 Greg Rufus, Lillie Segelke, Tia Butler, Brandy Nelson, Taylor
Schulte and Ethan Tabor are the most recent graduates from a list of
17 students. The new graduates completed the required classes in the
last 18 months and obtained a diploma from Lincoln Alternative High
School.
The graduates' friends and family who gathered in the school's
auditorium for the 5 o'clock program were joined by members of the
LCHS administration, staff and two school board members. The program
opened with a Christian rap performance by Greg Rufus and Darves
Stancle.
Ms. Janet Lovdahl, alternative education coordinator, offered the
graduates some advice that was based on general comments made about
teenagers, and more specifically about some students who choose the
alternative classroom environment.
"They say you have a smart mouth," Ms. Lovdahl said, "so use it
to say what you want to communicate." She encouraged the graduates
to learn to express themselves in order to make connections with
other people, to make smart decisions and move forward in their
lives.
She continued the list with the notion that some students "pick
fights." Instead of fighting, Ms. Lovdahl encouraged them to choose
a cause to fight for and make a difference.
And finally, with regard to their attitude, she suggested they
use it to their advantage, to develop it in a positive way so they
will learn and become productive individuals.
Ms. Lovdahl then presented the graduates with their diplomas.
LCHS Principal Todd Poelker acknowledged the students' efforts
and congratulated them for completing the program. He thanked the
families and parents for supporting the students in their drive to
succeed and for believing in the alternative program by working with
the school to keep the students in class.
A reception followed the program.
[to top of second column] |
After graduation:
-
Greg Rufus and his
musical group, Identity, are touring around the country. His
partners are Darves Stancle, Victoria Rufus and Caleb Sutton.
-
Brandy Nelson
wants to join the Air Force, and her alternative plan is to
attend cosmetology school.
-
Tia Butler
struggled to finish high school and left twice before entering
the alternative program. She has played basketball and has been
in touch with the women's basketball coach at Lincoln College
about joining the school's team. She plans to begin classes as
soon as possible.
-
Lillie Seggelke is attending Heartland
Community College and plans to eventually go to law school at
Mercer or John Marshall.
Tayler Schulte and Ethan Tabor were unable to attend the
alternative program's graduation due to their work schedules.
[By MARLA BLAIR]
 |
