Commencement ceremonies were held on June 3, in the Nehemiah Center Gymnasium at Whitinsville Christian School. Family, friends, and faculty gathered to celebrate the 48 members of the Class of 2022.
Class advisers, Shelly Cullen and Matt Genese, offered fond memories and funny moments as each student crossed the stage to receive a diploma. Kris VandenAkker, retiring PE/Health teacher, coach, Bible study leader, and so much more, offered the opening prayer and Rebecca (Becky) Dowling and Daniel Bourguignon shared words of encouragement and congratulations to their fellow graduates as valedictorian and salutatorian. Dick VandenBurg, retired WCS faculty member, gave the commencement address. Always the history teacher, “Burg” spoke to the graduates about the adventures of Lewis and Clark. He related their journey to the road ahead for the Class of 2022.
Our newest alumni do not know what is ahead, but they have prepared for the mission. There will be people that God brings into their lives as guides. He reminded the students that they are on the most important kind of mission – a mission for the Lord. The tools they will carry along the way are not maps or compasses, but love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are the tools for the mission of a servant, and the Lord will be with them every step of the journey.
Photo: Melissa Hadley