24 JUNE 2023 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition CELEBRATES GRADUATES 2023 Hats off to the Class of 2023! With a heart for service and the Word of God, these graduates may be a beacon of hope to a culture that is seeking truth in all the wrong places. Brian Alphenaar, high school principal at Calvary Christian Academy, said “CCA's graduating class of '23 is truly an outstanding one! As a group, they have started more Bible Studies - both on and off campus - than any class that we can recall. Their appetites for God's word are not only admirable but also infectious, and we're thankful for the example and legacy that they are leaving behind.” While this class was not their largest, Stephen Smith, assistant head of school and high school principal at Boca Raton Christian School, said they “managed to have three individuals earn over 1000 hours of community service for high school each,” a feat that has only been accomplished by a handful of students before them. Armed for battle Focused on Psalm 140:7, Boca Christian’s theme for the year was “Battle Ready: Armed with Truth.” And Smith said, “I gave each of them a book called Chase the Lion - If Your Dream Doesn’t Scare You, It’s Too Small, by Mark Batterson because the way this culture is moving, they are going to have to chase some lions.” Alphenaar agrees the biggest challenge they’re going to face in this culture is “to discern truth in the midst of all of the lies that are being woven into the fabric of our culture. We pray that the Spirit of Truth will rule and reign in their hearts and minds in order to help them change communities and cultures for Christ.” Bill Canning, high school principal at Highlands Christian Academy also sees the biggest challenge they face as “standing firm on the truths of the Scripture, not allowing the culture to change them, but rather being the ones to change the culture.” In order to accomplish this, Chris Mitchell, upper school principal at Calvary Christian Academy Hollywood, said, “Their biggest challenge will be finding a community of like-minded individuals in a world that is growing increasingly hostile to Christianity.” However, he added, “This class is incredibly resilient. They have faced many challenges over the past year and have shown remarkable perseverance. I am most proud of them for their ability to overcome obstacles and finish strong. Despite the difficulties they faced, they never gave up.” This class is “hardworking, dedicated, caring, fun, determined, and Christ honoring,” said Dr. Ronald Farrar, assistant headmaster and upper school principal at Westminster Academy. “They have worked hard and have come together as a class in unity and have made WA better by their actions and choices, which align with our school's mission.” Valedictorians offer advice As with many students, Miah Moore, Highlands Christians Academy’s Valedictorian, said “The biggest challenge I faced was balancing work, dual enrollment classes, extracurricular activities and church.” Elli Farrar, Westminster Academy’s Valedictorian, agreed. However, she said, “I found if you love what you are doing and make it all enjoyable for yourself, you can do more and balance more than you think.” Vivian Velasco, Boca Raton Christian School Valedictorian, said, “My biggest advice for those entering high school is to keep pushing forward and that God is good all the time.” Having to overcome a torn ACL in 8th and 9th grades, Velasco described getting through those injuries as the hardest time of her life. However, it later inspired her. “I had to remind myself that if I got through that, I can get through anything else that is going to be thrown at me. I knew I was strong; my injuries showed me that,” she said. “Maintaining strong time management skills and being actively involved in school programs and athletics will force you to stay on top of your work and keep you disciplined,” advises Natalie Hill, Sheridan Hills Christian School Valedictorian. Hill admits that as a class, they all struggled with the reality of “senioritis,” but her biggest challenge was overcoming a concussion injury in order to uphold her grades. However, Calvary Christian Academy’s Valedictorian, Daniel Cuesta and his family faced perhaps the most devastating challenge: the death of his father. “It has been a season of wrestling with grief and so many questions,” said Cuesta. “Some say grief never ends, and while I don’t know if that’s true, I can say that the Lord is faithful, and He walks with you.” God used his mother to inspire him daily through her words of wisdom, advice, discipline and kind smile. However, his advice for others is to “pray, ask for and get wisdom, stay focused, be intentional, remain present, seek counsel, be willing to pay the price and rest when needed (Sabbath). These principles are based on my life verse, Hebrews 12:11, that emphasizes “what you do now will be worth it later.” Ellie Farrar said her biggest inspiration during high school was watching her best friend handle a brain tumor. “She inspired me with her perseverance and continuous faith in God.” Ellie advises those entering high school to develop close relationships with their teachers in order to make their academic life easier to navigate. For Miah Moore, it was the godly example of her youth pastor, Matt Morden, that inspired her. “I look up to him so much,” she said. Her advice is to “put your faith in Christ, as He will be the one you can lean on when you’re going through the darkest times in your life.” As they step into their futures, Dr. Farrar hopes the class of 2023 “will continue to run the race set before them with excellence, finding ways to glorify God through their giftings.” Class of 2023 Graduates with a Heart for Service and The Word Shelly Pond Editor L to R: Bryan Santos, Salutatorian, Highlands Christian Academy; Kaelyn Mena, Salutatorian, Sheridan Hills Christian School; Natalie Hill, Valedictorian, Sheridan Hills Christian School; Damia Lewin, Salutatorian, Calvary Christian Academy Hollywood; Ellie Farrar, Valedictorian, Westminster Academy; Miah Moore, Valedictorian, Highlands Christian Academy; Thomas Poulos, Salutatorian, Calvary Christian Academy; Albert Adams, Co-Salutatorian, Boca Raton Christian School; Logan Kaiser, Co-Salutatorian, Boca Raton Christian School; Layton McCartney, Salutatorian, Westminster Academy; Not pictured: Vivian Velasco, Valedictorian, Boca Raton Christian School; Daniel Cuesta, Valedictorian, Calvary Christian Academy; and Reginald Heywood, Valedictorian, Calvary Christian Academy Hollywood. Photo Credit: Robert Wendel www.robertwendel.com Westminster Academy Devoted To Christ Dedicated To Excellence
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