Commencement Kudos to 2008 Graduates
In an annual newsletter tradition we recognize members of the Center for Rural Affairs family experiencing the thrill of graduation this spring.
Michael Bailey, son of Jon and Ginger Bailey, will graduate from Bancroft-Rosalie High School on May 9, 2008. Michael will graduate with honors and was a Nebraska state speech contest medalist, yearbook and website editor, and a member of the award-winning Bancroft-Rosalie drama department. Michael will attend Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa, studying Creative Writing and History.
Steele Valenzuela, son of Alberto and Carla Valenzuela of Decatur, Nebraska, will graduate from Lyons-Decatur Northeast High School on May 10, 2008. Steele was the Center’s intern during the summer of 2007. Steele will also graduate with honors and was a Nebraska state speech champion, played football, participated in FFA and FBLA, and is a recipient of the Gates Millennium Scholarship. Steele will attend Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, studying pre-med with a goal of becoming a pediatrician.
Darby Chamness, son of Barbara Chamness, graduated from West Point-Beemer High School in December 2007. Darby is a talented guitarist who both plays and writes music. Darby will attend the Music Institute of Hollywood in the fall of 2008 and will pursue a musical career.
REAP Business Specialist Dena Beck of Minden is receiving her Masters in Organizational Management with minors in Entrepreneurship and Economic Development from Peru State College on May 3, 2008. Dena will graduate with honors and says this is the end of the line for her schooling (but not learning). Dena’s husband David and their two daughters are very proud of her.
Michael Bailey, son of Jon and Ginger Bailey, will graduate from Bancroft-Rosalie High School on May 9, 2008. Michael will graduate with honors and was a Nebraska state speech contest medalist, yearbook and website editor, and a member of the award-winning Bancroft-Rosalie drama department. Michael will attend Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa, studying Creative Writing and History.
Steele Valenzuela, son of Alberto and Carla Valenzuela of Decatur, Nebraska, will graduate from Lyons-Decatur Northeast High School on May 10, 2008. Steele was the Center’s intern during the summer of 2007. Steele will also graduate with honors and was a Nebraska state speech champion, played football, participated in FFA and FBLA, and is a recipient of the Gates Millennium Scholarship. Steele will attend Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, studying pre-med with a goal of becoming a pediatrician.
Darby Chamness, son of Barbara Chamness, graduated from West Point-Beemer High School in December 2007. Darby is a talented guitarist who both plays and writes music. Darby will attend the Music Institute of Hollywood in the fall of 2008 and will pursue a musical career.
REAP Business Specialist Dena Beck of Minden is receiving her Masters in Organizational Management with minors in Entrepreneurship and Economic Development from Peru State College on May 3, 2008. Dena will graduate with honors and says this is the end of the line for her schooling (but not learning). Dena’s husband David and their two daughters are very proud of her.
