Graduation 2024

Graduation was held at Lustre High School on Sunday, May 19, at 3 p.m. The processional was played by Mrs. Meridith Reddig and Pastor Justin Byers opened in prayer. The class verse was Psalms 145:13 "For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule throughout all generations." Honor Attendants were Mason Hilkemann and Abby Olfert. The five grads who wore white stoles and blue cords were in National Honor Society. They wore gold cords if their grade point average was 3.5 and above. Cayden Klatt was privileged to wear a silver cord recognizing his first place in Academic Olympics. The Salutatorian address was given by Miss Cassidy Grider, of Cataula, Calif. She spoke of the impact her two and a half years at LCHS had been, especially learning about community, where "they constantly love and support each other." She encouraged her classmates, "never forget what a community looks like. If someone needs help, help them. Let them see Jesus through you."

The Valedictorian address was given by Grace Brown, daughter of (the late) Darin and Sarah Brown, of Lustre. She also thanked the community for their support "whether we were home grown or not," noting "a special thank you to all the Pastors we have in Lustre." She reviewed the firsts her class had faced and addressed what they would face when they went to college. She encouraged her classmates to: 1) "make new friends who will help you grow," 2) "find a good church to go to continue being grounded in the Word," 3) attend a college Bible Study that will support you through your college years and 4) set aside time daily for God, reading the Word, praying, walking with God." She said, "Jesus is a Friend who sticks closer than a brother. As Mr. Marasco taught us, the world is full of lies. You must know the Word. You must not walk alone, and be willing to ask your parents for help."

Chosen by the senior class, the commencement address was given by Mr. Bernie Swartzendruber, the dorm Dad. He commended the seniors on their chapel addresses and encouraged them "to run the next chapter of your life with all your heart." Having been asked to speak on Life's Challenges, Bernie gave them a charge. "Pay very close attention to the Providential details God has woven into our life." "Press forward BEFORE and FOLLOWING life's experiences. You may be knocked down, but not knocked out. Get back up and press forward. You will complete your journey with joy, using DHP: Discipline, a Hard Work Ethic, and Perseverance. As you follow God-inspired aspirations, may He Himself become the pursuit of your lives." He asked the students, "What brings you satisfaction?" Giving the story of Esther as an example, he recommended they "Ask the Holy Spirit to choose for you at the crossroads of decision." He told them they would "need the strong fortress of truth to be able to serve the Lord." "Always put God first, others next and yourself last." "The garden of your heart is your responsibility to tend. Ask The Good Shepherd to take out the weeds, to guard and protect you." He quoted Luke 22:31, warning of the "sifting of one's faith, and the purest gold is refined in the hottest fire." "Life's challenges will make you face fires. Allow God to work His purposes in the process." "May all who come behind you be able to trace a FAITHFUL life when they see yours." He chose Pastor Wayne Hathaway as a faithful role model, facing trials. "May the guidelines and rules that dictated your life be replaced by a relationship with God and servant-hood." "Seek your life's purpose. Buy truth! It's expensive, like the Pearl of great price. The day you stop pursuing The Lord, is one day too soon." He told those who do not yet know their life's purpose, to "Listen, watch. Seek the Lord. Commit to doing a service that will benefit your fellow man." Using Eric Liddell of 1924 Olympic fame as an example and quoting I Cor. 9:24, Bernie encouraged them to "Run to win, embrace the cross, finish the course. Fight the good fight, endure hardness. There is a war going on for the souls of men. Know your enemy, and his tactics. Take the baton the Lord hands you. Don't let life derail you. You have a gift, and you were called to run. Only you can run your race. Always keep your eyes on Jesus. God bless, and God speed."

Mr. Kevin Ross presented the bios of our 13 grads and announced their scholarships/plans. Valedictorian (4.00 grade point average) Grace Brown will be attending MSU Billings for a radiology degree.

Salutatorian Cassidy Grider will be attending the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Okla., majoring in journalism.

Ife Anobi, of Nigeria, will be attending the University of Prince Edward Island in Charlowtown, PEI, to get a BA in Administration.

Eyosias Ayalew, of Ethiopia, will be attending the University of Minnesota at Crookston, for a degree in accounting.

Sarah Dahl, daughter of (the late) Dale and Connie Dahl, of Wolf Point, will be attending MSU Miles City College for a degree in nursing.

Aubri Holzrichter, daughter of Jared and Brooke Holzrichter, will be attending Tabor College in Kansas for a degree in accounting.

Terran Joseph, of the Bahamas, will attend the University of Montana for a degree in technology.

Cayden Klatt, son of Justin and Kimberly Klatt, of Lustre, will be attending Dickinson College in North Dakota for accounting.

Layla Quiroz, of Temecula, Calif., will be attending Montana State University in Bozeman to study law.

Alexa Reddig, daughter of Bill and Trisha Reddig, of Lustre, will be attending North Central University in Minneapolis, Minn., majoring in English and playing college basketball.

Mitchella Rosidor, of Haita, will attend MSU Billings, taking nursing to become a midwife.

Gabriel Sapp, of Orlando, Fla., will attend the University of West Florida majoring in marine biology.

Courtney Teichroew, son of Nolan and Michelle Teichroew, of Lustre, will be joining the workforce and becoming a farmer in Saco.

Diplomas were awarded by chairman of the LCHS board Curt Neufeld assisted by senior class advisor Trisha Reddig. The graduates presented roses to their mothers, as well as those women who influenced their lives during their high school days. Pastor Frank Lenihan closed the ceremony with a prayer of blessing over the students.