Imagine Prep Surprise sees 70 seniors graduate

The 14th class of seniors graduated from Imagine Prep Surprise on May 22.

Seventy students walked across the stage at Ottawa University’s Faith Arena to receive their diplomas.

Recognized by the master of ceremonies for the evening, Assistant Principal Daniel Hattley, the top of the class of 2024 was announced.

Emily Baker was named the class salutatorian and Kassandra Vanek was named class valedictorian.

Vanek graduated with a 4.27 GPA, six college credits and the completion of the medical assisting program through West-MEC. Vanek will attend Northern Arizona University in the fall to pursue a degree in nursing with the ultimate goal of becoming a pediatrician.

In addition, students were recognized for their achievements on the Cambridge International Exams.

Baker, Vanek and Gabriel Grosse were awarded the honor of Cambridge Scholar with Merit, a distinction for students a B grade or higher on Cambridge exams.

Ashton Oldewurtel, Bruce Merrill and Natalie Sanchez were recognized as Cambridge Scholars for earning a C or higher on their Cambridge exams.

The Grand Canyon Diploma is a unique performance-based diploma to specially recognize students who have proven that they have the skills to be successful in post-secondary education. Both Grosse and Vanek accomplished the requirements necessary to earn the Grand Canyon Diploma.

Two students were honored with the reception of a scholarship during the ceremony. In honor and recognition of Imagine Schools’ first Chief Academic Officer, the Nancy Hall Academic Excellence and Integrity Scholarship recognizes an outstanding senior who has demonstrated integrity and academic performance during their high school years.

To receive this scholarship, a student must achieve a cumulative weighted GPA of 3.5 or higher and show great integrity and character. This year’s recipient was Paul Hartnell.

The Thomas Hulstrom Memorial Scholarship is given to a graduating senior who is actively engaged in student clubs and organizations and who is involved in not just our school community, but the community as well. To be eligible for this scholarship, a student must have attended Imagine Prep for all four years of high school, earned a 3.5 or higher GPA, and be an active participant in the school

community. This year’s recipient was Bella Ernsberger.

During the ceremony, students were recognized and celebrated for not only their academic achievements, but their extracurriculars and volunteerism as well. From participating on school championship sports teams, to volunteering with National Honors Society, Key Club, and Student Council, to completing courses within the career and technical education programs offered through West-MEC and Glendale Community College, the students of Imagine Prep accomplished a lot.

Delivering the keynote address to the class of 2024 was Principal Chris McComb, who is closing out his final year as Principal at Imagine Prep. McComb offered words of wisdom and encouragement about the challenge that lays ahead, and he left the class with a list of five principles to follow.

“McComb’s Five M’s” are mindset, motivation, movement, mistakes and mentorship.

An excerpt of McComb’s speech said “to the class of 2024, I challenge you to embrace a mindset of personal growth and empowerment, to chase down your purpose in pursuit of a motivating cause that will, in turn, bring you the courage to move and act on your dreams. Do it with the help of others. The world needs your leadership now more than ever, and I for one will look to our future certain that you are up to the challenge.”

Imagine Prep Surprise is a sixth through 12th grade public charter school, aiming to prepare all students for college, career and life.