26 JUNE 2024 Good News • South Florida Edition Celebrates Graduates 2024 Congratulations to the Class of 2024! Having started their high school careers “masked up” due to COVID-19, they have persevered through unprecedented times, are excited about their futures and unafraid of change. “We're so thankful that we can celebrate the end to a crazy high school season with them!” said Brian Alphenaar, Calvary Christian Academy high school principal. Each graduate should be proud of his or her accomplishments. This is the Eighth Annual GOOD NEWS Cover Feature where we spotlight those who have risen to the top of their class in the pages that follow and feature a few words of advice below, and it is our honor. A unique class When it comes to the Class of 2024, perhaps adversity held them together. Stephen Smith, Boca Raton Christian School assistant head of school and high school principal, said “I think this class bonded more than any class I have seen. Many of them prayed for one another to come to Christ and that seemed to be a difference maker.” Some are using their God-given talents to excel at the next level. According to Ronald Farrar, assistant headmaster and upper school principal at Westminster Academy, “This class has the largest group of seniors moving on to play sports at the next level during my service.” Chris Mitchell, upper school principal at Calvary Christian Academy Hollywood, noted, “This class is distinguished by its strong commitment to serving and helping others.” He was particularly proud of their service as student leaders during a recent middle school retreat. And Christy Chipman, head of upper school at Sheridan Hills Christian School, said she was “most proud of their students’ missions service in Charleston, S.C.” She believes one of the greatest challenges this class will face is “being salt and light in a dark world.” Mitchell agrees, “the pressure from society to conform to normalized behaviors that do not align with Christ” will be a primary challenge. Alphenaar also expressed concern about the culture’s frenzied pace. He stressed “the importance of cultivating the time and opportunity to slow down and find peace and quiet in such an increasingly fast-paced world.” Advice from the valedictorians We asked several valedictorians how they have excelled in the midst of these challenges and what their advice is for those entering high school. Christina MacClugage, valedictorian at Westminster Academy, said, “The biggest challenge I faced was time management. I had many things going on and did not have much time to complete everything.” Her advice, “Always put forth your best work in order to glorify God.” She plans to attend the University of South Florida Judy Genshaft Honors College to major in Cellular and Molecular Biology. Sarah Cepeda, valedictorian at Sheridan Hills Christian School, said she was “inspired by my immigrant grandparents who worked extremely hard to give me better opportunities. It encouraged me to take advantage of their sacrifices and do the best I could.” Her advice is “to always get your work done and get it done well and to focus on your goals and strive to reach them.” She plans to attend the University of Florida and major in Aerospace Engineering. Zachary Caja, valedictorian at Highlands Christian School, said the biggest challenge he faced during high school was a broken shin at the end of his sophomore track season that kept him from regionals. However, a highlight he will also remember was “scoring 3 goals against our rival school in districts to beat them 3-2.” His advice is, “Do your homework! It’s a big part of your grade and helps you study.” He plans to attend Stetson University to pursue a degree in accounting. Juline Delzince, valedictorian at Calvary Christian Academy Hollywood, said their biggest challenge was navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. “The abrupt switch to remote learning was difficult for everyone. Staying motivated without the usual face-to-face interactions and managing the stress of the pandemic were significant hurdles. However, it also taught us resilience, adaptability, and the importance of supporting one another.” Her advice is to “stay true to yourself, be open to new experiences and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.” She plans to attend Clark Atlanta University to pursue a degree in biology on a pre-med track. Jeffrey Campion, valedictorian at Calvary Christian Academy Fort Lauderdale, also pointed to the pandemic as a challenge. However, he said, “My dad’s work ethic inspired me to work as hard as he has his whole life and make him proud of my accomplishments.” His advice is to “spend your time on God, and he’ll handle the rest.” Campion plans to attend Palm Beach Atlantic University to study apologetics and “follow God’s steps for my life.” Blaine deWeber, co-valedictorian at Boca Raton Christian School, said, “The biggest challenge I faced was balancing my workload in demanding classes with other activities I participated in.” His advice is to take freshman year seriously.” He plans to study music composition at Wheaton College. Ariel Linton, co-valedictorian at Boca Raton Christian School, said, “The friends I met during high school and the memories we made were something I’ll always cherish.” Her advice to others is “to learn how to manage your time well.” Linton plans to attend the University of Florida, majoring in biology on a pre-dental track. For all of the graduates, Chipman shared her hope is “that they will all go out as godly men and women and raise the next generation to know the Lord.” (L to R) Raegan Crawford, Salutatorian, Highlands Christian Academy; Lilian Clemens, Salutatorian, Westminster Academy; Rylee Zell, Valedictorian, Sheridan Hills Christian School; Sofia Fernandez, Salutatorian, Calvary Christian Academy Fort Lauderdale; Kassandra Desiree Bueno, Salutatorian, Boca Raton Christian School; and Skye Paul, Salutatorian, Calvary Christian Academy Hollywood. (L-R): Zachary Cayden Caja, Valedictorian, Highlands Christian Academy; Christina MacClugage, Valedictorian, Westminster Academy; Blaine Jordan deWeber, Valedictorian, Boca Raton Christian School; Sarah Cepeda, Valedictorian, Sheridan Hills Christian School; Ariel Linton, Valedictorian, Boca Raton Christian School; Juline Delzince, Valedictorian, Calvary Christian Academy Hollywood; Jeffrey Campion, Valedictorian, Calvary Christian Academy Fort Lauderdale Class of 2024 Graduates with Expectancy for a Bright Future Shelly Pond Good News Editor JustusMartinPhotography JustusMartinPhotography
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