Congratulations, Graduates

Congratulations to seven members of the B7 Ward family who have recently graduated from three St. George high schools and two universities.  These bright and talented young graduates will now move on to the next phase of their lives, whether it’s more education, missions or employment – or a combination of all three.  Best of luck to each of the following:

Tiana Schall, 8th of Jason and Lori Schall's 8 children, is now a 2016 graduate of Dixie High School with a bright future ahead of her.  She has also been a cosmetology student at Hairitage Hair Academy since July 2015 and hopes to graduate this summer in time to serve a Nauvoo Service Mission before her missionary comes home next year.  Tiana calls "homework" the one thing she will not miss about high school ... while the best experience was her time spent as a member of the state champion Jetettes Drill Team including the thrill of being part of Dixie High School’s “first ever” win over dozens of 3A drill teams around the Beehive State.

Hauser Jones, son of Corwin and Diana Smith and a 2016 graduate of Dixie High School, made a decision about his future when he submitted his mission papers with hopes to serve the Lord and His children somewhere in the world where he can learn a second language.  He won't leave until September so will be at the St. George Airport to see his brother Stetson come home in July, but he will get his hoped-for opportunity to learn a second language while serving for 2-years in the Guatemala Guatemala City Mission.  In addition to academics, in high school Haus enjoyed the sports of wrestling, baseball and playing on the state champion Flyers football team in 2015.  Looking back on his high school years, Haus states the only negative he can think of is “classes which did not have any benefit.”  Until he enters the MTC, Haus will continue working at Stephen Wade dealerships where he details cars.

Luke Gwilliam, 2nd son of Steve Gwilliam, graduated this week from Dixie High School with his plans for the future to include working with a friend as a landscaper until the end of the year, then enlisting in either the Navy or the Marine Corps.  What made him decide to serve his country?  Terrorism in the world, particularly the Paris attacks, which he states, "made me want to do something.  Military service will also help pay my way through college."

Thinking back on his time in high school, Luke counts "being a lifter for my overall health ... in the greatest sport on earth" while the "drama" of high school is something he hopes to forget.  The 6'4" graduate was among 316 so honored in DHS's 105th commencement ceremonies.  Congratulations, Luke!


Cole Wilkes, son of Robert and Chardell Wilkes, has big dreams of writing and producing movies and TV … after his mission and studies at LDS Business College, of course.  The recent graduate of Desert Hills High School states what he enjoyed most about high school was making and interacting with friends, excellent teachers and serving as the video editor for the school’s yearbook.

Simeon Lovell, Guyanese son of Ed and Linda Sappington and recently returned from 2 years of full-time service in the Georgia Atlanta Mission, plans to study Information Technology at Dixie State University beginning in the fall of 2016.  A recent graduate of Southwest High School, here in St. George, he earned 20 A's and 2 B's in his studies - and because he was the first student at SWHS to ever finish 13 credits in less than 90 days, Simeon was asked to be the commencement speaker from among 181 student graduates.  Onward and upward, Elder Lovell!

Bryan Owen, son of Brad and Betty Owen, recently graduated with honors from Dixie State University receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Communications with an Organization and Leadership Emphasis.  With his degree in hand, he plans to throw his resume in the air and see where it lands because a career in the broad-based field of communications can take many directions, including public relations, human resources, or business administration.  Bryan noted the best part of his university experience was the fun and friendships and the chance to learn and accomplish hard things every day.  Homeschooled all his life, Bryan says much of the credit for his success goes to his mother and teacher who gave him a solid educational foundation on which to build. 

Elizabeth Bown, second daughter of Southgate Stake President James and Sister Paula Bown, graduated in mid-April from BYU with a Bachelors degree in Human Development and plans to continue her studies toward a Masters in Public Administration.  However, her most important immediate plans have been focused on her marriage (Friday, May 13) in the St. George Temple to her “prince charming” Benjamin Tingey.  Following their wedding and reception in St. George, the new Mr. and Mrs. will make their home in Provo where he has 2 more years of study in the field of statistics and will then work toward a degree in Criminal Law.

Congratulations to these fine young B7 Ward members for reaching these important milestones and much success in your future endeavors.