The Herald-Palladium from Benton Harbor, Michigan • 3

HI Twin City Highlights Twin City Highlights combining l)e JJeaS'dloJinm and the herald-press BENTON HARBOR ST. JOSEPH, MICHIGAN FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 1977 Time For Deeds, BH Grads Told By JOSEPH HERMAN Staff Writer Dr. Benjamin F. Reaves of Andrews university told 389 graduating seniors that they must now move from "dreams to deeds" in his commencement address at Benton Harbor high school graduation cerelnonies last night. "Dreams are an integral part of life," Reaves said.

"They give one the ability to look from what is, to what might be. But they are futile by themselves, and dangerous when they are substituted for reality." 1 1 LAST MARCI AS TIGERS: Senior class of 1977 marches onto Filstrup field as graduation ceremonies began for J89 Thursday. Robert Warren Family Now Sole LECO Owner you are going to cope with this world, it meads getting Up to bat even though you may strike out. When you have been defeated, you have to get up and fight again." Dr. Reaves speech received a standing ovation from the students, faculty, and relatives attending -last night's ceremonies at Filstrup field.

Cheryl Opalski was the salutatory speaker prior to Dr. Reaves address. She emphasized that students should strive' to be individuals in "mind and r- "Civilization is based on the ideas of people who thought for themselves," Opalski told her classmates. "Each as an individual, is more important than any masses of people." The valedictory speech was given by Stephen Snyder who commented on the importance of having a goal for one's life. Life's Snyder, said, is found through an expressive life of action and involvement rather than through any single revelation.

"However important success is, it must be realized that success is not a goal one reaches, but always a higher ideal toward which he strives," Snyder said. Michael Ware, president of the class of 1977, was the master of ceremonies at the 102nd graduation program. The graduating class was presented by Wallace L. Dunn principal of BHHS diplomas were presented by Edward E. Bentley, president of the board of education, and Mrs.

Ilene Fox, secretary of the board of education. Invocation and benediction were given by Rev. Dorothy Cross. Traditional graduation music was provided by the BHHS concert band, directed by Charles Bullard. son, and Canton, Ohio.

Robert Warren, president of LECO, state that the sale of the Krasl trust share of the company is not expected to significantly change eiUier the corporate activities or corporate management. The company will remain progressive and growth-oriented, he Warren will remain as president and chief executive officer, with his wife, Elizabeth, as vice-president and treasurer. Mrs. Krasl indicated she expects to devote additional time to the St. Joseph Art association, where she has maintained 'an active interest for many years.

Mrs. last November said it was anticipated that funds from the trust would be used for construction of a new art center in St. Joseph. i LECO corporation of St. Joseph, a leading area industry and major employer, is now owned by the Robert J.

Warren family following acquisition on June 8 of the outstanding stock from the George J. Krasl Trust. Ownership of the company had been shared by the Warren family and the George J. Krasl Trust since the death of George Krasl on Aug. 5, 1976.

Although LECO has always been a closely-owned corporation, this is the first time it has been totally owned by a single family. One of the original founders was the late Carl E. Schultz, father of Elizabeth S. Warren and brother of Olga S. KrasL The George Krasl Trust was represented in the purchase agreement by its trustees, Olga S.

Krasl, wife the late George Krasl, and by Brian V. Howe, aaaaiaBaJ AMI i i aw BBMM from left to right are: Dean Sanders, deputy superintendent for instruction; Rev. Dorothy Cross; Mrs. Ilene Fox, board of education secretary; and Edward E. Bentley, board president.

(Staff photos) MASTER OF CEREMONIES: Michael Ware, senior class president, presided over last night's commencement ceremonies for Benton Harbor high school class of 1977 at Filstrup field. Standing behind him executive of the Old Kent bank in Grand Rapids. Beneficiaries of the JTrust were Mrs. Krasl and the St. Joseph Art assoca-tion.

Terms and conditions of the sale were not announced. Mrs. Krasl had been actively involved with LECO corporation since its founding in Benton Harbor. She has seen the company grow -from a basement-garage beginning to a multi-million dollar international corporation with sales to virtually all parts of the world. Its headquarters and main plant is at 3000 Lake View avenue, St.

Joseph. International subsidiaries of LECO now exist in Canda, Brazil, South Africa, England, France, West Germany and Sweden. American offices and manufacturing plants are located in Pittsburgh, Las Vegas, S.C.: State College, Bron- 105th commencement. The other student speakers were Kathleen Kitron and Maribeth Naines. Commencement exercises for the 360 members of the 1977 senior class were held at Dickinson stadium before stands filled with parents, relatives and friends.

"Our class has been unique," Miss Andrews said; "Our junior year we proved our initiative by Dr. Reaves is a professor of preaching and urban ministry and was a minister 15 years in Chicago, before coming to Andrews. The students voted "most likely to Reaves told the graduates are usually the ones that are most prepared to work for their dreams. Short cuts in preparation lead to appearances, not accomplishments. Reaves added that "contrary to what you may have heard, life is not a bowl of cherries:" He-advised the seniors to be res-; ponsible and to face the risks involved in life.

'1 find it fascinating thaj-Babe Ruth, who set a record for home runs, also set a record for strikeouts," Reaves noted. "If they'll take this community with them." tSandra Montgomery, class president, gave a welcome address and announced the graduates as they marched forward to receive their diplomas from Ray M. Dumke, president of the school board. Supt. of Schools Burton R.

Aldrich introduced the board of" education. The invocation and benediction was spoken by the Rev. Arlon K. Stubbe. The high school band, with Robert Brown as director and Dana Everson conductor, played the processional.

Memories Shared At Commencement saying, "The hope of the future depen'ds on the children of today, and looking at our graduating class, the class of 1977, the future looks pretty good." Miss Kitron said that on graduation, class members must now assume increased responsibility. "We need no longer feel forced to do something- we have to follow our own way of raising enough money for Easter Seals to beat the seniors. We are a proud class and we work well together. "Our senior year, we experienced, something called freshmen. It was hard on us to accept the crowded halls, but we managed.

The new attendance policy was also fun. Believe we all took advantage of our 13 days." Miss Andrews concluded by By LARRY MacINTYBE Staff Writer The St. Joseph high school class that misspelled the word "sophomore" on its homecoming float two years ago shared that and many other memories last night at its final get-together graduation. The spelling error was revealed by Elizabeth Andrews, one of three graduating seniors chosen to speak in the school's -y iMim 7241 MTi if 1 It i I tm 4 1 --rr If Jf v. 1 I 1 1 if ir-) it 1 fui life," she said.

She said many class members probably can't believe they are finally graduating. "Many times throughout the years we have struggled through spring and summer Severs, vacation happiness, and finally the affliction of but it seems we have finally reached our goal," Miss Kitron said. "Sure, the burden was heavy and some- -times the education didn't seem worth it, but when you and your parents look at your diploma tonight, relief will flood your souls. You are looking at the future." Miss Naines, who gave a talk titled, "We Have A Dream," said, "Sometimes dreams can't be fulfilled completely, but this is usually for the best, for we grow wise and more mature with failure." She said she believes everyone in the class has the same be able to be themselves at all times, not to put on a show, but to be able to say this is me and I'm happy. "Up until this time perhaps some of the people in our class have temporarily put aside this dream and have chosen to sacrifice their feelings and self-identity in ordep to belong.

But 1 think as a whole our class will throw off that facade as we all turn toward our own road and go our separate ways." Miss Naines concluded, "As Martin Luther King said, "I have a Well, each one us in the class of 1977 has one too." Principal Richard' Higgs' pointed out that about three-fourths of the class will be going L.MMVs' 1 hmm -1 FAMILY AFFAIR: St. Joseph school board president Ray Dumke had added pleasure yesterday of presenting high school diploma to his daughter Aline' during school lirath commencement. (Matt pnoiosj Ex-BH Resident Earns Degree LINCOLN, Neb. Harriet Ann Willmeng, formerly of Benton Harbor, graduated this week from Nebraska Wesleyan University here with a bachelor degree in sociology and anthropology. The daughter of Mr." and Mrs', Wayne Willmeng of Lincoln, she plans to continue her studies at the University of Missouri.

Her grandmother, Mrs. Mabel WiBmeng, resides in Benton Harbor. on to college in the fall and the rest will be going to work or entering military service. "This has been an outstanding class," Higgs said. "We know that wherever they go, Rescheduled The monthly meeting of the Twin Cities airport board was cancelled yesterday because several members were out of town, according to Lee Schiek, manager of Ross field.

The meeting has been rescheduled for Thursday, June 16, at 3:30 p.m. ll: 1 1 GRADUATE ON BIRTHDAY: High school diplomas came as an extra birthday present for these graduating seniors at St. Joseph high school- commencement yesterday. Steve McNeil, left, turned 19. It was an even greater coincidence for Jon right, 18.

His sister, Julie, graduated on her 18th birthday last year at St. Joseph high school. TWINS GRADUATE: Twins Marc and Melissa Karnik were partners in processional walk at St. Joseph high school graduation last night. They were among 360 graduating seniors..