Rejoice Lutheran Church in Clearwater recognized its graduating seniors during both services May 22. 

 

During each service, Danielle Lundquist, minister of youth and family, invited the seniors and their parents up to the sanctuary, where the seniors each chose a blanket that had been made for them by members of the congregation. The blankets are given to the seniors to represent being surrounded by the love and support of the Rejoice community.

 

Between services, a reception was held for the congregation to speak with the graduates and wish them well as they begin the next phase of their lives.

 

Clearwater resident Lucas Maehren graduated from Annandale High School May 20. His parents are Ken and Kris Maehren. During high school he participated in football, golf, cross-country, snowboarding and Cardinal Buddies. He plans on attending St. Thomas to major in biochemistry.

 

Maehren stated he would miss his teachers and playing basketball with his friends after graduation, along with having a one-hour lunchtime. 

 

“Remember where you came from and who you are,” he advised future seniors. “Don’t give up on your aspirations you had as a kid.”

 

Colleen Chwalek is from Monticello and will be graduating June 3 from Monticello High School. Her parents are Richard and Susan Chwalek. Throughout high school she was involved in tennis, orchestra, musicals and one act play. She plans on attending the University of Minnesota Morris for social studies and education. 

 

Chwalek said she would miss events like homecoming, dress up days and the teacher talent shows. 

 

“Get involved,” she advised students. “High school is a lot more fun if you get involved in something else besides homework.”

 

Patrick McRae is from Clearwater and graduated from Annandale High School May 20. His parents are Doug and Mary McRae. He participated in choir during high school, and is attending the University of Wisconsin Stout this fall for computer programing and game development. 

 

He said he would miss his high school classes and his friends after graduation.

 

When asked what advice he had for students, McRae joked, “Cherish your memories. One day they might be missing.”

 

Grant Fisher, from Becker, is graduating May 27 from Becker High School. His parents are Joe and Lisa Fisher. During high school he participated in soccer, golf and robotics. He plans on attending North Dakota State University to major in computer engineering.

 

Fisher’s favorite high school memories include playing piano and drums in the middle school talent show and buying his first car, a 1998 Volkswagen Beetle with a lot of customization.

 

“Don’t skip school,” Fisher advised with a grin. “Your parents will get mad at you and you’ll have to go visit the principal.”

 

Clearwater resident Eric Nickolauson graduated from Annandale High School on May 20. His parents are Brain and Tracy Nickolauson. During high school he was involved in Cardinal Buddies, football, baseball, snowboarding and the FCA (Fellowship of Christian Anyone). He is investigating future opportunities, as the program he was originally interested in was cancelled.

 

One of Nickolauson’s favorite high school memories is the mission trip he participated in, and he said he would miss having all his friends in one place, the teachers he grew close to, and having a one hour lunch break.

 

“Enjoy every moment of your senior year, even the bad,” he advised younger students. “It goes fast, and is something to look back on and learn from.”

 

Jacob Luberda is from Becker, and is graduating May 27 from Becker High School. His parents are Nick and Hope Luberda. In high school he participated in baseball, basketball, choir and senior leader. His future plans include attending the University of Wisconsin River Falls for business administration.

 

Luberda said one of the things he would miss most when he leaves for college

is choir, last year he went to New York City.

 

For advice to future seniors he stated, “Enjoy the moment, it passes by really quick.”

 

Becker resident Bailey Pawlicki is graduating from Becker High School May 27. His parents are Randy and Jodi Pawlicki. He was involved in basketball and baseball during high school, and plans on attending North Dakota State University for mechanical engineering.

 

Pawlicki said he would miss hanging out with his friends, and advised future seniors, “Don’t take your teachers for granted. They do a really good job and set you up for success.”