Michigan Lieutenant Governor Dick Posthumus will address the first graduating class of Gateway Middle/High School during commencement ceremonies on Monday, May 21, at the Eberhard Center, 301 W. Fulton St. in Grand Rapids.
Gateway Middle/High School is one of 28 charter schools authorized by Grand Valley State University. The school, at 311 State St. SE, opened in 1997 for seventh-ninth grades and has since added a grade level each year, meaning students who were freshmen in '97 will graduate.
Meg Hackett Carrier, Gateway's superintendent and general counsel, said 21 students are scheduled to graduate. Adrienne Brown and Carissa Haan are the valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively. A reception is planned for 6 p.m., with graduation to follow at 7 p.m. Music will be provided by the Suite Flutes.
Gateway Middle/High School is close to museums, colleges, businesses, and community organizations, allowing students to follow an academic curriculum that combines classroom-based instruction with field trips, internships, and community service.
Posthumus won election as state senator in 1982, representing much of Kent County. He was named Gov. John Engler's running-mate in 1998.
