Graduation day - Augusta Christian
As Augusta Christian graduates crossed the stage to accept their diplomas, a message that each had previously recorded played. Most were thankful. Some were comical. All were hopeful.
Augusta Christian School held a commencement ceremony for the 56 members of the class of 2003 at West Acres Baptist Church in Evans on Saturday.
"I in no way want to cast a shadow on this celebration, but, rather, I desire to challenge each one of us to think about what really matters," said Augusta Christian Salutatorian Kathryn Ellis in a speech to her fellow graduates.
"When I think about standing before the throne of God, I don't imagine Him asking us what our GPA was, how well we excelled in sports, or what college we chose to attend? The only question he will ask us is 'What did you do with my Son?"'
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The mostly reverent ceremony spoke often of religion and how God will continue to work in the lives of the graduates.
Augusta Christian Schools students listen to various speakers as they wait to receive their diplomas during commencement exercises for Augusta Christian at West Acres Baptist Church Saturday afternoon.
Photo by Michael Holahan
"We have a very praiseworthy group of graduates here today," said Headmaster Joel Woodcock after the ceremony.
Most of the graduates plan to continue on to college, but some are not so sure, and didn't seem to mind not having all the answers.
"I don't know what I'm going to do yet," said graduate Nathan Tingen. "I just know I'm ready to head out into the real world."
In his valedictory address, Marcus Smith reassured his classmates that their future will be prosperous with God leading the way.
"Class of 2003, knowing your future is key to success in life, and putting your future in the Lord's hands will help you to reach those goals and to stay in God's will," he said.
"In conclusion, it is important that we learn from the past so that we will not repeat mistakes in the present or future. At the same time, we need to be assured of our future and our eternal destination so that when we leave this earth, the first thing we will hear are those beautiful words: 'Well done thy good and faithful servant."'