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Hats off: MVL graduates 48

Staff photo by Fritz Busch Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School students toss their mortarboards after the 2017 Commencement Service Sunday afternoon.

NEW ULM — Pastor Don Moldstad urged 48 graduating seniors to hold on to their faith at the Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School Commencement Service Sunday.

“Some of you will falsely assume you’ll live to be 90,” Moldstad said. “When I was your age, the devil whispered in my ear about the Jesus-stuff being good, but to let it slide down the list. Sometimes it never comes back and lives are taken before you know it.”

Moldstad said 10 percent of his Martin Luther Academy class died before they reached age 40.

“I encourage you to appreciate and protect the wonderful thing that was passed on to you,” Moldstad said. “No matter what makes you the most worried about judgement day, feel confident in God’s love and that you have a home waiting for you in heaven. Take this precious truth and make it your own so it can actually be said you possess it.”

Moldstad told graduates to offer to God themselves and never underestimate the way God can use them, even in their youth.

“He wants you to help bring others with you to God,” Moldstad said. “Be faithful onto me and I will give you the crown of life. Amen.”

Class valedictorian Brynn Alfred of New Ulm said the class grew closer to each other each year of high school.

“Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School has provided us a tremendously valuable education with support from teachers that was beyond words,” Alfred said. “Every piece of knowledge you absorbed here will aid you in your future. While we have changed, our goals have changed, there is one thing that never change — God and his unconditional love.”

Abigail Pleiss of Mankato, co-salutatorian with Joel Koelpin of New Ulm, said students shouldn’t worry about having no plans yet.

“God will be with you,” Pleiss said. “MVL sets you up for success. We have so much to be excited for and even more to be thankful for. Don’t forget who you are. Good luck and God bless you.”

Koelpin read a prayer prior to the benediction.

The MVL Symphonic Band performed Lead on, O King Eternal, Great Coronation Hymn and Crown Him With Many Crowns. The A Cappella Choir performed Pour Down, O Holy Spirit.

Service acknowledgements went to Rev. Matthew Rauh and Randy Cox for six and two years on the MVL Board of Directors, respectively. MVL Foundation members Jerome Bentz and John Mielke were cited for 31 and 19 years of service, respectively.

Fritz Busch can be emailed at fbusch@nujournal.com.

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