Sunsets and Celebrations

In a unique observance, students in the class of 2025 will gather on the EMU hill this spring and watch the sunset over their final year at EMS, bringing their year in full circle after beginning the year with a sunrise before their first day of classes in August. 

The senior class has a number of traditions and celebrations leading up to Graduation Day that foster bonding, provide time to reminisce, and honor the contributions of the class.  Seniors always look forward to one final relaxed day together and leave school for a Senior Day Out, hosted this year by Oliver Early’s parents.  Senior class sponsor Shannon Roth remarks how this group enjoys time hanging out and remembers getting together for Mardi Gras and watching the State of the Union Address at her house.

“Almost all of the class attended and enjoyed soccer, marshmallow roast, and hang out time at the government teacher’s house before watching the SOTU!”

Shannon Roth, along with co-sponsor Jodi Hertzler, coordinate two final chapels in recognition of the graduating class. In the senior chapel, each student will walk across the stage and share their plans for the following year, reflect on a favorite memory at EMS, and give one piece of advice to younger students.  It’s always an anticipated event to hear from the class members and feel their excitement for the future! For the final chapel of the year, Spanish teacher Valeria Eshleman-Robles will offer a message and blessing to the senior class as they prepare to go on their separate paths.  

Students are preparing their final presentations, reflecting on their significant life events and time at EMS as part of their Kingdom Living classes with Ben Bixler and Karen Suderman.  The presentations will take place during the month of May in the Dining Hall. The schedule for the presentations can be found on the webpage calendar.

The music departments are gearing for a Commencement concert with final opportunities for seniors and other classes to share through music. The concert will be held on May 28 at 7pm in the EMHS auditorium.

Commencement will be held on Saturday, May 31 at 3:00pm at Eastern Mennonite University’s Lehman Auditorium to celebrate the achievements and graduation of the class of 2025!  Amy Mumbauer, Chair of the EMS Board of Directors, will give the commencement address.  The class song will be “Jesus Stand Among Us,” selected after the students sang it together on their senior class trip in DC.  

As a final gift to the school in alignment with their involvement in athletics, the class of 2025 is giving generously to the new irrigation system on the athletic fields to support future athletes!

We celebrate our seniors and their final moments as students of EMS!