry training. Others will seek employment. All go forward with assurance, trusting God’s promises in their class verse, Psalm 32:8, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”
The Path Ahead
Seventy-three percent of this year’s graduates have already completed a college course, -demonstrating their proactive approach to academic excellence. The Class of 2024 is a testament to Lake Center’s commitment to fostering diverse interests. The graduates are pursuing continued learning in a wide range of areas, including biblical studies, nursing, criminal justice, aviation, chemical engineering, early childhood education, business management, finance, chemistry, computer science, psychology, sports medicine, media and film, biology, and agriculture. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Class of 2024 Statistics
100% Graduation Rate
73% Completed a College Course
22% Honors Diploma
25% National Honor Society members
27% Met College-ready ACT score in their junior year
23% Attended LCCS Since Kindergarten
Top Tier – Abigail Klein, Micah McConahay, Jordan Neel, Luke Underwood, Micah Wright
These students have fulfilled the Top Tier criteria – an unweighted cumulative GPA of 3.8 or higher by the end of the 7th semester, a composite score of 27 or higher on the ACT, a pattern of good character, and current membership in the National Honor Society while on track to earn an Honors Diploma.
Diploma with Honors – Harrison Coblentz, Elijah Duff, Abigail Graham, Audra Graham, Abigail Klein, Micah McConahay, Jordan Neel, Sawyer Sommers, Sarah Stock, Luke Underwood, Micah Wright
These students gain state recognition for exceeding Ohio’s graduation requirements through an Academic Honors Diploma. To be eligible, students must complete credits in specific subjects.
National Honor Society – Miranda Bailey, Jenna Eddy, Audra Graham, Ava Karmie, Jack Katigbak, Abigail Klein, Micah McConahay, Jordan Neel, Corban Osborne, Ava Pletcher, Sarah Stock, Luke Underwood, Micah Wright
Tri-M Music Honor Society – Anna Gray, Emily Santos, Kya Steineck, Shyla Walker, Kennedy Woodberry, Janel Zink
Class of 2024 Scholarship Awards
The following scholarships were presented during the commencement ceremony:
AultCare Leadership & Service Scholarship – Matthew Warder
Governor’s Merit Scholarship Award – Micah McConahay, Luke Underwood, Micah Wright
The Governor’s Merit Scholarship is awarded to seniors graduating in the top 5 percent of their class and attending a college or university in Ohio.
Hartville Hardware Service Ministries Scholarship – Abigail Klein
Hartville MarketPlace Leadership Scholarship – Micah Wright
Hartville Kitchen Academic Excellence Scholarship – Micah McConahay
Lake Center Fine Arts Booster Scholarship – Anna Gray
John Rainieri Jr. Memorial Golf Scholarship – Dylan Maninga
The John Rainieri Jr. Clubhouse Foundation awards scholarships to high school golfers. To be considered for this scholarship, the student athlete must maintain good grades, plan on attending college, and be considered a good teammate.
