Milestone passed for Westminster grads

Celebrating their achievements and recognizing those who helped them along the way, 34 students graduated from Westminster Christian Academy in Elgin Saturday.

Westminster Presbyterian Pastor David Williams served as the 2 p.m. event's primary speaker.

Valedictorian Crystal Sherbondy of Elgin and salutatorian Zachary Holmer of Hampshire also spoke, thanking their teachers and giving a charge to their peers about the future that awaits.

As part of the ceremony, students gave roses and boutonnieres to their parents.

"It's a way of saying thanks mom and dad, for your investment, for helping me along the way," Principal Carolyn Palmer said.

All of the graduates, Palmer said, are college bound.

Indiana Wesleyan University, Taylor University, Northern Illinois University and the University of Illinois are among the schools chosen by graduates.

"It really is just a good group of kids," she said. "Their personalities are really diverse, they come together to enjoy each other a lot."