26 JUNE 2025 Good News • South Florida Edition Celebrates Graduates 2025 As we celebrate the accomplishments of this year’s graduating seniors across South Florida’s Christian high schools, we honor not only their hard work but also their unwavering faith and commitment to living out their values. In this 9th Annual Good News Graduation Section, we recognize all the valedictorians and salutatorians on the following pages whose stories and aspirations inspire us. Here, the valedictorians share what they believe is most needed in the world today—and how they hope to be part of the solution.” Ronald Farrar, assistant headmaster and upper school principal at Westminster Academy, captured the distinctiveness of this group: “Our students are thinkers, creators, peacemakers, and truth-bearers and have learned how to apply biblical wisdom in their everyday lives. They are leaders, and they are servants. They inspire our community, and what an amazing testimony about the next generation of Christian leaders. Among them is Tzehan Ashley Hsu, valedictorian of Highlands Christian Academy, who will attend the United States Military Academy - West Point to study Foreign Affairs. “I think unity is needed in today’s world, and I hope that God can use me at and after West Point to unify international relationships,” she said. Her advice to incoming freshmen: “Don’t be afraid of failure. Just get up and keep going. God can use both to accomplish His purpose in your life.” Highlands Principal Bill Canning praised the Class of 2025 for their resilience and strong sense of purpose. “Highlands’ Class of 2025 stands out for their resilience and strong sense of purpose, shaped by a world of rapid change, global conflict, and cultural shifts,” he said. Voices of vision and compassion Vidhi Verma, valedictorian of Sheridan Hills Christian School and future business major at the University of Florida, sees humility as the foundation for compassion. “More people need to have a clear understanding of the fact that we are not always right,” Verma said. To freshmen, she offered, “Don’t worry about the future too much. Focus on what you can control and treat the present as a blessing.” Samantha Omslaer, valedictorian of Westminster Academy, will attend the University of Florida after a summer in Portugal. She believes self-reflection is essential. “People do not always reflect on how their actions affect others,” she said. “I want to be part of the solution by reflecting and urging others to do so as well.” Her advice? “Do everything you can to be involved in school as much as possible.” Ashton Tully, valedictorian of Calvary Christian Academy Fort Lauderdale, plans to launch a redemptive business after studying business and finance at the University of Florida. “I believe what the world needs is unity… People need to fight for what they believe but pick their battles, knowing that only the gospel matters enough to truly fight for,” he said. His advice: “You don’t have as much time as you think you do. Develop and keep relationships, and don’t sweat the small stuff.” Sebastian Diaz, valedictorian of St. Thomas Aquinas High School, will study Electrical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University and pursue research that bridges circuits and biology. “The world needs more people focused on doing good for the sake of good,” he said. His advice for freshmen: “Explore philosophy and faith, and try to develop a foundation of purpose and ethics you believe in.” Sha’Niel Murray, valedictorian of Calvary Christian Academy Hollywood, will study architecture at the University of South Florida. She hopes to lead with empathy. “We’re all valuable human beings and deserve to be treated as such,” she said. Her advice to freshmen: “Enjoy every moment and take every opportunity because you only get to experience high school once.” Julia Siegel, valedictorian of Boca Raton Christian School, will major in biochemistry at the University of Florida and later attend medical school. She sees kindness and action as essential. “I plan to contribute by studying biomedical equity and advancing affordable treatments,” she said. To freshmen, she advised, “Think of the big picture. These years are just one small chapter of a much larger book.” Principals share hope and encouragement Their principals shared that same conviction and hope. Brian Alphenaar, high school principal of Calvary Christian Academy Fort Lauderdale, praised them as “leaders in the good times and the bad” and advised, “Seek Christ first, and esteem others above yourself.” Canning of Highlands Christian Academy reminded graduates to “stay rooted in your faith, seeking God’s guidance daily.” Stephen Smith of Boca Raton Christian School shared his hope: “I am praying that the Lord will use this class of 2025 to bring revival to every home, church, and school,” and urged them to “Be Bold for Christ in Love.” Chris Mitchell, upper school principal of Calvary Christian Academy Hollywood, offered a final word “Deepen your relationship with Christ, join Christian communities after high school, and continue to love the Lord and His people.” Westminster Academy Devoted To Christ Dedicated To Excellence Standing (L to R): Madison Margaret Specyal, Co-Salutatorian, Boca Raton Christian School; Ashton Tully, Valedictorian, Calvary Christian Academy Fort Lauderdale; Reginald Andre, Salutatorian, Calvary Christian Academy Hollywood; Olivier Mathias, Salutatorian, Sheridan Hills Christian School; Vidhi Verma, Valedictorian, Sheridan Hills Christian School; Franco Uzdavines, Salutatorian, Calvary Christian Academy Fort Lauderdale; Julie Siegal, Valedictorian, Boca Raton Christian School; Joseph Robert Laughner, Co-Salutatorian, Boca Raton Christian School; Sha’Niel Murray, Valedictorian, Calvary Christian Academy Hollywood; Doreen Renelus, Salutatorian, Highlands Christian Academy; Tzehan Ashley Hsu, Valedictorian, Highlands Christian Academy; Kneeling in front: Sebastian Diaz, Valedictorian, St. Thomas Aquinas High School; Chase Carroll, Salutatorian, St. Thomas Aquinas High School; Thomas Stephen Breza III, Salutatorian, Westminster Academy; and Samantha Danielle Omslaer, Valedictorian, Westminster Academy. Graduates with Purpose: Voices of the Class of 2025 Shelly Pond Good News Editor Photo Credit: Justus Martin
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