EMHS Grads ’26 Bound to Love

The Eastern Mennonite High School community gathered with anticipation for its 108th Commencement Ceremony, held on Saturday, May 30, at Lehman Auditorium within Eastern Mennonite University. The highlight of the event was an inspiring address delivered by Ms. Anne Hershberger, a distinguished mission field worker whose words left a profound impact on the graduating class of 2023. Well, that, along with the standing back tuck that Cooper Landis executed on stage just prior to receiving his diploma.

Class gift of double base presented by Willem Kishbaugh to David Berry III, Board Rep.

Ms. Hershberger’s career, spanning several decades, has been marked by her unwavering commitment to wisdom and guidance. Her speech was not only thought-provoking but also deeply motivating, urging graduates to face future challenges with both courage and optimism.

In her address, inspired by the class verse,

Corinthians 16:14 says, “Let all that you do be done in love.”

Ms. Hershberger emphasized the importance of love and connection. “While society around us tells us who is better than the other, who is the neighbor, who is the stranger, we resist and we defy this by choosing to bind our hearts to the others,” she declared. Her words echoed the sentiments of many in the audience, as she acknowledged the students’ efforts to reach out to those often overlooked. “Even you will need to choose again and again to bind yourself to love,” she advised.

Ms. Hershberger reminded the graduates of their inherent worth and the significance of their contributions to the world.

“Each of you matter. The problems and the joys of the world matter because you and all are loved by God,” she affirmed. She encouraged the graduates to celebrate their accomplishments with joy, stating, “When you walk out of here with the beat of my soul cries out in your body, your diploma in your hand, fling your cap in the air, or whatever else you want to do to celebrate. Hug your friends and family and shout for joy.”

Her closing words were a call to action, urging the graduates to carry the spirit of love into the world. “Walk boldly and confidently away from this nest, the place of formation, bound by love. Now bound to love, running toward people and places where beauty and pain exist and where your love makes a difference. Assured that you are meant to love. Do everything in love.”

For those who wish to relive the inspiring words and atmosphere of this year’s commencement, the full address and ceremony can be viewed here.

Photos by Tiffany Showalter.