Westminster marks 15th commencement

Westminster Christian High School seniors returned to school as students one last time Friday.

The Elgin school celebrated its 15th commencement as 51 seniors accepted their diplomas. The ceremony punctuated a year marked by acts of generosity.

Principal Carolyn Palmer commended the class for its dedication to community service.

“They have stepped forward to lead in a lot of ways for service,” Palmer said before the ceremony. “It's going to be a tradition we're going to follow.”

The Class of 2011 took its senior trip in the fall — a first for the school — attending a retreat in Thompson's Station, Tenn., that drew them closer together, Palmer said.

Throughout the year, students participated in service projects locally and worldwide, including a trip to the Dominican Republic.

“We have learned as much from them as a staff as they have learned along the way in high school,” Palmer said.

The valedictorian was Luke Carani and the salutatorian was Sarah McIntire.