Education is about the journey and the destination. The annual commencement ceremony at Lancaster Mennonite School (LMS) celebrates both.

LMS' mission is to send forth students with the ability to change the world through Christ-like love and service. In so doing, the school fosters lifelong learning.

"We're proud of the Class of 2024, their accomplishments and who they are," said LMS high school principal Kirk Benner. "This class is very generous, very creative, very flexible and willing to serve others. They line up with the school's mission just by who they are. We know that God has great plans in store for their future."

LMS will conduct this year's commencement on Saturday, June 1, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the school's Calvin & Janet High Fine Arts Center, 2176 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster. The event is free to attend, and no tickets or preregistration are required.

The commencement exercises can be viewed as they unfold via livestream at http://www.vimeo.com/event/4239092.

LMS' graduation will be preceded by a senior class dedication service at High Fine Arts Center on Friday, May 31, at 7 p.m. On that Friday evening, student speakers Nathan Bowman, Ilse Ness and Claire Thomas will address the gathering.

"We'll all be together under one roof to celebrate the Class of 2024," said Benner of the graduation ceremony. "It'll be a celebration of all their accomplishments in the presence of family and friends. It's a joyful time, but all the intent is to honor God."

The 60 members of LMS' Class of 2024 are expected to arrive at the Calvin & Janet High Fine Arts Center around 9:30 a.m. on June 1. Thirty minutes later, they will process in front of parents, siblings, schoolmates, teachers, administrators, school board members and alumni to their seats on stage.

After the commencement address, "A Letter to Yourself," is delivered by Freeman Chakara, clinical neuropsychologist and founder of Providence Behavioral Health, Benner will individually present diplomas to each member of the Class of 2024. Following a closing hymn and a parent-led prayer, the newly graduated students will process out, form a circle and throw their caps into the air.

"The band and orchestra will be there playing when our kiddos walk in and walk out," said Benner. "There's a lot of singing and worship and music mixed into all of it."

Following graduation, members of LMS' Class of 2024 will go on to college, trade schools or the military or directly into the workforce.

"I imagine it's a mix of emotions, from excitement and nerves to an awareness of what's ahead," said Benner of the students' graduation mindsets. "I hope there's a sense of gratitude and sharing joy with others. They should feel proud of what they've done. There's excitement in the air, and they can see the support. It takes a village to support these young people, and to see the village come together to celebrate is very meaningful."

The Class of 2024 is the 82nd group of students that LMS will send out into the world.

"There are a lot of significant events throughout the school year," said Benner. "For the senior class, this has the potential to be most impactful. During their time at Lancaster Mennonite, I hope they felt loved and cared for. I hope they can share that love and care with others in whatever they do. I hope they take that with them and keep investing in relationships from here on out."