Class leaders could go the way of faith

While the futures of Gresham Community School’s Class of 2015 leaders remain uncertain, both plan to serve others in some capacity following Friday’s commencement ceremony.

Valedictorian Christian Haffner and salutatorian Tyli Lau, both Mormons, will do mission work on behalf of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Haffner might decide to attend Marquette University first.

“I will either serve a mission for my church or go to Marquette as a preferred walk-on in basketball,” Haffner said. “I have been talking to (Marquette) over the past month.”

Haffner was honored as the Central Wisconsin Conference-10 Player of the Year this past season and was selected to participate in a 3-point shootout in Madison during the state basketball tournament.

He said he will make a decision within a month.

Haffner is as proud, if not moreso, of his work in the classroom and community as his efforts in athletics.

“All my years put together, I put together a 3.98 GPA, and it is pretty good,” he said.

Haffner was a member of the student council, Quiz Bowl team and math club.

He said his parents, Kim and Newell Haffner (a teacher and assistant principal at the school), helped him succeed.

“I was expected to do a lot more, but it was nice having him as a teacher,” said Haffner, the oldest of five children.

Haffner said he will miss the tightknit community of Gresham, his 18 classmates and the roar of the crowd.

“In the basketball games, we had the crowd going,” he said. “And I will miss my friends and all of the good times we had.”

Christian Haffner noted the salutatorian was well-liked by a wide range of people and made an impact in the community, helping in after school activities, including the Homework Club.

While Lau has made a decision to pursue mission work, she has not received the call, yet. Like Haffner, she was involved in various school organizations and community projects.

Haffer said Lau, who could not be reached for this story, is well-liked and made an impact on many people.

“She has always been smart and a hard worker,” he said. “She helps out the kids a lot in the Homework Club, and they like her.”