Golden Crusaders – Class of 1972
On Saturday, June 4th, 2022, the Northwest Christian community celebrated graduation day at Turning Point Open Bible Church. Surrounded by family and friends, thirty-six young men and women said a final farewell to Northwest Christian Schools. After listening to inspirational valedictorian speeches about truth, hope and trust in the Lord, the graduates participated in a uniquely NWCS tradition called the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Standing side-by-side holding a length of yellow satin ribbon, each graduate thanked the special people in their lives: parents, staff, grandparents, siblings, teachers, friends, coaches and even Cara Covey, the lunch lady. Then the ribbon they were holding was cut, symbolizing that that they were no longer joined together. Yet they all held in their hands a length of yellow ribbon signifying that they will forever make up the Northwest Christian High School graduating Class of 2022.
Four honored guests sat in the audience that day, who, 50 years ago in the spring of 1972 turned their tassels, cut their ribbon, and stepped boldly into their futures. Judy (Krauss) Bell, Deborah (Ziegler) Reese, Susan (Bren) Brunemeier and Patty (Anderson) Parks sat together as Golden Crusaders, our honored 50-year alumni. In recognition of the legacy of Northwest Christian Schools, Head of Schools Roger Gerstenberger and the entire community in attendance warmly celebrated them with a kind round of applause. However, the true celebration was the sentimental and friendly chatter they engaged in before and after the ceremony. It is always difficult to be the spouse in these situations, but even the lone husband in attendance seemed to find a quiet joy in watching his wife reunite with her classmates.
The sweet reunion of these four women is evidence of the invisible bound that forever binds classmates. The Class of 1972 is planning a reunion in September 2022 and hopes that many more classmates will attend. Whether you are celebrating the tenth or fiftieth anniversary of your graduation day, we are here to support you in creating a reunion that fits the personality of your class. Volunteers to help plan class reunions are needed for the Class of 1982 and the Class of 1992!! If you want to plan a fun reunion for your class or simply want more information about upcoming reunions, please contact Jamey Clark at 509-238-4005 x158; jclark@nwcs.org
