Posted by Terry White on June 6, 2009 | No Comments
From the Ventura (CA) Star. Brethren High School’s sponsoring church is the Grace Brethren Church of Simi Valley, John McIntosh, pastor.
Most grads to attend college
By Michele Willer-Allred
Friday, June 5, 2009
Like most high school seniors graduating this year, Megan Woodard said she is looking forward to life after high school.
But Woodard, 18, said she has a goal that goes beyond her plan to study nursing this fall at San Diego State University.
Woodard said by attending classes that included Bible study at Grace Brethren High School, she is not only prepared for college but also ready to “be a light, by witnessing and showing love for Christ.”
Woodard, an academic standout at the Simi Valley school, echoed the same goal beyond academics made by many of her fellow classmates who graduated Friday night from the Christian school.
About 900 family members and friends filled Grace Brethren Church to see the 68 seniors from the high school receive their diplomas.
Before the ceremony, the seniors gathered for one last portrait together, and photos chronicling the lives of each student since childhood were on display as guests arrived.
Senior Nate Rushing gave a Scripture reading, while fellow student Kelli Sinclair sang during the ceremony.
Principal John Hynes recognized the seniors’ academic achievements. Many of them received academic scholarships, and about 98 percent will be attending 64 colleges throughout the country.
During the ceremony, salutatorian Rhianna Topp said many of the students graduating Friday started “with an apathy toward Jesus Christ,” but they are leaving the school with “an understanding and love for him.”
Valedictorian Stephanie Leonard told her classmates that they shouldn’t measure their lives by society’s standards or how much money they make but instead by what is inside their hearts.
However, Leonard reminded her classmates that life shouldn’t only be about themselves.
“Christ has called each of us to serve instead of being served. In the next four years of college, let’s be the light in the world,” Leonard said.
The commencement address was given by John Boal, chief advancement officer of Grace Brethren College and Seminary.
Boal spoke to the parents of the seniors and said the next four years will be a challenge.
Boal said the students will be faced with “secular teachers who want to destroy their faith” and that their children’s involvement with people who also have the same religious convictions is critical.
Boal also recognized Paul Long, a teacher at Grace Brethren Junior High and High School for 18 years who died last year in the Metrolink crash in Chatsworth.
Boal said that Long made a difference in the world before he died and urged the seniors to do the same.
“Life is short. We will all die. But until then, make sure what you do brings glory to God,” Boal said.
Longtime Grace Brethren pastor Donald Bowlin has gone to be with the Lord from Hemet, California.
Timing is July 4th from 6p.-dusk (about 9:30p.).
